The Book of Scottish Song/Hamilla

Hamilla.

[There was an old song called "The bonniest lass in a' the warld," which is now lost. The tune and title are all that survive. Robert Crawfurd wrote the following song to the tune. It appears in the Tea-Table Miscellany, inscribed "To Mrs. A. H., on seeing her at a concert." The lady was Miss Anne Hamilton, a relation of the poet's friend, Hamilton of Bangour.]

Look where my dear Hamilla smiles,
Hamilla! heavenly charmer;
See how wi' a' their arts and wiles
The loves and graces arm her.
A blush dwells glowing on her cheeks,
Fair feats of youthful pleasures,
There love in smiling language speaks,
There spreads his rosy treasures.

O fairest maid! I own thy power,
I gaze, I sigh, and languish,
Yet ever, ever will adore,
And triumph in my anguish.
But ease, O charmer; ease my care,
And let my torments move thee;
As thou art fairest of the fair,
So I the dearest love thee.

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