Traditional Scottish Songs
- The Bonnie Earl Of Moray

In 1592, during the reign of King James VI, the Earl of Huntly was given a commission by the king to hunt down the Earl of Moray (who was married to Elizabeth, the king's cousin). He tracked him down to a house in Donibristle in Fife but the Earl of Moray would not surrender. The house was set on fire and the Earl of Moray was killed. During the fracas, Huntly gashed his face. "You have spoiled a better face than your own," said the dying Earl of Moray. The Morays were the hereditary keepers of Doune castle in Perthshire.


The Bonnie Earl Of Moray

Ye Hielan's an' ye Lowlan's
O, where have ye been?
They hae slain the Earl of Moray
And lain him on the green.
He was a braw gallant
And he rode at the ring.
An' the bonnie Earl of Moray
O, he micht hae been the king!
O, lang may his lady
Look frae the castle Doune,
Ere she see the Earl of Moray
Come soundin' through the toun.

Now way be to thee, Huntly
And wherefore did ye sae?
I bade you bring him wi' you
But forbade you him to slay.
He was a braw gallant
And he play'd at the ball
An' the Bonnie Earl of Moray
Was a flower among them all.
Lang may his lady
Look from the Castle Doune,
Ere she see the Earl of Moray
Come soundin' through the toun.

Ye Hielan's and ye Lowlan's
O where hae ye been?
They have slain the Earl of Moray
An' laid him on the green.
He was a braw gallant
And he rode at the gluve
An' the Bonnie Earl of Moray
O, he was the Queens' true love.
Lang will his lady
Look frae the Castle Doune,
Ere she see the Earl of Moray
Come soundin' through the toun.

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