The Book of Scottish Song/Neidpath
Neidpath.
[James Murray.—Here first printed.—Tune, "Katy Tyrell."]
On the green banks of Neidpath, whilst pensively roaming,
To mark the dull shadows that creep o'er the plain,
I count the lang hours, and I sigh for the gloaming,
For then I shall meet with my Anna again.
I'll watch when the swain to his cottage is wending,
I'll watch when the bird gangs to sleep on the tree,
I'll watch when the shadows of eve are descending,
And then, dearest Anna, I'll hasten to thee.
'Twas lang ere I tauld, though I loved her so dearly,
'Twas lang ere I ventured my lassie to woo,
'Twas lang ere my heart felt she loved so sincerely,
But sighs reveal secrets of love that is true.
And dark cares may gather—but care shanna fear me;
The storms of misfortune undaunted I'll see;
I'll smile when they frown, for if Anna be near me,
They'll cease 'neath the light of her love-beaming e'e.