Ilk rules within her foothy hame,

Like leddy in her ha’.

Ilk yearns to guide her ain gudeman

Wi’ love that downa fail;—

They irr the wale o’ woman-kind—

The wives o’ Annandale!

The farmers’ wives o’ Annandale!

I’ve kent their gates fu’ lang;

They’re worthy weel the wine cup’s grace—

Weel worthy o’ a sang.