Here's to thy health my bonie lass

A Song - Tune, Leader haughs & Yarrow.
This Song may possibly be a contemptible performance
in the scientific eyes of the Literati, but to me and say
it has great merit as the honest effusion of a poetic
though rustic heart.-

Fareweel, fareweel, my bony lass!
Good night and joy be wi' thee.
I'll be no more, at your bow'r door,
A welcome guest to see thee.

Ye ken fu' well, I need na tell,
My thoughts are a' about ye:
Though dinna think, my pretty Pink,
But I can live without ye.

Ye're ay so free assuring me
Ye have no mind to marry;
I'll be as free in telling thee,
No time have I to tarry.

I know your friens use ev'ry means
From marriage to delay thee;
Thinking to advance to some higher chance,
But Fortune may betray thee.

I know they threaten my low estate,
But that does never grieve me;
For I'm as free as any foe,
Small money will relieve me.

I'll count my health my greatest wealth,
While Heav'n shall give enjoyment;
I'll bode no want, I'll fear no scant,
So long's I get employment.

Your far off fowls hae feathers fair,
And ay until you try them:
Though they seem fair, still have a care,
They'll prove as bad as I am.

It is your beauty I admire,
I value not your riches;
Your modestie engages me,
Yout sewwtness me bewitches.

Your modestie's dearer to me
Than a' king Croesus' treasure;
An' th' lad that loves his lassie weel,
He'll wait upon her leisure.

But at twelve at night when the moon shines bright
My Dear I'll come and see thee;
For the lad that loves his lassie weel,
No travel makes him weary.

______________
The foregoing Song is as far as I can recollect,
the composition of ^an illiterate Mill wright, about thirty
or forty years ago, somewhere in Ayr-shire. -