Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
Robert Cunninghame-Graham of Gartmore. 17351797469. If Doughty Deeds
IF doughty deeds my lady please, | |
Right soon I’ll mount my steed; | |
And strong his arm and fast his seat, | |
That bears frae me the meed. | |
I’ll wear thy colours in my cap, | 5 |
Thy picture in my heart; | |
And he that bends not to thine eye | |
Shall rue it to his smart! | |
Then tell me how to woo thee, Love; | |
O tell me how to woo thee! | 10 |
For thy dear sake nae care I’ll take, | |
Tho’ ne’er another trow me. | |
If gay attire delight thine eye | |
I’ll dight me in array; | |
I’ll tend thy chamber door all night, | 15 |
And squire thee all the day. | |
If sweetest sounds can win thine ear, | |
These sounds I’ll strive to catch; | |
Thy voice I’ll steal to woo thysel’, | |
That voice that nane can match. | 20 |
Then tell me how to woo thee, Love… | |
But if fond love thy heart can gain, | |
I never broke a vow; | |
Nae maiden lays her skaith to me, | |
I never loved but you. | 25 |
For you alone I ride the ring, | |
For you I wear the blue; | |
For you alone I strive to sing, | |
O tell me how to woo! | |
Then tell me how to woo thee, Love; | 30 |
O tell me how to woo thee! | |
For thy dear sake nae care I’ll take | |
Tho’ ne’er another trow me. |