The Book of Scottish Song/The Lass o' Arranteenie
The Lass o’ Arranteenie.
[Tannahill.—Music by R. A. Smith.—Arranteenie or Ardentinny is beautifully situated on the banks of Loch Long. The song was written by Tannahili from hearing a friend describe with rapture a young woman whom he had accidentally met there, in a Highland excursion.]
Far lone amang the Highland hills,
Midst nature's wildest grandeur,
By rocky dens and woody glens,
With weary steps I wander.
The langsome way, the darksome day,
The mountain mist sae rainy,
Are naught to me, when gaun to thee,
Sweet lass o' Arranteenie.
Yon mossy rose-bud down the howe,
Just opening fresh and bonny,
It blinks beneath the hazel bough,
And's scarcely seen by ony.
Sae sweet amidst her native hills,
Obscurely blooms my Jeanie,
Mair fair and gay than rosy May,
The flower o' Arranteenie. >
Now from the mountain's lofty brow,
I view the distant ocean,
There avarice guides the bounding prow,
Ambition courts promotion.
Let fortune pour her golden store,
Her laurell'd favours many,
Give me but this, my soul's first wish,
The lass o' Arranteenie.