The Book of Scottish Song/The Emigrant's Farewell 1
The Emigrant's Farewell.
[Written by the late Thomas Pringle, in 1819, on his departure to Southern Africa. It first appeared in the Harp of Caledonia, Vol. III. and is adapted to the tune of "My guid Lord John."]
Our native land—our native vale—
A long and last adieu!
Farewell to bonny Tiviotdale,
And Cheviot mountains blue.
Farewell, ye hills of glorious deeds,
And streams renown'd in song—
Farewell ye braes and blossom'd meads,
Our hearts have lov'd so long.
Farewell, the blythesome broomy knowes,
Where thyme and harebells grow—
Farewell, the hoary, haunted howes,
O'erhung with birk and sloe.
The mossy cave and mouldering tower
That skirt our native dell—
The martyr's grave, and lover's bower,
We bid a sad farewell!
Home of our love! our father's home!
Land of the brave and free!
The sail is flapping on the foam
That bears us far from thee!
We seek a wild and distant shore,
Beyond the western main—
We leave thee to return no more,
Nor view thy cliffs again!
Our native land—our native vale—
A long and last adieu!
Farewell to bonny Teviotdale,
And Scotland's mountains blue!