Page:Merry Muses of Caledonia.djvu/70

This page has been validated.

(　64　)

AS I CAME O'ER THE CAIRNEY MOUNT.

An old song. A purified version by Burns will be found in Scott Douglas's Kilmarnock edition (Vol. II., p. 29). Burns writes to Thomson (Sept., 1793), "There is a third tune, and what Oswald calls 'The Old Highland Laddie,' which pleases me more than either of them; it is sometimes called 'Jinglin' Johnie,' that being the air of an old humorous bawdy song of that name—you will find it in the Museum." In the Genriddel MS. he says: "The 'Highland Laddie' is an excellent but somewhat licentious song beginning, 'As I cam' o'er the Cairney Mount.'"

As I came o'er the Cairney mount,  And down amang the blooming heather, The Highland laddie drew his dirk  And sheath'd it in my wanton leather.  O my bonnie, bonnie Highland lad,  My handsome, charming Highland laddie;  When I am sick and like to die,  He'll row me in his Highland plaidie. With me he play'd his warlike pranks,  And on me boldly did adventure, He did attack me on both flanks,  And pushed me fiercely in the centre. O my bonnie, &c.  A furious battle then began,  Wi' equal courage and desire, Altho' he struck me three to one,  I stood my ground and receiv'd his fire. O my bonnie, &c.  But our ammunition being spent,  And we quite out o' breath an' sweating, We did agree with ae consent,  To fight it out at the next meeting.   O my bonnie, &c.