“If doughty deeds my lady please”

Robert Graham of Gartmore (1735–1797)

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 colors in my cap,

Thy picture at 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!

For thy dear sake nae care I ’ll take,

Though 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,

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 thysell,

That voice that nane can match.

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.

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;

O, tell me how to woo thee!

For thy dear sake nae care I ’ll take,

Though ne’er another trow me.