The Poetical Works of Robert Burns/M'Pherson's Farewell
For other versions of this work, see M'Pherson's Farewell.
M'PHERSON'S FAREWELL.
Farewell, ye dungeons dark and strong,The wretch's destinie:M'Pherson's time will not be longOn yonder gallows tree.
CHORUS.Sae rantingly, sae wantonly,Sae dauntingly gaed he;He play'd a spring and danc'd it round,Below the gallows tree.
Oh, what is death but parting breath?—On monie a bloody plainI've dar'd his face, and in this placeI scorn him yet again!Sae rantingly, &c.
Untie these bands from off my hands,And bring to me my sword!And there's no a man in all Scotland,But I'll brave him at a word.Sae rantingly, &c.
I've liv'd a life of sturt and strife;I die by treacherie:It burns my heart I must departAnd not avenged be.Sae rantingly, &c.
Now farewell light, thou sunshine bright,And all beneath the sky!May coward shame distain his name,The wretch that dares not die!Sae rantingly, &c.