Buxom dame of Reading, or, The cuckold's cap (1)/The Neat Little Cottage

by Robert Burns (1759-1796)

THE NEAT LITTLE COTTAGE.

My Mam is no more, and my Dad’s in his grave,
Little orphans are sister and I, sadly poor:
Industry our wealth, and no dwelling we have,
But you neat little cottage that stands on the moor.

The lark’s early song docs to labour invite,
Contented, we just keep the wolf from the door;
And Phœbus retiring, trips home with delight,
To our neat little cottage that stands on the moor.

Our meals are but homely mirth sweetens the cheer,
Affection's our inmate, the guest we adore:
And heart-ease and health make a palace appear
Of our neat little cottage that stands on the moor.

G L A S G O W,
Printed by J. and M. Robertson, (No. 20.) Saltmarket,
1809.