The Book of Scottish Song/Ower Bogie

Ower Bogie.

["Ower Bogie" is a term applied to irregular or runaway marriages. The tune so called is a fine old one, but used to be sung to very indifferent words. The following is Ramsay's version. The first four lines are all that belong to the original song.]

I will awa' wi' my love,
⁠I will awa' wi' her,
Though a' my kin had sworn and said,
⁠I'll ower bogie wi' her.
If I can get but her consent,
⁠I dinna care a strae;
Though ilka ane be discontent,
⁠Awa' wi' her I'll gae.

For now she's mistress o' my heart,
⁠And wordy o' my hand;
And, weel I wat, we shanna part
⁠For siller or for land.
Let rakes delight to swear and drink,
⁠And beaux admire fine lace;
But my chief pleasure is to blink
⁠On Betty's bonnie face.

There a' the beauties do combine,
⁠Of colour, treats, and air;
The saul that sparkles in her een
⁠Makes her a jewel rare;
Her flowin' wit gives shining life
⁠To a' her other charms;
How blest I'll be when she's my wife,
⁠And lock'd up in my arms!

There blythely will I rant and sing,
⁠While o'er her sweets I'll range;
I'll cry, Your humble servant, king,
⁠Shame fa' them that wad change,
A kiss of Betty and a smile,
⁠A'beit ye wad lay down
The right ye ha'e to Britain's Isle,
⁠And offer me your crown.

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