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The Book of Scottish Song/October Winds

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2269646The Book of Scottish Song — October Winds1843Alexander Whitelaw

October Winds.

[The author of this song was James Scadlock, a native of the banks of the Levern in Renfrewshire, and by profession a copper-plate engraver. He was an intimate friend of Tannahill's. After his death, which took place in 1818, a small volume of his poems was printed for the benefit of his family.—Air, "O my love's bonnie."]

October winds, wi' biting breath,
Now nip the leaves that's yellow fading;
Nae gowans glint upon the green,
Alas! they're co'er'd wi' winter's cleading.
As through the woods I musing gang,
Nae birdies cheer me frae the bushes,
Save little Robin's lanely sang,
Wild warbling where the burnie gushes.

The sun is jogging down the brae,
Dimly through the mist he's shining,
And cranreugh hoar creeps o'er the grass,
As day resigns his throne to e'ening.
Oft let me walk at twilight grey,
To view the face of dying nature,
Till spring again wi' mantle green,
Delights the heart o' ilka creature.