Robert Tannahill (1774–1810)

‘LOUDOUN’S bonnie woods and braes,

I maun lea’ them a’, lassie;

Wha can thole when Britain’s faes

Wad gi’e Britons law, lassie?

Wha would shun the field o’ danger?

Wha frae fame wad live a stranger?

Now when freedom bids avenge her,

Wha wad shun her ca’, lassie?

Loudoun’s bonnie woods and braes

Hae seen our happy bridal days,

And gentle hope shall soothe thy waes

When I am far awa’, lassie.’

‘Hark! the swelling bugle sings,

Yielding joy to thee, laddie,

But the dolefu’ bugle brings

Waefu’ thoughts to me, laddie.

Lanely I maun climb the mountain,

Lanely stray beside the fountain,

Still the weary moments countin’,

Far frae love and thee, laddie.

O’er the gory fields of war,

Where vengeance drives his crimson car,

Thou’lt maybe fa’, frae me afar,

And nane to close thy e’e, laddie.’

‘O! resume thy wonted smile!

O! suppress thy fears, lassie!

Glorious honour crowns the toil

That the soldier shares, lassie;

Heaven will shield thy faithful lover

Till the vengeful strife is over,

Then we’ll meet nae mair to sever,

Till the day we die, lassie;

’Midst our bonnie woods and braes

We’ll spend our peaceful, happy days,

As blithe’s yon lightsome lamb that plays

On Loudoun’s flowery lea, lassie.’