Philipha'

Phil Clayton /Arr. Scocha

A misty September morning in 1645 saw the unbeaten Marquis of Montrose camped in Selkirk town. His infantry was across the river on the Philiphaugh plain. General David Leslie launched a surprise two-pronged assault and routed Montrose 's troops, so ending Charles I's attempts to regain the throne.  

We echo the drama of that day with bass and beating drums in this 

Scocha composition.  

When Montrose heard his drums, it was all too late.

Philipha'

Now Leslie came frae Marston Moor, back tae his Border hame.

And wi' him o'er three thousand Scots, whae marched in Cromwell's name. Montrose and aa' his highlanders, some fifteen thousand men.

Triumphant o'er Scottish toons, had ne'er been made tae bend.

Now these twae armies, e'er sae close, were destined aye tae meet,

And vile Montrose who'd routed all, would now face sure defeat.

Since Leslie came by silent dawn, in mist wi steadfast will,

Did split his men, some onward gae, the rest roond Selkirk's Hill.

Chorus  

The day belonged (at Philipha')

Tae Leslie and his men sae braw  

Outflanked, the vile Montrose did faa' 

Ne'er any grieved his name.

Montrose had left his infantry, twelve hundred on the plain.

While he beside his cavalry, in Selkirk toon remained.

A fatal flaw indeed he'd made, the Ettrick split his men.  

And aa' because he felt sae sure, he'd nothing tae defend.

Chorus

So Leslie's men by riverside, did feign and make tae flee,  

Montrose was now sae confident. advanced his infantry.

Then Leslie came frae Selkirk side. made noise wi' cannons flare.

And soon did quell Montrose's pride. defeat was in the air.

The Highlanders frae Philipha'  

For many a mile they fled awa' 

At last the vile Montrose did faa'  

Ne'er any grieved his name.

Chorus