The Book of Scottish Song/Anna 2

by Robert Burns

For other versions of this work, see The Gowden Locks o' Anna.

Anna.

[This highly impassioned lyric was written by Burns, while resident in Dumfiries. The heroine was Helen Ann Park, sister of Mrs. Hyslop, the landlady of the Globe Tavern, the poet's favourite "howff" there.—Tune "Banks of Banna."]

Yestreen I had a pint o' wine,
A place where body saw na;
Yestreen lay on this breast o' mine
The raven locks of Anna.
The hungry Jew in wilderness,
Rejoicing ower his manna,
Was naething to my hinny bliss,
Upon the lips of Anna.

Ye monarchs tak' the east and west,
Frae Indus to Savannah!
Gi'e me within my straining grasp
The melting form of Anna.
There I'll despise imperial charms,
An empress or sultana,
While flying raptures, in her arms,
I give and take from Anna.

Awa', thou flaunting god of day!
Awa', thou pale Diana!
Ilk star gae hide thy twinkling ray,
When I'm to meet my Anna.
Come, in thy raven plumage, night,
Sun, moon, and stars, withdrawn a';
And bring an angel pen to write
Wy transports wi' my Anna.

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