The Book of Scottish Song/The Highland Soldier

The Highland Soldier.

[Arranged to music by John Barnett.]

Oh! welcome, dear Scotland, my country, my home,
From my own native country no more will I roam;
I have travelled afar, but no spot upon earth
Can offer thy blessing, dear land of my birth.
For riches, for honour, for fame have I fought,
A portion of each with my sword have I bought;
But purer delights I now hasten to feel
At home, with my bannocks of barley meal.

Yet, still I am ready to fight in thy cause,
To guard our good monarch, religion, and laws;
Tho' the claims of my home are, wife, children, and ease,
The claims of my duty are stronger than these.
But call me to splendour or pleasure, oh no!
The splendour I'd scorn, and the pleasure forego;
No dainties abroad can such comfort reveal
As home, and a bannock of barley meal.

Yet think me not idle, oh! think not but here
Employment I find to a parent most dear;
In training my children their arms for the field,
Their hearts for those treasures which virtue will yield.
And oh! when by heaven I'm summon'd away,
My children, your mother protect and obey;
And the blessing of heaven, rewarding your zeal,
Will sweeten your bannock of barley meal.

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