Bony Jean of Aberdeen (1815, Falkirk)/Bonny Jean of Aberdeen

by Anonymous

BONNY JEAN OF ABERDEEN.

My bonny Jean long have I been
a-seeking thee from morn to e'en,
Thy bonny face is sae fu' of grace,
the like is not in Aberdeen.

I was as brisk as any lad,
when first thy bonny face I saw!
Come sit thee down my bonny maid,
and give to me a kiss or twa.

A kiss or twa if I migbt give,
I know not how it might be ta'en;
For suddenly you'd me betray,
it's better for to lie alane.

First you may seek, and I'll say na',
you know a woman's modesty;
Come slile your hard about my neck,
when I cry cease, let me not be.

What wad I gi'e, to tell the truth,
for a sweet kiss of thee, my dear?
For all the pleasure of this earth,
there is nane like thee can compare.

Thy cherry cheeks, thy coal-black hair,
a brisker lass was never seen!
There's nane with thee that can compare,
in Edinburg or Aberdeen.

That bonny fair doth me inspire,
since e'er thy lovely face I saw!
Therefore, my dear, you need not fear
to grant to me a kiss or twa.

Since I ha'e houses and lands enough,
to portion me with any man,
Gif you shonld take your word and rue,
what wad become of Jeany then?

Gif you have lands at your command,
a good house wife you then will be;
I think now for the priest we'll send,
and then, my dear, we'll married be.

But my minny sent me to well,
the night was dark, I could not see;
My foot did slip, and I did fall,
and Jockey fell a-top of me.

But gin he be cunning, I'll be crafty,
and gin he be crafty, I'll be slee,
And was he the bonniest lad in a' the land,
he's ne'er get anither bairn wi' me.