The Book of Scottish Song/While some to distant

While some to distant.

[Rev. J. Nicol.]

While some to distant regions sail
Through storms that on the ocean roar;
Or dye wi' blude the flowerie vale,
Where love and pleasure reign'd before;
Or, o' stern poverty afraid,
Their countless sums o' gowd conceal
I joyfu' sing the bonnie maid,
The bonnie maid I lo'e sae weel.

Did e'er the roses on the green,
Or lilies, bath'd in mornin' dew,
Attract thy sight?—Then thou hast seen,
Her dimplin' cheek's untainted hue:
The momin' star didst thou e'er see
In skies which not a cloud conceal?
Then thou beheldst the sparklin' e'e
O' the sweet maid I lo'e sae weel.

My fleecy flock I'll tend secure;
My little orchard dress wi' care;
Wi' blushin' flowerets deck my bower,
A pleasant dwellin' for my fair.
O! wad she spend her days wi' me,
What joy, what happiness I'd feel!
The pleasure o' my life wad be
To please the maid I lo'e sae weel.

But if my simple vow she slight,—
That mournfu' day, ah! shall I view!—
I'll bid adieu to sweet delight!
To love and beauty bid adieu!
I'll seek some solitary shade,
My ceaseless sorrow to conceal!
But still I'll bless the bonnie maid,—
The bonnie maid I lo'ed sae weel!

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