The Book of Scottish Song/Now spring again

Now spring again.

[This and the following song are from a small volume entitled, "A Pilgrimage to Craigmillar Castle, and other Poems, by James Fraser, Edinburgh, 1817." Mr. Fraser is author of "The Soldier's Grave," given at page 16 of the present collection.]

Now spring again, wi' liesome tread,
⁠'Mang Bernard's bow'rs is seen;
The modest snaw-drap hangs its head,
⁠True emblem o' my Jean.
But though fell winter's reign be ower,
⁠And storms nae mair do blaw,
Yet cauld and cheerless is the bow'r,
⁠If love is far awa'.

The sun shines clearer i' the lift,
⁠The breeze mair gentle sighs,
And glowin' is the sleety drift,
⁠If warm'd by beauty's eyes.
An' O gin love but lead the way,
⁠What cares can e'er befa'?
The sun o' pleasure shines a' day,
⁠If love's no far awa'.

How swift the langest night flees by
⁠When twa fond lovers meet—
An' balmy kiss and breathing sigh
⁠Together mingle sweet.
And oh! how wae ilk ane's to part,
⁠When forc'd at duty's ca';
But dowie, dowie is the heart
⁠Whase love is far awa'.

Then, while our youth is i' the prime,
⁠Let's catch the fleeting hour;
And offer vows at beauty's shriue,
⁠In token o' her pow'r.
An' when auld age upon our pow
⁠Begins to fling his snaw,
We'll welcome him wi' friendly low,
⁠If love's no far awa'.

---