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THE BROOM O' COWDENKNOWES.

Very old. Key-note D.

How blythe was I ilk morn to see

My swain come o'er the hill!

He leap't the burn, and flew to me,

I met him wi' good will.

0, the broom, the bonnie, bonnie broom,

The broom o' the Cowdenknowes;

I wish I were wi' my dear swain

Wi' his pipe and my ewes.

I neither wanted ewe nor lamb,

While his flock near me lay:

He gather'd in my sheep at night,

And cheer'd me a' the day.

0, the broom, &c.

He tun'd his pipe and reed sae sweet,

The birds stood list'ning by;

E'en the dull cattle stood and gaz'd,

Charm'd with his melody.

0, the broom, &c.

While thus we spent our time, by turns,

Betwixt our flocks and play,

I envied not the fairest dame,

Tho' ne'er sae rich and gay.

O, the broom, &c.

Hard fate! that I should banish'd be,

Gang heavily and mourn,

Because I lo'ed the kindest swain

That ever yet was born.

O, the broom, &c.

He did oblige me every hour:

Could I but faithful be?

He staw my heart : could I refuse

Whate'er he ask'd of me?

O, the broom, &c.

My doggie, and my little kit,

That heid my wee soup whey,

My plaidy, brooch, and crooked stick,

May now lie useless by.

0, the broom, &c.

Adieu, ye Cowdenknowes, adieu !

Fareweel a' pleasures there;

Ye gods! restore to me my swain,

Is a'i crave or care.

0, the broom, &c.