For other versions of this work, see Tam Glen.
3265917Sprig of shilela, &c. — Tam GlenRobert Burns (1759-1796)

TAM GLEN.


MY heart is a breaking dear tittie,
Some counsel unto me come len';
To anger them a’ is a pity,
But what will I do wi’ Tam Glen?
I'm thinking wi’ sic a braw fallow,
In portith I might make a fen’,
What care I in riches to wallow,
If I mauna marry Tam Glen?
What care I, &c.

I There’s Lowrie the laird of Drummiller,
Guide day to you brute, he comes ben,
He brags and he blaws o’ his siller:
But when will he dance like Tam Glen?
My minnie does constantly deave me,
An’ bids me beware of young men;
They flatter, she says, to deceive me,
But wha can think sae of Tam Glen?
They flatter, &c.

My daddie says, gin I’ll forsake him,
He’ll gie me guide hundred marks ten:
But if its ordain’d I maun take him,
O wha will I get but Tam Glen.
Yesereern at the valentines dealin’
My heart to my mou’ gied a sten’,
'For thrice I drew, and without failin’,
And thrice it was written, Tam Glen.
For thrice, &c.

The last hallowe’en I was waukin,
My droukit sark sleeve as ye ken;
His likeness came up the house staukin’.
An’ the very grey breeks o’ Tam Glen.
Came counsel, dear tittv don’t tarry;
I’ll gi’e ye my bonny black hen,
Gin ye will advise me to marry
The lad I lo’e dearly, Tam Glen,
Gin ye will, &c.