CHLORIS.
Tune—“Caledonian Hunt’s Delight.”
[“I am at present,” says Burns to Thomson, when he communicated these verses, “quite occupied with the charming sensations of the toothache, so have not a word to spare—such is the peculiarity of the rhythm of this air, that I find it impossible to make another stanza to suit it.” This is the last of his strains in honour of Chloris.]
I.
Why, why tell thy lover,
Bliss he never must enjoy:
Why, why undeceive him,
And give all his hopes the lie?
II.
O why, while fancy raptured, slumbers,
Chloris, Chloris all the theme,
Why, why wouldst thou, cruel,
Wake thy lover from his dream?