CXXII.
Reading edition
O KENMURE’S ON AND AWA.
Tune—“O Kenmure’s on and awa, Willie.”
[The second and third, and concluding verses of this Jacobite strain, were written by Burns: the whole was sent in his own handwriting to the Museum.]
I.
O Kenmure’s on and awa, Willie! O Kenmure’s on and awa! And Kenmure’s lord’s the bravest lord, That ever Galloway saw.
II.
Success to Kenmure’s band, Willie! Success to Kenmure’s band; There’s no a heart that fears a Whig, That rides by Kenmure’s hand.
III.
Here’s Kenmure’s health in wine, Willie! Here’s Kenmure’s health in wine; There ne’er was a coward o’ Kenmure’s blude, Nor yet o’ Gordon’s line.
IV.
O Kenmure’s lads are men, Willie! O Kenmure’s lads are men; Their hearts and swords are metal true— And that their faes shall ken.
V.
They’ll live or die wi’ fame, Willie! They’ll live or die wi’ fame; But soon wi’ sounding victorie, May Kenmure’s lord come hame.
VI.
Here’s him that’s far awa, Willie, Here’s him that’s far awa; And here’s the flower that I love best— The rose that’s like the snaw!