C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
The Highland Lassie
By Allan Ramsay (16861758)
T
But aft they’re sour and unco saucy;
Sae proud they never can be kind
Like my good-humored Highland lassie.
My hearty, smiling Highland lassie,
May never care make thee less fair,
But bloom of youth still bless my lassie.
Wha makes their cheeks with patches motie,
I’d take my Katie but a gown,
Barefooted, in her little coatie.
Whene’er I kiss and court my dautie,
Happy and blyth as ane wad wish,
My flighteren heart gangs pittie-pattie.
With cockit gun and ratches tenty,
To drive the deer out of their den,
To feast my lass on dishes dainty.
’Gainst her to wag a tongue or finger,
While I can wield my trusty sword,
Or frae my side whisk out a whinger.
And berries ripe, invite my treasure
To range with me; let great fowk gloom,
While wealth and pride confound their pleasure.