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Songs

Chiefly in the Rural Language of Scotland. By Allan Cunningham
  
  

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FASHIONABLE SIN.

SONG XXV.

1

By my Lady's side's a golden watch,
On my Lady's breast's a diamond broach;
Her locks are tied with ruby knot,
And a silver tass'led petticoat.
But, my Lord can leave those garments gay,
Those glistring locks with trinkets laden,
For golden tresses flowing free,
And graceful coats of hauslock plaiden.

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2

My lady's shoes are silver shod,
And silken hosen seam'd with gowd;
More riches wears o'er her e'e-bree,
Than would wadset any baronie.
But, Nancie's leg, so white and bare,
My Lord love's better than my Lady's;
And he loves mair her golden hair,
Which two love-laughing eyes o'ershadows,

3

My Lady 'noints with dews her cheek,
And sweetly lisps when she doth speak;
And scarce will stoop to tie her shoon,
So proud she eyes the sky aboon.
My Lord thinks mair of Nancie's cheek,
Which like a wine-dropp'd rose so red is;
Thinks more of Nancie's sweet Scotch tongue,
Than he does of his English Lady's.

4

My Lady's bed is thistle down,
With purple hangings fringed roun';
But my Lord loves mair the beds of brekan,
With Nancie to his bosom taking.
My Lady plays on her spinnet,
But, Nancie's like a mavis lilting;
My Lord adores her folding song,
When from the grass her coats she's kilting.

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5

My Lady's jimp about the waist,
One maist might span her when she's laced;
But, jentie Nancie grit is grown,
And loosely does she lace her gown:
No more she trips to bow'r and fauld,
Her hair no more in winsome brede is;
But, my Lord has rain'd her locks with gold,
And laced her hosen like my Lady's.