song—here's to thy health

  tune—“laggan burn.”

  here's to thy health, my bonie lass,

  gude nicht and joy be wi' thee;

  i'lle nae mair to thy bower-door,

  to tell thee that i lo'e thee.

  o dinna think, my pretty pink,

  but i can live without thee:

  i vow and swear i dinna care,

  how lang ye look about ye.

  thou'rt aye sae free informing me,

  thou hast nae mind to marry;

  i'll be as free informing thee,

  nae time hae i to tarry:

  i ken thy frien's try ilka means

  frae wedlock to delay thee;

  depending on some higher chance,

  but fortune may betray thee.

  i ken they scorn my low estate,

  but that does never grieve me;

  for i'm as free as any he;

  sma' siller will relieve me.

  i'll count my health my greatest wealth,

  sae lang as i'll enjoy it;

  i'll fear nae scant, i'll bode nae want,

  as lang's i get employment.

  but far off fowls hae feathers fair,

  and, aye until ye try them,

  tho' they seem fair, still have a care;

  they may prove waur than i am.

  but at twal' at night, when the moon shines bright,

  my dear, i'lle and see thee;

  for the man that loves his mistress weel,

  nae travel makes him weary.