CXCIX.
Reading edition
PHILLIS THE FAIR.
Tune—“Robin Adair.”
[The ladies of the M’Murdo family were graceful and beautiful, and lucky in finding a poet capable of recording their charms in lasting strains. The heroine of this song was Phyllis M’Murdo; a favourite of the poet. The verses were composed at the request of Clarke, the musician, who believed himself in love with his “charming pupil.” She laughed at the presumptuous fiddler.]
I.
While larks with little wing Fann’d the pure air, Tasting the breathing spring, Forth I did fare: Gay the sun’s golden eye Peep’d o’er the mountains high; Such thy morn! did I cry, Phillis the fair.
II.
In each bird’s careless song, Glad I did share; While yon wild flowers among, Chance led me there: Sweet to the opening day, Rosebuds bent the dewy spray; Such thy bloom! did I say, Phillis the fair.
III.
Down in a shady walk Doves cooing were, I mark’d the cruel hawk, Caught in a snare: So kind may fortune be, Such make his destiny! He who would injure thee, Phillis the fair.