Classic Poem

Many a vicissitude may overtake the men folk,
and haply they will fall in love with one they cannot win;
I devoted twenty years to her I first espoused,
yet she forsook me later, and I had nothing.

So I came to Edinburgh looking for a sweetheart;
and Captain Campbell, of the Town Guard, mentioned
that he knew of a widow in some secret place,
and would take steps to introduce her to me.

He acted, as usual, up to the promise given;
he gave her to me by the hand, and the wages with her;
and no matter who asks her name or pedigree,
Janet they call her, and George was her grandsire.

Docile and gentle is she, without frown or sadness,
and as high in dignity as any dame in the land;
she is my means of maintenance, being my companion;
he who fails to get her has great cause for dolour.

I gave up Coiseam's daughter though she is still living,
and I let the antlered stags take the course they fancied;
I favoured the young woman, nor do I regret it:
I am not without resources since I wedded the lady.

I will pledge my word that she is excellent,
and that I have never noted a hidden fault in her;
rather is she handsome, graceful, straight and healthy,
without disease or blemish, wryness or distortion.

She will be carried by me, and well she deserves it;
I myself will polish her well and clean her;
I would apply the oil to her to keep her comely,
I bring her to the aim, and she will not reject the spark.

While needy men are short of means, George's daughter
would not allow my pocket to be empty;
she will provide me with drink in the ale-houses,
and pay for every flagon that I purchase.

She serves me at every turn just as I would have it;
she tells me no untruth nor erroneous story;
she will support my household as well as I could wish,
though I do not toil nor engage in grimy labour.

I grew tired of labour though I had gained no riches;
I vowed I would not deign to be a farm servant;
I will stop harassing myself, since I have discovered
that 'tis the man of leisure that survives the longest.

'Tis my dear little wife that will not disappoint me;
she is all I ever need to make a livelihood;
there will be no deficiency in my clothes or linen,
and worldly care has now vanished from my mind.