The Wren’s Nest
The wren scho lyes in care’s bed, In care’s bed, in care’s bed; The wren scho lyes in care’s bed, Wi’ meikle dule and pyne, O.
When in cam’ Robin Redbreist, Redbreist, Redbreist; When in cam’ Robin Redbreist, Wi’ succar-saps and wine, O.
Now, maiden, will ye taste o’ this, Taste o’ this, taste o’ this; Now, maiden, will ye taste o’ this, It’s succar saps and wine, O?
Na, ne’er a drap, Robin, Robin, Robin: Na, ne’er a drap, Robin, Though it were ne’er sae fine, O.
And where’s the ring that I gied ye, That I gied ye, that I gied ye: And where’s the ring that I gied ye, Ye little cutty-quean, O?
I gied it till an ox-ee, An ox-ee, an ox-ee; I gied it till an ox-ee, A true sweetheart o’ mine, O.
We began with the robin in this, I hope, not wearisome but entertaining Melange of child-songs. We have never, indeed, got at any time far away from the lively and interesting little fellow; and, that being so, perhaps no item could more fittingly close the series than the very old song of