For other versions of this poem, see Blythe Was She.
Bruce's Address (c. 1804–1819)
Blithe Was She by Robert Burns
4351517Bruce's Address — Blithe Was Shec. 1804-1819Robert Burns
Blithe was she.

BLITHE blithe and merry was she,
Blithe was she butt and ben,
Blithe by the banks of Ern.
And blithe in Glenturet Glen.

By Oughterfyre grows the aik,
On Yarrow Banks the birken shaw;
But Phemie was a bonnier lass,
Ihan braes of Yarrow ever saw
   Blithe, &c

Her looks were like the flow'r in May.
Her smile was like a summer morn;
She tripped by the banks of Ern,
As light's a bird upon a thorn.
   Blithe, &c.

Her bonny face, it was as meek
As ony lamb upon a lee,
The e'ening sun was ne'er sae sweet,
As was the blink o' Phemie's ee.
   Blithe &c.

The Highland bills I've wander'd wide,
And o'er the Lowlands I hae been,
But Phemie was the blithest lass,
That ever tred the dewy green.
   Blithe, &c.