R269

Etrick Banks.

I.

On Etrick Banks, in a Summer's Night, At Glowming, when the Sheep drave hame, I met my Lassy braw and tight, Came wading, barefoot, a’ her lane: My Heart grew light, I ran, I flang My Arms about her Lilly Neck, And kiss’d and clap’d her there fou lang; My Words they were na mony feck.

II.

I said, My Lassy, will ye go To the Highland Hills, the Earse to learn? 10 I’ll baith gi’e thee a Cow and Ew, When ye come to the Brigg of Earn. At Leith auld Meal comes in, ne’er fash, And Herrings at the Broomy Law; Chear up your Heart, my bonny Lass, There's Gear to win we never saw.

III.

All day when we have wrought enough, When Winter, Frosts and Snaw begin, Soon as the Sun gaes West the Loch, At Night when you sit down to spin, I’ll screw my Pipes and play a Spring: And thus the weary Night we’ll end, Till the tender Kid and Lamb-time bring Our pleasant Summer back again.

IV.

Syne when the Trees are in their Bloom, And Gowans glent o’er ilka Field, I’ll meet my Lass amang the Broom, And lead you to my Summer Shield. Then far frae a’ their scornfu’ Din, That make the kindly Hearts their Sport, We’ll laugh and kiss, and dance and sing, And gar the langest Day seem short.