Brewer's: Robin and Makyne

(2 syl.). An ancient Scottish pastoral. Robin is a shepherd for whom Makyne sighs. She goes to him and tells her love, but Robin turns a deaf ear, and the damsel goes home to weep. After a time the tables are turned, and Robin goes to Makyne to plead for her heart and hand; but the damsel replies-

The man that will not when he may Sall have nocht when he wald.

Percy: Reliques, etc., series ii.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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