CANST THOU LEAVE ME THUS.
Tune—“Roy’s Wife.”
[When Burns transcribed the following song for Thomson, on the 20th of November, 1794, he added, “Well! I think this, to be done in two or three turns across my room, and with two or three pinches of Irish blackguard, is not so far amiss. You see I am resolved to have my quantum of applause from somebody.” The poet in this song complains of the coldness of Mrs. Riddel: the lady replied in a strain equally tender and forgiving.]
I.
Canst thou leave me thus, my Katy?
Canst thou leave me thus, my Katy?
Well thou know’st my aching heart—
And canst thou leave me thus for pity?
In this thy plighted, fond regard,
Thus cruelly to part, my Katy?
Is this thy faithful swain’s reward—
An aching, broken heart, my Katy!
II.
Farewell! and ne’er such sorrows tear
That fickle heart of thine, my Katy!
Thou may’st find those will love thee dear—
But not a love like mine, my Katy!
Canst thou leave me thus, my Katy?
Canst thou leave me thus, my Katy?
Well thou know’st my aching heart—
And canst thou leave me thus for pity?