CCIV.
Reading edition
COME, LET ME TAKE THEE.
Air—“Cauld Kail.”
[Burns composed this lyric in August, 1793, and tradition says it was produced by the charms of Jean Lorimer. “That tune, Cauld Kail,” he says to Thomson, “is such a favorite of yours, that I once roved out yesterday for a gloaming-shot at the Muses; when the Muse that presides over the shores of Nith, or rather my old inspiring, dearest nymph, Coila, whispered me the following.”]
I.
Come, let me take thee to my breast, And pledge we ne’er shall sunder; And I shall spurn as vilest dust The warld’s wealth and grandeur: And do I hear my Jeanie own That equal transports move her? I ask for dearest life alone, That I may live to love her.
II.
Thus in my arms, wi’ a’ thy charms, I clasp my countless treasure; I’ll seek nae mair o’ heaven to share, Than sic a moment’s pleasure: And by thy een, sae bonnie blue, I swear I’m thine for ever! And on thy lips I seal my vow, And break it shall I never.