Ballad（1 / 2）

bonie jean—a ballad

to its ain tune.

there was a lass, and she was fair,

at kirk or market to be seen;

when a' our fairest maids were met,

the fairest maid was bonie jean.

and aye she wrought her mammie's wark,

and aye she sang sae merrilie;

the blythest bird upon the bush

had ne'er a lighter heart than she.

but hawks will rob the tender joys

that bless the little lintwhite's nest;

and frost will blight the fairest flowers,

and love will break the soundest rest.

young robie was the brawest lad,

the flower and pride of a' the glen;

and he had owsen, sheep, and kye,

and wanton naigies nine or ten.

he gaed wi' jeanie to the tryste,

he danc'd wi' jeanie on the down;

and, lang ere witless jeanie wist,

her heart was tint, her peace was stown!

as in the bosom of the stream,

the moon-beam dwells at dewy e'en;

so trembling, pure, was tender love