6
is a mortal vext like me!
A night lang he rowt and gauntet,
sleep or rest he could na tak;
Maggy aft wi horror hauntet,
m⟨um’lan⟩, startet at his back.
Soon as e’er the morning peepet,
up gat Watty waefu chiel.
Kist his weans while they sleepit,
waukens Meg, and sought fareweel.
Fareweel Meg!—and O!—may heaven
keep you aye within his care;
Watty’s heart ye’ve lang been greevin,
now he’ll never fash you mair.
Happy could I been beside you,
happy baith at morn and een:
A the ⟨ills⟩ did e’er betide you,
Watty aye turned out your frien’.
But ye ever fike to see me,
vext and sighan late and air;
Fareweel Mag! I’ve sworn to lea thee,
so thou’ll never see me mair,
Meg a sabban sae to lose him,
sic a change had never wist;
Held his haun close to her bosom,
while her heart was like to burst.
O my Watty will ye lea me,
friendless, helpless to despair!
O! for this ae time forgie me:
never will I vex you mair.
