The Bonny Lassie's Plaidy Awa/Go Plaintive Sounds

by William Hamilton (1704-1754)

For other versions of this work, see Go Plaintive Sounds.

GO PLAINTIVE SOUNDS.

Go plaintive sounds! and to the fair,
My secret wounds impart,
Tell all I hope, tell all I fear,
Each motion in my heart.
But she methinks is list'ning now,
To some enchanting strain,
The smile that triumphs o'er her brow,
Seems not to heed my pain.

Yes, plaintive sounds, yet, yet delay
Howe'er my love repine,
Let that gay minute pass away,
The next perhaps is thine.
Yes, plaintive sounds, no longer crost,
Your griefs shall soon be o'er,
Her cheek undimplad now has lost,
The smile it lately wore.

Yes, plaintive sounds, she now is yours,
'Tis now your time to move;
Essay to soften all her pow'rs,
And be that softness, love.
Cease, plaintive sounds, your task is done
That anxious tender air
Proves o'er her heart the conquest won,
I see you melting there.

Return, ye smiles, return again,
Return each sprightly grace,
I yield up to your charming reign,
All that enchanting face.
I take no outward shew amiss,
Rove where they will, her eyes,
Still let her smiles each shepherd' bless,
So she but hear my sighs.

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