Page:The Book of Scottish Song.djvu/59

Rh Clout the auld—the new are dear,

Janet, Janet;

Ae pair may gain ye hauf a year,

My jo Janet.

But, what if, dancin' on the green,

And skippin' like a maukin,

They should see my clouted sheen,

Of me they will be taukin'.

Dance aye laigh, and late at e'en,

Janet, Janet;

Syne a' their fauts will no be seen,

My jo Janet.

Kind sir, for your courtesie,

When ye gae to the cross, then,

For the love ye bear to me,

Buy me a pacin' horse, then,

Pace upon your spinnin' wheel,

Janet, Janet;

Pace upon your spinnin' wheel,

My jo Janet.

My spinnin' wheel is auld and stiff,

The rock o't winna stand, sir;

To keep the temper-pin in tiff

Employs richt aft my hand, sir.

Mak' the best o't that ye can,

Janet, Janet;

But like it never wale a man,

My jo Janet.

[ by for Thomson's collection, to the tune of "My jo Janet."]

[ by, and set to music by R. A. Smith. Loudon castle, in Ayrshire, with its luxuriant woods, is the locality here celebrated, and the song was composed early in the present century, in 1805 or somewhat later, when the earl of Moira, afterwards marquis of Hastings, was commander-in-chief of the forces in Scotland, and universal preparations were making for active service abroad. His lordship was married in 1804 to Flora Muir Campbell, in her own right. Countess of Loudon—and the song is supposed to depict the parting of the soldier and his young bride. Nothing could exceed its popularity during many years of the war, and it is still a favourite. In 1816, while Governor-General of India, the earl of Moira was created marquis of Hastings: he returned to England in 1823 or 23, and visited Loudon castle, but died at Malta in 1824, of which place had been appointed governor. The late unfortunate Flora Hastings was I daughter of this nobleman.]

bonnie woods and braes,

I maun leave them a', lassie;

Wha, can thole when Britain's faes

Would gi'e to Britons law, lassie?