The Book of Scottish Song/Emigrant's Death Song

Emigrant’s Death Song.

[The author of the two following songs, J. G. Cumming, M. D., is a native of Paisley. Dr. C. originated the first exclusively Scottish publication ever issued in America—the New York Scottish Journal. This journal he edited for nearly three years. It is now under the management of Dr. Paul, a native of Scotland. The songs have never hitherto appeared in any publication in this country.—Music by Miss B. G. Cumming.]

Farewell tae the burnie
That wimples sae clearly,
The rough bracken knowe, and the heather-clad brae,
The auld haunted tower,
Wi' its ivy-formed bower,
And a' the loved scenes o' my life's early day.

And thee, my ain dearie—
My heart aft was wearie
Tae think I sae lang had been parted frae thee.
Oh, think o' your lover,
When cauld divits cover
The bosom that aye beat sae warmly for thee.

And thee, my auld faither,
Loved sisters and brother,
And, mither! oh maun I say farewell tae thee,
I left thee in sorrow,
But oh, on the morrow
I cherished the hope thee again I wad see.

Kind fate, can ye sever
The cords that ha'e ever
Bae fondly united these objects wi' me;
Oh spare me, once spare me,
An' to them restore me,
For oh, 'twad be heaven amang them tae dee.

---