XLIV.
Reading edition
THE
YOUNG HIGHLAND ROVER.
Tune—“Morag.”
[The Young Highland Rover of this strain is supposed by some to be the Chevalier, and with more probability by others, to be a Gordon, as the song was composed in consequence of the poet’s visit to “bonnie Castle-Gordon,” in September, 1787.]
I.
Loud blaw the frosty breezes, The snaws the mountains cover; Like winter on me seizes, Since my young Highland rover Far wanders nations over. Where’er he go, where’er he stray. May Heaven be his warden: Return him safe to fair Strathspey, And bonnie Castle-Gordon!
II.
The trees now naked groaning, Shall Soon wi’ leaves be hinging. The birdies dowie moaning, Shall a’ be blithely singing, And every flower be springing. Sae I’ll rejoice the lee-lang day When by his mighty Warden My youth’s returned to fair Strathspey, And bonnie Castle-Gordon.