The Complete Works of Robert Burns Part 120

CIX.

BONNIE PEG.

[A fourth verse makes the moon a witness to the endearments of these lovers; but that planet sees more indiscreet matters than it is right to describe.]

I.

As I came in by our gate end, As day was waxin' weary, O wha came tripping down the street, But Bonnie Peg my dearie!

II.

Her air sae sweet, and shape complete, Wi' nae proportion wanting; The Queen of Love did never move Wi' motion mair enchanting.

III.

Wi' linked hands, we took the sands A-down yon winding river; And, oh! that hour and broomy bower, Can I forget it ever?

CX.

GUDEEN TO YOU, KIMMER.

[This song in other days was a controversial one, and continued some sarcastic allusions to Mother Rome and her brood of seven sacraments, five of whom were illegitimate. Burns changed the meaning, and published his altered version in the Museum.]

I.

Gudeen to you, Kimmer, And how do ye do?

Hiccup, quo' Kimmer, The better that I'm fou.

We're a' noddin, nid nid noddin, We're a' noddin, at our house at hame.

II.

Kate sits i' the neuk, Suppin hen broo; Deil tak Kate An' she be na noddin too!

We're a' noddin, &c.

III.

How's a' wi' you, Kimmer, And how do ye fare?

A pint o' the best o't, And twa pints mair.

We're a' noddin, &c.

IV.

How's a' wi' you, Kimmer, And how do ye thrive; How many bairns hae ye?

Quo' Kimmer, I hae five.

We're a' noddin, &c.

V.

Are they a' Johnie's?

Eh! atweel no: Twa o' them were gotten When Johnie was awa.

We're a noddin, &c.

VI.

Cats like milk, And dogs like broo; Lads like la.s.ses weel, And la.s.ses lads too.

We're a' noddin, &c.

CXI.

AH, CHLORIS, SINCE IT MAY NA BE.

Tune--"_Major Graham._"

[Sir Harris Nicolas found these lines on Chloris among the papers of Burns, and printed them in his late edition of the poet's works.]

I.

Ah, Chloris, since it may na be, That thou of love wilt hear; If from the lover thou maun flee, Yet let the friend be dear.

II.

Altho' I love my Chloris mair Than ever tongue could tell; My pa.s.sion I will ne'er declare, I'll say, I wish thee well.

III.

Tho' a' my daily care thou art, And a' my nightly dream, I'll hide the struggle in my heart, And say it is esteem.