Clout the auld—the new are dear,
Janet, Janet;
Ae pair may gain ye hauf a year,
My jo Janet.
But, what if, dancin' on the green,
And skippin' like a maukin,
They should see my clouted sheen,
Of me they will be taukin'.
Dance aye laigh, and late at e'en,
Janet, Janet;
Syne a' their fauts will no be seen,
My jo Janet.
Kind sir, for your courtesie,
When ye gae to the cross, then,
For the love ye bear to me,
Buy me a pacin' horse, then,
Pace upon your spinnin' wheel,
Janet, Janet;
Pace upon your spinnin' wheel,
My jo Janet.
My spinnin' wheel is auld and stiff,
The rock o't winna stand, sir;
To keep the temper-pin in tiff
Employs richt aft my hand, sir.
Mak' the best o't that ye can,
Janet, Janet;
But like it never wale a man,
My jo Janet.
My spouse, Nancy.
[Written by Burns for Thomson's collection, to the tune of "My jo Janet."]
Husband, husband, cease your strife,
Nor longer idly rave, sir;
Though I am your wedded wife,
Yet I'm not your slave, sir.
One of two must still obey,
Nancie, Nancie;
Is it man or woman, say,
My spouse Nancie?
If 'tis still the lordly word,
Service and obedience;
I'll desert my sovereign lord,
And so good-bye allegiance!
Sad will I be so bereft,
Nancie, Nancie;
Yet I'll try to make a shift,
My spouse Nancie.
My poor heart then break it must,
My last hour I'm near it;
When you lay me in the dust,
Think — think how you will bear it.
I will hope and trust in Heaven,
Nancie, Nancie,
Strength to bear it will be given,
My spouse Nancie.
Well, sir, from the silent dead,
Still I'll try to daunt you,
Ever round your midnight bed
Horrid spirites shall haunt you.
I'll wed another like my dear
Nancie, Nancie;
Then all hell will fly for fear,
My spouse Nancie!
Loudon's bonnie woods.
[Written by Robert Tannhill, and set to music by R. A. Smith. Loudon castle, in Ayrshire, with its luxuriant woods, is the locality here celebrated, and the song was composed early in the present century, in 1805 or somewhat later, when the earl of Moira, afterwards marquis of Hastings, was commander-in-chief of the forces in Scotland, and universal preparations were making for active service abroad. His lordship was married in 1804 to Flora Muir Campbell, in her own right. Countess of Loudon—and the song is supposed to depict the parting of the soldier and his young bride. Nothing could exceed its popularity during many years of the war, and it is still a favourite. In 1816, while Governor-General of India, the earl of Moira was created marquis of Hastings: he returned to England in 1823 or 23, and visited Loudon castle, but died at Malta in 1824, of which place had been appointed governor. The late unfortunate Flora Hastings was I daughter of this nobleman.]
Loudon's bonnie woods and braes,
I maun leave them a', lassie;
Wha, can thole when Britain's faes
Would gi'e to Britons law, lassie?
