The Book of Scottish Song/The Linnet

by Robert Allan

The Linnet.

[Robert Allan of Kilbarchan.— Air, "M'Gilchrist's Lament."]

Chaunt no more thy roundelay,
Lovely minstrel of the grove;
Charm no more the hours away
With thy artless tale of love.
Chaunt no more thy roundelay.
Sad it steals upon mine ear;
Leave, O leave thy leafy spray,
Till the smiling morn appear.

Light of heart, thou quit'st thy song,
As the welkin's shadows lour,
Whilst the beetle wheels along,
Humming to the twilight hour.
Not like thee, I quit the scene
To enjoy night's balmy dream;
Not like thee, I wake again,
Smiling with the morning beam.

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