115
THE BROOM O' COWDENKNOWES.
Very old. Key-note D.
How blythe was I ilk morn to see
My swain come o'er the hill!
He leap't the burn, and flew to me,
I met him wi' good will.
0, the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom,
The broom o' the Cowdenknowes;
I wish I were wi' my dear swain
Wi' his pipe and my ewes.
I neither wanted ewe nor lamb,
While his flock near me lay:
He gather'd in my sheep at night,
And cheer'd me a' the day.
0, the broom, &c.
He tun'd his pipe and reed sae sweet,
The birds stood list'ning by;
E'en the dull cattle stood and gaz'd,
Charm'd with his melody.
0, the broom, &c.
While thus we spent our time, by turns,
Betwixt our flocks and play,
I envied not the fairest dame,
Tho' ne'er sae rich and gay.
O, the broom, &c.
Hard fate! that I should banish'd be,
Gang heavily and mourn,
Because I lo'ed the kindest swain
That ever yet was born.
O, the broom, &c.
He did oblige me every hour:
Could I but faithful be?
He staw my heart : could I refuse
Whate'er he ask'd of me?
O, the broom, &c.
My doggie, and my little kit,
That heid my wee soup whey,
My plaidy, brooch, and crooked stick,
May now lie useless by.
0, the broom, &c.
Adieu, ye Cowdenknowes, adieu !
Fareweel a' pleasures there;
Ye gods! restore to me my swain,
Is a'i crave or care.
0, the broom, &c.
