Page:Flowers of the forest (1).pdf/4

4 At length I reach'd the bonny glen, Where early life I spurted; I passed the miil and trysting thorn, Where Nancy aft I courted; Wha spied I but my ain clear maid, Down by her mother's dwelling! I turn'd me round to hide the flood That in my een was swelling.

Wi’ alter'd voice, quoth I, sweet lass, Sweet as yon hawthorn's blossom, O! happy; happy may he be, That's dearest to thy bosom! My purse is light, I've far to gang, And fain would be thy lodger; I've serv'd my king and country lang— Take pity on a sodger!

Sae wistfully she gaz'd on me. And lovelier her grew than ever; Quo’ she, a sodger ance I lo'ed, Forget him shall I never; Our humble cot and hamely fare. Ye freely shall partake it; That gallant badge, the dear cockade, Ye're welcome for the sake o't.

She gaz'd—she redden'd like a rose—