The Book of Scottish Song/The Husband's Song

The Husband's Song.

[William Wilson.]

Wha my kettle now will boil,
Wha will cheer me wi' her smi!
Wha will lichten a' my toil,
When thou art far awa'?

Wha will meet me on the stair,
Wha will kiss me kindly there,
And lull to rest ilk earthly care,
When thou art far awa'?

When the day is at a close,
Wlia will mak' my wee drap brose,
Snodly mend my holley hose,
When thou art far awa'?

Wha will wi' my failings bear,
Wha my e'enin' psalm will share,
Wha will kneel wi' me in prayer,
When thou art far awa'?

When the nights grow lang and cauld,
And the wind blaws snell and bauld,
Wha her arms around me fauld,
When thou art far awa'?

Wha will trigly mak' my bed,
Draw my nichtcap o'er my head,
And kiss me when I down am laid,
When thou art far awa'?

Nane!—and dowie now I gang
Through the house the hale nicht lang,
Croonin' ower some simple sang
O' her that's far awa'

Now I downa bide to leuk
Ayont the cheerless ingle neuk,
Where aft I read the haly beuk
To her that's far awa'.

Haste, my dearest! haste ye hame,
Come my ain beloved dame!
Ferry ower loch, sea, and stream,
And ne'er gae mair awa'!

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