CCLXI.
Reading edition
THE HIGHLAND WIDOW’S LAMENT.
[This song is said to be Burns’s version of a Gaelic lament for the ruin which followed the rebellion of the year 1745: he sent it to the Museum.]
I.
Oh! I am come to the low countrie, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Without a penny in my purse, To buy a meal to me.
II.
It was na sae in the Highland hills, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Nae woman in the country wide Sae happy was as me.
III.
For then I had a score o’ kye, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Feeding on yon hills so high, And giving milk to me.
IV.
And there I had three score o’ yowes, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Skipping on yon bonnie knowes, And casting woo’ to me.
V.
I was the happiest of a’ the clan, Sair, sair, may I repine; For Donald was the brawest lad, And Donald he was mine.
VI.
Till Charlie Stewart cam’ at last, Sae far to set us free; My Donald’s arm was wanted then, For Scotland and for me.
VII.
Their waefu’ fate what need I tell, Right to the wrang did yield: My Donald and his country fell Upon Culloden’s field.
VIII.
Oh! I am come to the low countrie, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Nae woman in the world wide Sae wretched now as me.