The Book of Scottish Song/The Banks of Forth

The Banks of Forth.

[The tune called "The Banks of Forth" was composed by Oswald, and published in 1741. We cannot say whether the following song, which appears in Herd's collection, 1776, is the original one to which the air was adapted or not. Its author is unknown. In the same collection (Herd's) is another song to the same tune, beginning,

"Ye sylvan powers that rule the plain,
⁠Where sweetly winding Fortha glides,
Conduct me to these banks again,
⁠Since there my charming Molly bides."

But it is unnecessary to quote it, as it has nothing particularly to recommend it, and it is long.]

Awake, my love! with genial ray,
The sun returning glads the day.
Awake! the balmy zephyr blows,
The hawthorn blooms, the daisy glows,
The trees regain their verdant pride,
The turtle woos his tender bride;
To love each warbler tunes the song,
And Forth in dimples glides along.

Oh, more than blooming daisies fair!
More fragrant than the vernal air!
More gentle than the turtle dove,
Or streams that murmur through the grove!
Bethink thee all is on the wing,
These pleasures wait on wasting spring;
Then come, the transient bliss enjoy,
Nor fear what fleets so fast will cloy.

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