The Book of Scottish Song/Why do ye tarry

Why do ye tarry.

[Alexander Hume.—Here first printed.]

Why do ye tarry,
Bonnie ship Mary?
Why do ye linger so far far frae me?
Winds, will ye waken?
Ne'er your breath slacken,
But O, breathe kindly, my love's on the sea.

If o' her nature
You had a feature,
Ne'er could you harm the frail barque on the sea;
Not even find weather
To ruffle a feather
Of the poor sea bird, so gentle is she!

But if you'll not send
My dear love to land,
O, bear this kiss hence in swiftness with thee;
Whisper not to her
Who is the wooer,
She'll know by the kiss, that the kiss comes from me.

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