HERES to thy health, my bonie lass,
Gude nicht and joy be wi thee;
Ill come nae mair to thy bower-door,
To tell thee that I loe thee.
O dinna think, my pretty pink,
But I can live without thee:
I vow and swear I dinna care,
How lang ye look about ye.
Thourt aye sae free informing me,
Thou hast nae mind to marry;
Ill be as free informing thee,
Nae time hae I to tarry:
I ken thy friens try ilka means
Frae wedlock to delay thee;
Depending on some higher chance,
But fortune may betray thee.
I ken they scorn my low estate,
But that does never grieve me;
For Im as free as any he;
Sma siller will relieve me.
Ill count my health my greatest wealth,
Sae lang as Ill enjoy it;
Ill fear nae scant, Ill bode nae want,
As langs I get employment.
But far off fowls hae feathers fair,
And, aye until ye try them,
Tho they seem fair, still have a care;
They may prove waur than I am.
But at twal at night, when the moon shines bright,
My dear, Ill come and see thee;
For the man that loves his mistress weel,
Nae travel makes him weary.
