The Bonny Earl of Moray

The Bonnie Earl of Moray 

Painting of the body of the dead Earl  of Moray commissioned by his mother to show the wounds inflicted during his killing (1592). 
The ballad is believed to have been composed in early 17th century, the composer not known. It was a popular ballad based on the rivalry between James Stewart, 2nd Earl of Moray, and the Earl of Huntly, which resulted in Huntly killing Moray in 1592.  Both their families, the Stewarts of Doune (pronounced "doon") and the Gordons of Huntly, had a history of bloody feud against each other.  Francis James Child reveals some background to the murder explaining that Huntly was eager to prove that Moray was plotting with the Earl of Bothwell against King James VI. He received a commission from the king to bring Moray to trial, however in the attempt to arrest him Moray's house at Donibristle in Fife was set on fire, and Moray was slain on the grounds.  Walter Scott would relate the story that Huntly slashed him across the face with his sword, and as he lay dying Moray said "Ye hae spilt a better face than yer ain" ("You have spoiled a better face than your own"). 
Moray was mourned widely as he was seen as a heroic and very handsome Knight. It was also rumoured that Queen Anne was enamored by Moray and this was a source of jealousy for King James VI, although the allegation that Moray had a affair with Queen Anne has been discounted by historians. Allegations that James may have been complicet in the killing was a result of his failure to punish Huntly.
Murray's mother, Margaret Campbell, had a painting made of her son's dead body, as evidence of his multiple wounds, bearing the legend "God Revenge My Caus". Her intention was to show this publicly at the Cross in Edinburgh, but the King ignored her request.

The Bonny Earl of Moray (.unknown)

Ye Hielands, aye, ye Lowlands
Whaur hae ye been
You hae slain the Earl o Moray
Ye laid him on the green
He was a braw gallant
He played at the ball
The bonnie Earl o Moray
Wis the flouer amang thaim aw

And woe betide ye, Huntly
Whaurfore war ye tae
I bad ye bring him tae me
Forbad ye him tae slay
He was a braw gallant
He played at the ring
The bonnie Earl o Moray
Micht hae been the king

Lang may his lady
Look fae the Castle Doune
Ere she sees the Earl o Moray
Gang soondin throu the toun

Oh, ye Hielands, aye, ye Lowlands
Whaur hae ye been
You hae slain the Earl o Moray
Ye laid him on the green
He was a braw gallant
He played at the glove
The bonnie Earl o Moray
He was the Queen's true love

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