LXIII.
Reading edition
MY HARRY WAS A GALLANT GAY.
Tune—“Highland’s Lament.”
[“The chorus,” says Burns, “I picked up from an old woman in Dumblane: the rest of the song is mine.” He composed it for Johnson: the tone is Jacobitical.]
I.
My Harry was a gallant gay, Fu’ stately strode he on the plain: But now he’s banish’d far away, I’ll never see him back again, O for him back again! O for him back again! I wad gie a’ Knockhaspie’s land For Highland Harry back again.
II.
When a’ the lave gae to their bed, I wander dowie up the glen; I set me down and greet my fill, And ay I wish him back again.
III.
O were some villains hangit high. And ilka body had their ain! Then I might see the joyfu’ sight, My Highland Harry back again. O for him back again! O for him back again! I wad gie a’ Knockhaspie’s land For Highland Harry back again.