Classic Poem

A SONG .

Be still, be still, thou beating heart, —
Oh cease, ye tears, that fill my e'e:
In warldly joys I ha'e nae part —
Nae blithesome morning dawns for me.
I once was glad as summer winds,
When fondling 'mang the grass sae green;
But pleasure now hath left my breast —
I am na like what I ha'e been.

I once was loved, — I loved again
The spreest lad in a' our glen;
I kent na then o' care or pain,
On burning brow, or tortured brain.
I braided, then my flowing hair,
And had o' love and peace my fill;
Deep, deep I drank — but a' has gane —
Oh, cease thy beating: — heart be still!

Why should two hearts, together twined,
Be sever'd by stern fate's decree?
Why doth the brightest star of mind
Oft turn its darkest cloud to be?
My Jamie left his native glen,
My silken purse wi' gowd to fill:
But oh, he ne'er came back again —
Oh, cease thy beating: — heart be still!

Why should I longer watch and weep?
Hame, hame to yonder glen I'll gae;
There in my bridal bed I'll sleep,
Made i' th' kirkyard, cauld and blae.
I'll soon, soon wi' my Jamie meet,
Where sorrow has nae power to kill;
Earth's woes are past — and my poor heart
Will soon have peace — will soon be still.