CCXVIII.
Reading edition
HERE’S TO THY HEALTH, MY BONNIE LASS.
Tune—“Laggan Burn.”
[“This song is in the Musical Museum, with Burns’s name to it,” says Sir Harris Nicolas. It is a song of the poet’s early days, which he trimmed up, and sent to Johnson.]
I.
Here’s to thy health, my bonnie lass, Gude night, and joy be wi’ thee; I’ll come na mair to thy bower-door, To tell thee that I lo’e thee. O dinna think, my pretty pink, But I can live without thee: I vow and swear I dinna care How lang ye look about ye.
II.
Thou’rt ay sae free informing me Thou hast na mind to marry; I’ll be as free informing thee Nae time hae I to tarry. I ken thy friends try ilka means, Frae wedlock to delay thee; Depending on some higher chance— But fortune may betray thee.
III.
I ken they scorn my low estate, But that does never grieve me; But I’m as free as any he, Sma’ siller will relieve me. I count my health my greatest wealth, Sae long as I’ll enjoy it: I’ll fear na scant, I’ll bode nae want, As lang’s I get employment.
IV.
But far off fowls hae feathers fair, And ay until ye try them: Tho’ they seem fair, still have a care, They may prove waur than I am. But at twal at night, when the moon shines bright, My dear, I’ll come and see thee; For the man that lo’es his mistress weel, Nae travel makes him weary.