with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

119
FIFE, AND A THE LANDS ABOUT IT.
This song is Dr, Blacklock's. He, as zvell as I,
often gave Johnson verses, trifling enough, perhaps,
but they served as a vehicle to the music.
WERE NA MY HEART LIGHT I WAD DIE.
Lord Hailes, in the notes to his collection of
ancient Scots poems, says that this song was the
composition of a Lady Grissel Baillie, daughter of
thefrst Earl of Marchmont, and wife of George
Baillie, of Jerviswood.
There was anes a May,'^ and she loo'd na men,
She biggit her bonny bow'r down in yon glen;
But now she cries dool! and a well-a-day
Come down the green gate, and come here away.
But now she cries, S^c.
When bonny young Johny came o'er the sea.
He said he saw naithing sae lovely as me
He hecht me baith rings and mony braw things ;
And were na my heart light I wad die.
He hecht me, ^c.
* Maid.