LIFE OF BURNS

Cauld frosty morning

Twas past one o'clock in a cold frosty morning,
As I lay a musing most pleasantlie,
I heard the town clock give its usual warning,
Which I had intended should waken me.
Then I arose, resolving that I would go
Visit a friend who oftimes had call’d me, o,
To see whether she would prove kind to me or no;
This was the reason that wakened me.
Machline, Aug: 1788.

'TWAS past ane o'clock in a cauld frosty morning,
When cankert November blaws over the plain,
I heard the kirk-bell repeat the loud warning,
As, restless, I sought for sweet slumber in vain:
Then up I arose, the silver moon shining bright;
Mountains and valleys appearing all hoary white;
Forth I would go, amid the pale, silent night,
To visit the Fair One, the cause of my pain.---

Sae gently I staw to my lovely Maid's chamber,
And rapp'd at her window, low down on my knee;
Begging that she would awauk from sweet slumber,
Awauk from sweet slumber and pity me:
For, that a stranger to a' pleasure, peace and rest,
Love into madness had fired my tortur'd breast,
And that I should be of a' men the maist unblest,
Unless she would pity my sad miserie!

My True-love arose and whispered to me,
(The moon looked in and envy'd my Love's charms;)
' An innocent Maiden, ah, would you undo me!'
I made no reply, but leapt into her arms:
Bright Phoebus peep'd over the hills and found me there;
As he has done, now, seven lang years and mair:
A faithfuller, constanter, kinder, more loving Pair,
His sweet-chearing beam nor enlightens nor warms.

On a bank of Flowers

ON a bank of flowers in a summer day,
For summer lightly drest,
The youthful blooming Nelly lay,
With love and sleep opprest.
When Willie wand'ring thro' the wood,
Who for her favour oft had su’d;
He gaz'd, he wish'd, he fear'd, he blush'd,
And trembled where he stood.

Her closed eyes like weapons sheath'd
Were seal'd in soft repose;
Her lip, still as she fragrant breath'd
It richer dy’d the rose;
The springing lilies sweetly prest,
Wild wanton kiss’d her rival breast;
He gaz'd, he wish'd, he fear'd, he blush'd,
His bosom ill at rest.

Her robes light waving in the breeze,
Her tender limbs embrace;
Her lovely form, her native ease,
All harmony and grace:
Tumultuous tides his pulses roll,
A faltering, ardent kiss he stole;
He gaz'd, he wish'd, he fear'd, he blush'd,
And sigh'd his very soul.

As flies the partridge from the brake
On fear-inspired wings,
So Nelly starting, half-awake,
Away affrighted springs:
But Willie follow'd------as he should,
He overtook her in the wood;
He vow'd, he pray'd, he found the maid
Forgiving all and good