The Complete Works of Robert Burns Part 122

CXV.

THE BONNIE WEE THING.

Tune--"_Bonnie wee thing._"

["Composed," says the poet, "on my little idol, the charming, lovely Davies."]

I.

Bonnie wee thing, cannie wee thing, Lovely wee thing, wert thou mine, I wad wear thee in my bosom, Lest my jewel I should tine.

Wishfully I look and languish In that bonnie face o' thine; And my heart it stounds wi' anguish, Lest my wee thing be na mine.

II.

Wit, and grace, and love, and beauty In ae constellation s.h.i.+ne; To adore thee is my duty, G.o.ddess o' this soul o' mine!

Bonnie wee thing, cannie wee thing.

Lovely wee thing, wert thou mine, I wad wear thee in my bosom, Lest my jewel I should tine!

CXVI.

THE t.i.tHER MOON.

_To a Highland Air._

["The tune of this song," says Burns, "is originally from the Highlands. I have heard a Gaelic song to it, which was not by any means a lady's song." "It occurs," says Sir Harris Nicolas, "in the Museum, without the name of Burns." It was sent in the poet's own handwriting to Johnson, and is believed to be his composition.]

I.

The t.i.ther morn, When I forlorn, Aneath an oak sat moaning, I did na trow I'd see my Jo, Beside me, gain the gloaming.

But he sae trig, Lap o'er the rig.

And dawtingly did cheer me, When I, what reck, Did least expec', To see my lad so near me.

II.

His bonnet he, A thought ajee, c.o.c.k'd sprush when first he clasp'd me; And I, I wat, Wi' fainness grat, While in his grips be press'd me.

Deil tak' the war!

I late and air Hae wish'd since Jock departed; But now as glad I'm wi' my lad, As short syne broken-hearted.

III.

Fu' aft at e'en Wi' dancing keen, When a' were blythe and merry, I car'd na by, Sae sad was I In absence o' my dearie.

But praise be blest, My mind's at rest, I'm happy wi' my Johnny: At kirk and fair, I'se ay be there, And be as canty's ony.

CXVII.

AE FOND KISS.

Tune--"_Rory Dall's Port._"

[Believed to relate to the poet's parting with Clarinda. "These exquisitely affecting stanzas," says Scott, "contain the essence of a thousand love-tales." They are in the Museum.]

I.

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever; Ae fareweel, and then for ever!

Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.

Who shall say that fortune grieves him While the star of hope she leaves him?

Me, nae cheerfu' twinkle lights me; Dark despair around benights me.

II.

I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy, Naething could resist my Nancy; But to see her, was to love her; Love but her, and love for ever.-- Had we never lov'd sae kindly, Had we never lov'd sae blindly, Never met--or never parted, We had ne'er been broken hearted.

III.

Fare thee weel, thou first and fairest!

Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest!

Thine be ilka joy and treasure, Peace, enjoyment, love, and pleasure!

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever; Ae farewell, alas! for ever!

Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee!

CXVIII.

LOVELY DAVIES.

Tune--"_Miss Muir._"

[Written for the Museum, in honour of the witty, the handsome, the lovely, and unfortunate Miss Davies.]