The Lass o' Isla.
[Sir Alex. Boswell, Bart.]
"Ah, Mary, sweetest maid, farewell!
My hopes are flown, for a's to wreck;
Heav'n guard you, love, and heal your heart.
Though mine, alas, alas! maun break"—
"Dearest lad, what ills betide?
Is Willie to his love untrue?
Engag'd the morn to be his bride,
Ah! ha'e ye, ha'e ye ta'en the rue?"
"Ye canna wear a ragged gown.
Or beggar wed, wi' nought ava;
My kye are drown'd, my house is down
My last sheep lies aneath the snaw"-
"Tell na me o' storm or flood,
Or sheep a' smoor'd ayont the hill,
For Willie's sake, I Willie lo'ed;
Though poor, ye are my Willie still"—
"Ye canna tho'e the wind or rain,
Or wander, friendless, far frae hame;
Cheer, cheer your heart, some other swain
Will soon blot out lost Willie's name"-
"I'll tak' my bundle in my hand,
An' wipe the dew-drop frae my e'e,
I'll wander wi' ye ower the land,
I'll venture wi' ye ower the sea"—
"Forgi'e me, love; 'twas all a snare;
My flocks are safe; we needna part;
I'd forfeit them, and ten times mair,
To clasp thes, Mary, to my heart."
"How could ye wi' my feelings sport,
Or doubt a heart sae warm and true?
I maist could wish ye mischief for't,
But canna wish ought ill to you."