CCXV.
Reading edition
WILT THOU BE MY DEARIE.
Air—“The Sutor’s Dochter.”
[Composed, it is said, in honour of Janet Miller, of Dalswinton, mother to the present Earl of Marr, and then, and long after, one of the loveliest women in the south of Scotland.]
I.
Wilt thou be my dearie? When sorrow wrings thy gentle heart, Wilt thou let me cheer thee? By the treasure of my soul, That’s the love I bear thee! I swear and vow that only thou Shall ever be my dearie. Only thou, I swear and vow, Shall ever be my dearie.
II.
Lassie, say thou lo’es me; Or if thou wilt no be my ain, Say na thou’lt refuse me: If it winna, canna be, Thou, for thine may choose me, Let me, lassie, quickly die, Trusting that thou lo’es me. Lassie, let me quickly die, Trusting that thou lo’es me.