The Book of Scottish Song/Prestwick Drum

Prestwick Drum.

[Air, "Aiken Drum."—The original charter of Prestwick is now lost, but is referred to in the renewed grant by James VI. of Scotland. Bruce having at first been unsuccessful, after passing some time in exile, re-appeared in Arran, and crossing the Firth, landed on Prestwick shore, where the inhabitants joined his standard in considerable force; for which service, the king was pleased to erect their town into a barony, with a jurisdiction extending from the Water of Ayr to the Water of Irvine.]

At gloamin grey, the close o' day,
When saftly sinks the village hum,
Nor far nor near ought meets the ear,
But aiblins Prestwick drum.
Nae bluidy battle it betides,
Nor sack, nor siege, nor ought besides,
Twa gude sheep-skins, wi' oaken sides,
An' leather lugs aroun'.

In days o' yore, when to our shore,
For aid the gallant Bruce did come,
His lieges leal did tak' the fiel',
An' march to Prestwick drum.
Gude service aften is forgot,
An' favour won by crafty plot,
An' sic, alas! has been the lot
O' Prestwick's ancient drum.

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