Paddy's rambles/A Farewell to the Banks of Clyde

A farewell to the banks of Clyde.

ADIEU, the bonny banks of Clyde,
adieu to her that’s young and fair,
I must you leave, what may betide,
to part with yon my heart is sair.

Upon yon banks aft have I walk’d
your turns and windings a' to view,
With my sweet lass, I’ve often talk’d,
and tread the gowan wet wi’ dew.

O Mary, fairer far to me,
than a’ the flow’rs that round me blaw;
Thy lovely face methinks I see,
my chief companion far awa'.

May truth and virtue lovely stream,
for ever on your banks abide,
The bursting tear doth fill my een,
to leave the bonny banks of Clyde.

Tho’ I to foreign lands must go,
fortune’s sliddery track to find,.
My tender heart is rent with woe,
for love to you that’s left behind.

These rural scenes I leave awhile,
I’m bound to march at fortune’s ca’,
May ⟨peace⟩ and plenty round you smile,
shall be my prayer, when far awa.