CXXXII.
Reading edition
THE BANKS O’ DOON.
[SECOND VERSION.]
Tune—“Caledonian Hunt’s Delight.”
[Burns injured somewhat the simplicity of the song by adapting it to a new air, accidentally composed by an amateur who was directed, if he desired to create a Scottish air, to keep his fingers to the black keys of the harpsichord and preserve rhythm.]
I.
Ye banks and braes o’ bonnie Doon, How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair; How can ye chant, ye little birds, And I sae weary, fu’ o’ care! Thou’lt break my heart, thou warbling bird, That wantons thro’ the flowering thorn: Thou minds me o’ departed joys, Departed—never to return!
II.
Aft hae I rov’d by bonnie Doon, To see the rose and woodbine twine; And ilka bird sang o’ its luve, And fondly sae did I o’ mine. Wi’ lightsome heart I pu’d a rose, Fu’ sweet upon its thorny tree; And my fause luver stole my rose, But, ah! he left the thorn wi’ me.