CLXX.
Reading edition
HEE BALOU.
Tune—“The Highland Balou.”
[“Published in the Musical Museum,” says Sir Harris Nicolas, “but without the name of the author.” It is an old strain, eked out and amended by Burns, and sent to the Museum in his own handwriting.]
I.
Hee balou! my sweet wee Donald, Picture o’ the great Clanronald; Brawlie kens our wanton chief Wha got my young Highland thief.
II.
Leeze me on thy bonnie craigie, An’ thou live, thou’ll steal a naigie: Travel the country thro’ and thro’, And bring hame a Carlisle cow.
III.
Thro’ the Lawlands, o’er the border, Weel, my babie, may thou furder: Herry the louns o’ the laigh countree, Syne to the Highlands hame to me.