"Flowers of the Forest" was balad written by Jane Elliot, to commemorate the battle of Flodden where so many Scottish nobles including Robert Elliott of Redheugh died. Gilbert Elliot( 1693-1766), who attained the title of Lord Justice Clerk of Scotland was the father of Jane. Robert Elliot, the 13th Chief who died in the Battle of Flodden in 1513, along with King James IV. Much of Scottish nobility died in this battle along with them. Robert Elliot (Ellot or Elwold) was documented as being the 13th chief of the Clan, at this time; he was killed as were 3 of his sons....
"Flowers of the Forest"
I've heard them liltin', at the ewe milkin,' Lasses a-liltin' before dawn of day. Now there's a moanin', on ilka green loanin'. The flowers of the forest are a' wede away. As boughts in the mornin', nae blithe lads are scornin', Lasses are lonely and dowie and wae. Nae daffin', nae gabbin', but sighin' and sobbin', Ilk ane lifts her leglin, and hies her away. At e'en in the gloamin', nae swankies are roamin', 'Mang stacks wi' the lasses at bogle to play. But ilk maid sits drearie, lamentin' her dearie, The flowers of the forest are a' wede away. In har'st at the shearin' nae youths now are jeerin' Bandsters are runkled, and lyart, or grey. At fair or at preachin', nae wooin', nae fleecin', The flowers of the forest are a' wede away. Dool for the order sent our lads to the Border, the English for ance by guile wan the day. The flowers of the forest, that fought aye the foremost, The prime of our land lie cauld in the clay. We'll hae nae mair liltin', at the ewe milkin', Women and bairns are dowie and wae. Sighin' and moanin' on ilka green loanin', The flowers of the forest are all wede away.
