The Tides Between

Epigraph

They’ll turn me in your arms, lady, Into an esk and an adder.

But hold me fast and fear me not, I’ll be your bairn’s father.

They’ll turn me into a bear sae grim, And then a lion bold

But hold me fast and fear me not, And ye shall love your child.

Again they’ll turn me in your arms, To a red hot gand of airn,

But hold me fast and fear me not, I’ll do you nae harm.

At last they’ll turn me in your arms, Into a burning gleed,

Then throw me into well water, O throw me in with speed.

And then I’ll be your ain true-love, I’ll turn a naked knight:

Then cover me wi your green mantle, And cover me out of sight.

‘Tamlane’—Robert Burns