James Tytler (1745–1804)

AS I cam’ by Loch Erroch side,

The lofty hills surveying,

The water clear, the heather blooms,

Their fragrance sweet conveying;

I met, unsought, my lovely maid,

I found her like May morning;

With graces sweet, and charms so rare,

Her person all adorning.

How kind her looks, how blest was I,

While in my arms I prest her!

And she her wishes scarce concealed

As fondly I caressed her.

She said, ‘If that your heart be true,

If constantly you’ll love me,

I heed not care, nor fortune’s frowns,

For nought but death shall move me.

‘But faithful, loving, true, and kind

For ever shalt thou find me;

And of our meeting here so sweet

Loch Erroch sweet shall mind me.’

Enraptured then, ‘My lovely lass,’

I cried, ‘no more we’ll tarry!

We’ll leave the fair Loch Erroch side,

For lovers soon should marry.’