Health

  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'll come 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'll come and see thee;
  for the man that loves his mistress weel,
  nae travel makes him weary.