The Book of Scottish Song/Sweet Betty

Sweet Betty.

["The following song, to the tune of "Blink over the burn, sweet Betty," was written by Joseph Mitchell, early in the last century. We have given a short notice of Mitchell in a previous Note.]

Leave kindred and friends, sweet Betty,
Leave kindred and friends for me:
Assur'd thy servant is steady
To love, to honour, and thee.
The gifts of nature and fortune
May flee by chance as they came;
They're grounds the destinies sport on,
But virtue is ever the same.

Although my fancy were roving,
Thy charms so heav'nly appear,
That other beauties disproving,
I'd worship thine only, my dear.
And should life's sorrows embitter
The pleasure we promis'd our loves,
To share them together is fitter,
Than moan asunder like doves.

Oh! were I but ance so blessed,
To grasp my love in my arms!
By thee to be grasp'd and kissed!
And live on thy heaven of charms!
I'd laugh at fortune's caprices,
Should fortune capricious prove;
Though death should tear me to pieces,
I'd die a martyr to love.

---