Hazel Whyte
The Saltire Cross
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Scottish Songs and Celtic Ballads
The Saltire Cross

In the Spring, on a cold clear day
By the North Sea, at Athelstane ford,
A King of Scots did kneel and pray,
Circled by men, who'd die at his word.

For the Angles came to the land O Loth,
And Saxons there, had flocked as well,
Scorch our land, 'tween them both,
Send King Angus, to the fires 'O Hell,

There were Angles South, Saxons West
Outnumbered, were the Northern men,
Fate looked grim, at the very best,
Loyal clansmen, face death again,

Then Heavens' shade fell on that field,
Saltire sky, pure white on blue,
Warriors took heart, leaning on steel,
At Andrews' cross, an oath swore true.

Scots repelled the enemy advance,
Invaders' blood, turned the ford run red,
Highland steel, bade enemy to dance,
'Neath that cross, the Sassenach fled.

Those who fell on that fateful day
Freedom bought and dearly held
Paid life's price that we must say
Freedoms' not for rouges to sell

It was in the Spring, on a bright clear day
In the Borders, by Athelstane ford,
A King of Scots did again kneel and pray,
Surrounded by men, who'd seen fire and sword.