song—here's to thy health

    tune—“laggan burn.”

    here's to thy health, my bonie lass,

    gude nicht and joy be wi' thee;

    i'll come nae mair to thy bower-door,

    to tell thee that i lo'e thee.

    o dinna think, my pretty pink,

    but i can live without thee:

    i vow and swear i dinna care,

    how lang ye look about ye.

    thou'rt aye sae free informing me,

    thou hast nae mind to marry;

    i'll be as free informing thee,

    nae time hae i to tarry:

    i ken thy frien's try ilka means

    frae wedlock to delay thee;

    depending on some higher chance,

    but fortune may betray thee.

    i ken they scorn my low estate,

    but that does never grieve me;

    for i'm as free as any he;

    sma' siller will relieve me.

    i'll count my health my greatest wealth,

    sae lang as i'll enjoy it;

    i'll fear nae scant, i'll bode nae want,

    as lang's i get employment.

    but far off fowls hae feathers fair,

    and, aye until ye try them,

    tho' they seem fair, still have a care;

    they may prove waur than i am.

    but at twal' at night, when the moon shines bright,

    my dear, i'll come and see thee;

    for the man that loves his mistress weel,

    nae travel makes him weary.