Teribus  Words:James Hogg. Trad. Arr. Johnstone
After the disastrous Scots defeat at Flodden Field
 in 1514, the youths and some old men of Hawick  
headed a division of the English off at Hornshole, 
North of the town, "Routed them and Took Their  
Colours!". The event is still celebrated annually 
at the local "Common - Riding" festival. The 
original flag is in Hawick town Museum. The song 
has been abbreviated from its original 24 verses. 

Chorus 
Teribus ye Teri Odin, 
Sons of Heroes Slain at Flodden, 
Imitating Border Bowmen, 
Aye Defend your Rights and Common. 

Scotia  felt thin  ire O' Odin, 
On the Bloody Field of Flodden. 
Where our Fathers fell with honour 
Round the King and Country's Banner. 

'Twas then Drumlanrig, generous donor, 
Gave (Immortal be his honour), 
What might soothe Hawick's dire disaster, 
Land for  tillage,  peats  and pasture 


After Flodden was decided, 
Surrey had his troops divided. 
Turned them loose to lawless plunder, 
Heaven, just why slept thy thunder. 

Hawick they left in ruins lying, 
Nought was heard but widows crying. 
Labour of all kinds neglected, 
Orphans wandering unprotected. 

All was sunk in deep dejection, 
None  to flee to for protection, 
When some youths who stayed from Flodden, 
Rallied up by Teri Odin. 

Armed with sword and bow and quiver 
Shouting "Vengance now or never!" 
Off they marched in martial order 
Down by Teviot's flowery Border. 

Down they threw their bows and arrows, 
Drew their swords like veteran heroes, 
Charged  their foes with native valour, 
Routed them and took their colours. 

Now with spoils and honours laden, 
Well  revenged for fateful Flodden. 
Home they marched this flag displaying - 
Teribus before them playing. 

Annual since our  flag's been carried, 
Round  the mair by men unmarried. 
Emblem grand of those who won it, 
Matrimonial hands would stain it. 

Peace be thy portion, Hawick forever, 
Thine arts, thy commerce flourish ever, 
Down to the latest age they send it: 
"Hawick was ever independent!" 

"Hawick was ever independent!" 
"Hawick was ever independent!" 
Down to the latest age they send it: 
"Hawick was ever independent!!!!" 

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