WILLIAM THOM
1798-1848
The Blind Boy’s Pranks
MEN grew sae cauld, maids sae unkind,
Love kentna whaur to stay:
Wi’ fient an arrow, bow, or string—
Wi’ droopin’ heart an’ drizzled wing,
He faught his lonely way.
‘Is there nae mair in Garioch fair
Ae spotless hame for me?
Hae politics an’ corn an’ kye
Ilk bosom stappit? Fie, O fie!
I’ll swithe me o’er the sea.’
He launch’d a leaf o’ jessamine,
On whilk he daur’d to swim,
An’ pillow’d his head on a wee rosebud,
Syne laithfu’, lanely, Love ’gan scud
Down Ury’s waefu’ stream.
655. kentna] knew not. wi’ fient an arrow] i. q. with deuce an arrow. swithe] hie quickly. laithfu’] regretful.
THE birds sang bonnie as Love drew near,
But dowie when he gaed by;
Till lull’d wi’ the sough o’ monie a sang,
He sleepit fu’ soun’ and sail’d alang
’Neath Heaven’s gowden sky.