Horace in Scots

Hairry

“When Leebie lo’ed me ower them a’,
An’ deil a dearer daured to fling
An airm aboot her neck o’ snaw,
I struttit crouser than the king.”

LEEBIE

“When I was Hairry’s only care,
Afore he lo’ed me less than Jean,
Wha spak’ o’ love at kirk or fail—
Set Leebie aye aboon the queen.”

HAIRRY

“Noo Hielan’ Jean has witched me sae,
She harps an’ sings wi’ siccan skill,
Cauld Death can streek me on the strae
Gin he but spare my marrow still.”

LEEBIE

“For Colin dear, my heart’s alowe
As his for me, Glen Nochty’s heir,
Fate twice at me may shak’ his pow
Gin he will still my laddie spare.”

HAIRRY

“Gin tinker Love wi’ clinks o’ brass
Bind baith oor hearts, an’ I forget
Red-headit Jean, an’ you my lass—
Lang left—again see wide the yett?”

LEEBIE

“Tho’ steady as a starn is he,
An’ you’re like bobbin’ cork, it’s true,
Wi’ temper grumlie as the sea,
I’d love an’ live an’ dee wi’ you.”