University of Virginia Library

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The songs and poems of Robert Tannahill

With biography, illustrations, and music
 
 

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A GEM OF PEARLY DEW
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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A GEM OF PEARLY DEW

I marked a gem of pearly dew,
While wandering near yon misty mountain,
Which bore the tender blade so low,
It dropped it off into the fountain.
So thou hast wrung this gentle heart,
Which in its core was proud to wear thee,
Till, drooping sick beneath thy art,
It, sighing, found it could not bear thee.
Adieu, thou faithless fair! unkind!
Thy falsehood dooms that we must sever;
Thy vows were as the passing wind,
That fans the flower, then dies for ever.
And think not that this gentle heart,
Though in its core 'twas proud to wear thee,
Shall longer droop beneath thy art;
No, cruel fair! it cannot bear thee.