Part 2 — MY AIN WIFE
Reading edition
I wadna gi'e my ain wife For ony wife I see; I wadna gi'e my ain wife For ony wife I see; A bonnier yet I've never seen, A better canna be— I wadna gi'e my ain wife For ony wife I see!
O couthie is my ingle-cheek, An' cheerie is my Jean; I never see her angry look, Nor hear her word on ane. She's gude wi' a' the neebors roun' An' aye gude wi' me— I wadna gi'e my ain wife For ony wife I see.
An' O her looks sae kindlie, They melt my heart outright, When o'er the baby at her breast She hangs wi' fond delight; She looks intill its bonnie face, An' syne looks to me— I wadna gi'e my ain wife For ony wife I see.
Alexander Laing [1787-1857]