Page:The poetical works of Robert Burns.djvu/270

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

212

THE SONGS OF BURNS.

THE BIRKS OF ABERFELDY.

ChorusBonie lassie, will ye go, will ye go, will ye go,Bonie lassie, will ye go to the Birks of Aberfeldy?

Now simmer blinks on flowery braes,And o'er the crystal streamlet plays,Come let us spend the lightsome daysIn the Birks of Aberfeldy.Bonie lassie, &c.

While o'er their heads the hazels hing,The little birdies blithly sing,Or lightly flit on wanton wingIn the Birks of Aberfeldy.Bonie lassie, &c.

The braes ascend like lofty wa's,The foaming stream deep roaring fa's,O'erhung wi' fragrant spreading shaws,The Birks of Aberfeldy.Bonie lassie, &c.

The hoary cliffs are crown'd wi' flowers,White o'er the linns the burnie pours,And rising, weets wi' misty showersThe Birks of Aberfeldy.Bonie lassie, &c.

Let Fortune's gifts at random flee,They ne'er shall draw a wish frae me,Supremely blest wi' love and thee,In the Birks of Aberfeldy.Bonie lassie, &c.

FULL WELL THOU KNOWS'T.

TUNE—'ROTHIEMURCHUS'S RANT.'

ChorusFairest maid on Devon banks,Crystal Devon, winding Devon,Wilt thou lay that frown aside,And smile as thou were wont to do?

Full well thou know'st I love thee dear,Couldst thou to malice lend an ear?O, did not love exclaim, "Forbear,Nor use a faithful lover so?"Fairest maid, &c.

Then come, thou fairest of the fair,Those wonted smiles, O, let me share;And by thy beauteous self I swear,No love but thine my heart shall know.Fairest maid, &c.

RAVING WINDS AROUND HER BLOWING.

TUNE―'M'GREGOR OF RUARA'S LAMENT.'

Raving winds around her blowing,Yellow leaves the woodlands strowing,By a river hoarsely roaring,Isabella stray'd deploring:"Farewell, hours that late did measureSunshine days of joy and pleasure;Hail, thou gloomy night of sorrow,Cheerless night that knows no morrow!

"O'er the past too fondly wandering,On the hopeless future pondering;Chilly grief my life-blood freezes,Fell despair my fancy seizes.Life, thou soul of every blessing,Load to misery most distressing,O, how gladly I'd resign thee,And to dark oblivion join thee!"