Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)

From ‘The Heart of Midlothian’, Chap. XVI.

PROUD Maisie is in the wood,

Walking so early;

Sweet Robin sits on the bush,

Singing so rarely.

‘Tell me, thou bonny bird,

When shall I marry me?’—

‘When six braw gentlemen

Kirkward shall carry ye.’

‘Who makes the bridal bed,

Birdie, say truly?’—

‘The grey-headed sexton

That delves the grave duly.

‘The glow-worm o’er grave and stone

Shall light thee steady;

The owl from the steeple sing,—

“Welcome, proud lady!”’