Classic Poem

AN OLD SONG REVIVED .

Air — Gaelic

" O listen! listen, and I'll tell ye
How this fair maid's played her part: —
First she vowed and promised to me,
Now she strives to break my heart!
Eirin O! Mally Aiken,
Eirin O s'dhu ma roon.

I coft you silken garters, Mally,
And sleeve-knots for your tartan gown;
I coft you a green necklace, Mally,
To busk ye whan ye gade to town:
You gae me kisses sweet as hinny!
You gae me words mair sweet than true;
You swore you loo'd me best o' ony; —
Ah! why then, Mally, break your vow!
Eirin O! Mally Aiken,
Eirin O s'dhu ma roon.

Yon auld man cam wi' wyles sae bonnie,
He bragged o' land and walth o' gear;
He promised braws mair fine than Johnie
To busk ye for the kirk and fair;
He gae up tocher to your daddy; —
Your mother sighed and thought o' me;
But Mally wished to be a lady ,
And changed true love for — high degree!
Eirin O! Mally Aiken,
Eirin O s'dhu ma roon.

He's ta'en you hame; he's made you gawdie,
He's busked you for the kirk and fair;
But you had better ta'en your laddie,
For happiness you'll ne'er see mair!
You may gang to kirk and fair, my Mally
Your face and braws catch ilka ee, —
But happiness you'll ne'er see, Mally,
For breaking o' your vows to me!
Eirin O! Mally Aiken,
Eirin O s'dhu ma roon.