The Book of Scottish Song/How hard's the fate

How hard’s the fate.

[Written by a Young Lady.—Tune, "For a' that an' a' that."]

How hard's the fate of womankind,
When I think on't for a' that:
When they meet a young man to their mind,
They darena tell for a' that.
For a' that and a' that;
And twice as meikle's a' that;
Though they loe the laddie e'er sae weel
They darena tell for a' that.

The world's sae censorious,
Which causes this and a' that,
Gars us conceal our fondest thoughts,
And say we hate and a' that.
For a' that, &c.

I vow I will be none of these
That play the fool and a' that;
When I meet a young man to my mind,
I'll tell I love for a' that.
For a' that and a' that.
And twice as meikle's a' that;
The bonnie lad that I lo'e best,
Shall be my ain for a' that.

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