The Book of Scottish Song/Loudon's bonnie woods
Loudon's bonnie woods.
[Written by Robert Tannhill, and set to music by R. A. Smith. Loudon castle, in Ayrshire, with its luxuriant woods, is the locality here celebrated, and the song was composed early in the present century, in 1805 or somewhat later, when the earl of Moira, afterwards marquis of Hastings, was commander-in-chief of the forces in Scotland, and universal preparations were making for active service abroad. His lordship was married in 1804 to Flora Muir Campbell, in her own right. Countess of Loudon—and the song is supposed to depict the parting of the soldier and his young bride. Nothing could exceed its popularity during many years of the war, and it is still a favourite. In 1816, while Governor-General of India, the earl of Moira was created marquis of Hastings: he returned to England in 1823 or 23, and visited Loudon castle, but died at Malta in 1824, of which place had been appointed governor. The late unfortunate Flora Hastings was I daughter of this nobleman.]
Loudon's bonnie woods and braes,
I maun leave them a', lassie;
Wha, can thole when Britain's faes
Would gi'e to Britons law, lassie?
Wha would shun the field o' danger?
Wha to fame would live a stranger?
Now when Freedom bids avenge her,
Wha would shun her ca', lassie?
Loudon's bonnie woods and braes,
Ha'e seen our happy bridal days,
And gentle hope shall soothe thy waes,
When I am far awa', lassie.
Hark! the swelling bugle rings,
Yielding joy to thee, laddie;
But the dolefu' bugle brings
Wacfu' thochts to me, laddie.
Lanely I may climb the mountain,
Lanely stray beside the fountain,
Still the weary moments counting,
Far frae love and thee, laddie.
Ower ths gory fields o' war,
Where Vengeance drives his crimson car,
Thou'lt maybe fa', frae me afar,
And nane to close thy e'e, laddie.
Oh, resume thy wonted smile,
Oh, suppress thy fears, lassie;
Glorious honour crowns the toil
That the soldier shares, lassie:
Heaven will shield thy faithful lover,
Till the vengeful strife is over;
Then we'll meet, nae mair to sever,
Till the day we dee, lassie:
Midst our bonnie woods and braes,
We'll spend our peaceful happy days,
As blythe's yon lichtsome lamb that plays
On Loudon's flowery lea, lassie.