But by the sweet side of the Nith's winding river
Are lovers as faithful and maidens as fair;
To equal young Jessie seek Scotland all over,
To equal young Jessie you seek it in vain;
Grace, beauty and elegance fetter her lover,
And maidenly modesty fixes the chain.
O, fresh is the rose in the gay dewy morning,
And sweet is the lily at evening close;
But in the fair presence o' lovely young Jessie
Unseen is the lily, unheeded the rose.