Classic Poem

SONG .

My life is a burden—nae pleasure ha'e I;
 I'm granin', baith e'nin' an' mornin'.
'Cause why? I'm in love, and I darena e'en try,
 For fear 'o her floutin' an' scornin'.
She 's a jewel of a kimmer—as straight as an ash;
 But I fear I maun jump o'er a craigie;
For in spite o' my love, an' in spite o' my cash,
 I'm nae favorite wi' Katie Carnegie!

Gudewife! bring a bicker, I'll slocken my drouth—
 That ale was na spoilt i' the brewin'.
Heartbroken and wae in the hours o' my youth—
 Love—true love—has been my undoin'!
And why should Kate care for a gomach like me?
 I've glour'd at her aft wi' a gleg e'e,
But though I'm in love—though I fear I maun dee—
 I ne'er spoke o't to Katie Carnegie.

Gi'e's a wacht o' the ale—she's the queen o' the Strath—
 And what is to hinder me tryin'?
The hard-hearted kimmer! she cou'dna weel laugh
 An' jeer at a man who is dyin'!
Just ae ither stoup!—what the deil makes me sad?
 Gae, laddie, and saddle my naigie;
And if ony one speer where I'm till on the yaud,
 I'm awa' to the court Katie Carnegie!