The Book of Scottish Song/The bonnie Redesdale Lassie

The bonnie Redesdale Lassie.

[Robert White of Newcastle.—Here printed for the first time.]

The breath o' spring is gratefu',
⁠As mild it sweeps alang,
Awaukening bud an' blossom
⁠The broomy braes amang;
And wafting notes o' gladness
⁠Fra ilka bower and tree;
Yet the bonnie Redesdale lassie
⁠Is sweeter still to me!

How bright is summer's beauty!
⁠When, smilin' far an' near,
The wildest spots o' nature
⁠Their gayest livery wear:
And yellow-cups, an' daisies
⁠Are spread on ilka lea;
But the bonnie Redesdale lassie
⁠Mair charming is to me.

O! sweet is mellow autumn!
⁠When, wide owre a' the plain,
Slow waves in rustlin' motion
⁠The heavy-headed grain;
Or in the sunshine glancin',
⁠And rowin' like the sea;
Yet the bonnie Redesdale lassie
⁠Is dearer far to me!

As heaven itsel', her bosom
⁠Is free o' fraud or guile;
What hope o' future pleasure
⁠Is centred in her smile!
I wadna lose for kingdoms
⁠The love-glance o' her e'e;—
O! the bonnie Redesdale lassie
⁠Is life and a' to me!

---