THE LAD WHO COURTED ME.
SONG XXXIV.
1
Came ye down Clouden's hazle banks,
Or through the haughs of haunted Dee;
Cross'd ye the fairy loops of Orr,
Saw ye the lad who courted me?
An eagle plume wav'd o'er his crown,
A broad-sword dangled at his knee;
I'd farm'd ye Nithsdale's fairest holm,
Ye'd seen the lad who courted me.
2
He sounded by my father's gates,
With squadrons marshalled fair to see;
On banners selvadged round with gold,
The thistle flaunted bonnilie;
Bright belted plaids, and tartan kilts,
And garter knots below the knee,
All moved unto my love's command,
The blythe lad who courted me.
3
The sun had clomb the eastern hill,
Above the Highland chivalrie,
When mov'd the land with sudden flame
Of burnish'd broad-swords, bright to see.
Far gazed the maids from mountain tops,
O'er sounding stream, and tow'r, and tree;
And old men from the valley spaed,
He'd bring home sound of victorie.
4
A golden bonnet wore my love,
And shook a broad rank-sweeping brand;
Bright beam'd his forehead raven lock'd,
His dark eye shone for high command:
And low he stoop'd his eagle crest,
And wanton love laugh'd in his e'e;
“Come kiss, and go with me, sweet lass,”
Quoth the bonnie lad who courted me.
5
May yon green broom ne'er bloom again,
Gaur'd me go kilted to the knee;
May that blythe bird ne'er build a nest,
That sung to see the hawk with me.
Some ladies wooe for snoods of gold,
And diamond tokens, rare to see;
But, I've a pledge of living love,
From the dear lad who courted me.
