Auld Robin Grey

A charley stated that proceeding along the margin of cockle-bay, near the quarries, he heard the most unearthly sounds proceeding from the abyss beneath; having heard of such things as mermaids combing their hair, and singing stanzas to the moon, he thought perhaps it might arise from some such cause, and being of an enterprising and speculative turn, he dashed down the bank to the waters edge; all was still; he paused and reflected for a few seconds, a gentle shudder creeping over him at the thought that he was all alone, and should it be a lady inhabitant of the deep, she might take a fancy to his phiz, and carry him to the regions below. Scarcely had this idea obtruded upon him, than he heard a low melancholy voice singing “Auld Robin Grey.”

Looking around, what should he espy, but Lee seated upon a stone, his head resting upon the open palm of his left hand, his red vest blushing with becoming ardour. Finding that he was true flesh and blood, he advanced to him, and taking by the shoulder, shook him once. This had not the slightest effect ; Lee continued the strain, and the charley shook him twice – ’twas useless, at the third shake Lee leaped upon his feet, and throwing back his hair, which was long and dishevelled, he exclaimed with a fiery glance at the disturber, ‘”dar’st thou plunge with me into yon angry flood?”