The Book of Scottish Song/When summer's sun

When summer’s sun.

When summer's sun shone warm and bright,
"And saft the westlan' breezes blew,"
As fair a maiden met my sight
As ever poet's fancy drew.
'Twas on the banks of Locher's stream,
Where roses bloom'd in a' their pride,
I saw this lass—so fair her mein—
She might ha'e been a monarch's bride.

Though violets there did flourish fair,
An' on their blades hung draps o' dew;
These sparkling gems outrivalled were
By "her twa een sae bonnie blue."
Her lovely eyes' resplendent beam,
Was far too bright for me to bear:
I turned, abashed, and in the stream
Beheld her form, divinely fair.

A zephyr gently curled the stream,
An' did her lovely image hide;
Then all the osier boughs would seem
Bending to her by Locher's side.
When I beheld a' nature pay
Such homage to this charming maid,
I deem'd she might be Queen of May—
Had come to visit Locher's shade.

I'd made a garland for her breast,
Of every wild flower I could view:
But could nae mair her charms resist;
So silently from her withdrew.
My soul a moment's pleasure knew;
I fear the like will ne'er return;
Except, when spring the fields renew,
I meet this lass by Locher burn.

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