Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago

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Four Maries / The Four Marys / Mary Mild / Mary Hamilton (Child No. 173) - Sung by Ethel Findlater and her daughter Elsie Johnston in Dounby, Orkney. Ethel Findlater learned this ballad from her mother fifty years before. Recorded by Alan J. Bruford on 1966.08.31.

Notes by Kevin W.:
The original story has disappeared by now, what remains is a lyrical lament. No mention is made of Queen Mary or the baby and no reason for Mary Hamilton's hanging is given.

The last two verses appear to be a fairly recent addition, the ballad found new popularity in this shortened form. The verses and melody as sung here quickly replaced the older ballad story by the 20th century.

Song transcription:

Chorus:
Last night there were four Marys,
This night there'll be but three;
There was Mary Beaton, and Mary Seaton,
And Mary Carmichael, and me.

Oh, little did my mither think,
When first she cradled me.
That I would dee sae far frae home,
Or hang on a gallows tree!

Chorus

They'll tie a napkin roun' my een,
An' they'll no let me see tae dee;
An' they'll ne'er let me on to my father an' mither,
But I'm away over the sea.

Chorus

I wish I could lie in our aine kirkyard,
Aneath the auld yew tree;
Where we pu'd the gowans and thread the rowans
My brother, my sister an' me.

Chorus

But little care I for a nameless grave
If I hope for eternity;
So I'll pray that the faith o' the de'ein' thief
May be granted through grace unto me.

Chorus