The Book of Scottish Song/I'm wandering wide

I'm wandering wide.

[William Fergusson.—Here for the first time printed.]

I'm wand'ring wide this wintery night,
But yet my heart's at hame,
Fu' cozie by my ain fire-cheek,
Beside my winsome dame.
The weary winds howl lang an' loud,
But, 'mid their howling drear,
Words sweeter far than honey blabs
Fa' saftly on my ear.

I'm wand'ring wide this wintery night,
I'm wand'ring wide an' far;
But love, to guide me back again,
Lights up a kindly star.
The lift glooms black aboon my head,
Nae friendly blink I see,
But let it gloom,—twa bonnie een
Glance bright to gladden me.

I'm wand'ring wide this wintery night,
I'm wand'ring wide an' late,
And ridgy wreaths afore me rise,
As if to bar my gate.
Around me swirls the sleety drift,
The frost bites dour an' keen.
But breathings warm frae lovin' lips
Come ilka gust atween.

I'm wand'ring wide this wintery night,
I'm wand'ring wide an' wild,
Alang a steep and eerie track
Where hills on hills are piled:
The torrent roars in wrath below,
The tempest roars aboon;
But fancy broods on brighter scenes,
And soughs a cheerin' tune.

I'm wand'ring wide this wintery night,
I'm wand'ring wide my lane,
And mony a langsome, lanesome mile
I'll measure ere it's gane.
But lanesome roads or langsome miles
Can never daunton me,
When I think on the welcome warm
That waits me, love, frae thee.

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