with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

39
I'll not sing about confusion, delusion, or pride,
I'll sing about a laddie was for a virtuous bride ;
For virtue is an ornament that time will never rot.
And preferable to gear and the blaithrie o't.
Tho' my lassie hae nae scarlets or silks to put on.
We envy not the greatest that sits upon the throne
I wad rather hae my lassie, tho' she cam in her smock.
Than a princess wi' the gear and the blaithrie o't.
O Nancy, canst thou love so true, ;
'
Through perils keen witli me to go ?
'
Or when thy swain mishap shall rue,
To share with him the pangs of woe?
Say, shou'd disease, or pain befal, ^
Wilt thou assume the nurse's care ?
Nor, wistful, those gay scenes recal, ]
Where thou wert fairest of the fair ?
And when at last thy love shall die, \
Wilt thou receive his parting breath? I
Wilt thou repress each struggling sigh,
And cheer with smiles the bed of death?
And wilt thou o'er his breathless clay I
Strew flow'rs, and drop the tender tear? t.
Nor then regret those scenes so gay,
^
Where thou wert fairest of the fair ?
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