He turnd him right and round about Upon the Irish shore, And gae his bridle reins a shake, With, Adieu for evermore, my dear, And adieu for evermore.1
Note 1. Under the impression that this stanza is ancient, Scott has made very free use of it, first in Rokeby (1813), and then in the Monastery (1816). In Rokeby he thus introduces the verse:
He turnd his charger as he spake, Upon the river shore, He gave his bridle reins a shake, Said, Adieu for evermore, my love, And adieu for evermore. [back]
Note 2. This ballad first appeared in Johnsons Museum, 1796. Sir Walter Scott was never tired of hearing it sung. [back]