The Linnet (1819, Falkirk)/Earl Moira's Farewel

by Robert Tannahill

For other versions of this work, see Loudon's Bonny Woods and Braes.

THE

LINNET.

&c.

 

Divider from 'The Linnet', a chapbook printed in Falkirk in 1819

 

Earl Moira's Farewel.

 

Loudens bonny woods and braes,I maun lea'e them a', lassie:Wha can thole. when Britain's faesWould gi'e Britons law, lassie? Wha would shun the field of danger?Wha' Frae Fame would live a stranger?Now when Freedom bids avenge her,Wha would shun her ca', lassie?Louden's bonny woods and braesHas seen our happy bridal-days,And gentle Hope shall sooth thy waes,When I am far awa', lassie.

Hark! the swelling bugle sings!That gi'es joy to thee, laddie;But the dolefu' bugle bringsWaefu' thoughts to me, laddie.Lanely I may climb the mountain,Lanely stray beside the fountain,Still the weary moments counting,Far frae Love and thee, laddie.

O'er the gory field of war,Where Vengeance drives his crimson car,Thou'lt maybe fa' frae me afar,And nane to close thy e'e, laddie.

O resume thy wonted smile,O suppress thy fear, lassie:Glorious honour crowns the toilThat the soldier shares, lassie:

Heav'n will shield thy faithfu' lover,Till the vengeful strife is over,Then we'll meet, nae mair to ⟨sever⟩Till the day we die, lassie:

Midst our bonny woods and braes,We'll spend our peaceful happy days,As blyth's yon lightsome lamb, that playsOn Loudon's flowry lea, lassie.

 

Divider from 'The Linnet', a chapbook printed in Falkirk in 1819