Mill, mill, o/The Broom of Cowdenknowes

For other versions of this work, see The Broom of Cowdenknowes.

THE BROOM OF COWDENKNOWES

How blythe was I ilk morn to see
my swain come o'er the hill;
He leap'd the brook and flew to me,
I met him we good will.

O the broom the bonny, bonny broom,
the broom of Cowdenknowes
I wish I was with my dear swain,
Wi' his pipe and my ewes.

I neither wanted ewe nor lamb,
while his flock round me lay:
He gather'd in my sheep at night,
and cheer'd me all the day.
O the broom &c.

He tun'd his pipe and reed sae sweet,
the birds stood listning by;
The fleecy flock stood still and gaz'd,
charm'd wi his melody.
O the broom, &c.

While thus we spent our time, by turns,
Betwixt our flocks and play,
I envy'd not the fairest dame,
though e'er so rich and gay.
O the broom, &c.

He did oblige me every hour,
could I but faithful be:
He stole my heart could I refuse,
whate'er he asked of me.

Hard fate that I must banish d be,
gang heavily and mourn,
Because I lov'd the kindest swain,
that ever yet was born.
O the broom, &c.

 

FINIS.