CI.
Reading edition
I DO CONFESS THOU ART SAE FAIR.
Tune—“I do confess thou art sae fair.”
[“I do think,” says Burns, in allusion to this song, “that I have improved the simplicity of the sentiments by giving them a Scottish dress.” The original song is of great elegance and beauty: it was written by Sir Robert Aytoun, secretary to Anne of Denmark, Queen of James I.]
I.
I do confess thou art sae fair, I wad been o’er the lugs in love, Had I na found the slightest prayer That lips could speak thy heart could muve. I do confess thee sweet, but find Thou art sae thriftless o’ thy sweets, Thy favours are the silly wind, That kisses ilka thing it meets.
II.
See yonder rose-bud, rich in dew, Amang its native briers sae coy; How sune it tines its scent and hue When pou’d and worn a common toy! Sic fate, ere lang, shall thee betide, Tho’ thou may gaily bloom awhile; Yet sune thou shalt be thrown aside Like ony common weed and vile.