The Poetical Works of William Motherwell/Song ("O licht…")

by William Motherwell

For works with similar titles, see Song.

Song.

 

O licht, licht was maid Ellen's fit—
It left nae print behind,
Until a belted Knicht she saw
Adown the valley wind!

And winsome was maid Ellen's cheek,
As is the rose on brier,
Till halted at her father's yett
A lordly cavalier.

And merrie, meme was her sang,
Till he knelt at her bouir—
As lark's rejoicin' in the sun,
Her princely paramour.

But dull, dull now is Ellen's eye,
And wan, wan is her cheek,
And slow an' heavy is her fit
That lonesome paths would seek:

And never sang does Ellen sing
Amang the flowers sae bricht,
Since last she saw the dancin' plume
Of that foresworne Knicht!