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Young Peggy
TUNE: Loch Errochside

 

Burns Original

Standard English Translation

 

1.
Young Peggy blooms our boniest lass:
Her blush is like the morning,
The rosy dawn the springing grass
With early gems adorning;
Her eyes outshine the radiant beams
That gild the passing shower,
And glitter o'er the crystal streams,
And cheer each fresh'ning flower.
2.
Her lips, more than the cherries bright -
A richer dye has graced them -
They charm the admiring gazer's sight,
And sweetly tempt to taste them.
Her smile is as the evening mild,
When feather'd pairs are courting,
And little lambkins wanton wild,
In playful bands disporting.
3.
Where Fortune lovely Peggy's foe,
Such sweetness would relent her:
As blooming Spring unbends the brow
Of surly, savage Winter.
Detraction's eye no aim can gain
Her winning powers to lessen,
And fretful Envy grins in vain
The poison'd tooth to fasten.
4.
Ye Pow'rs of Honour, Love, and Truth,
From ev'ry ill defend her!
Inspire the highly-favour'd youth
The destinies intend her!
Still fan the sweet connubial flame
Responsive in each bosom,
And bless the dear parental name
With many a filial blossom!

 


Young Peggy blooms our loveliest girl:
Her blush is like the morning,
The rosy dawn the springing grass
With early gems adorning;
Her eyes outshine the radiant beams
That gild the passing shower,
And glitter over the crystal streams,
And cheer each freshening flower.

Her lips, more than the cherries bright -
A richer dye has graced them -
They charm the admiring gazer's sight,
And sweetly tempt to taste them.
Her smile is as the evening mild,
When feathered pairs are courting,
And little lambs wanton wild,
In playful bands disporting.

Where Fortune lovely Peggy's foe,
Such sweetness would relent her:
As blooming Spring unbends the brow
Of surly, savage Winter.
Detraction's eye no aim can gain
Her winning powers to lessen,
And fretful Envy grins in vain
The poisoned tooth to fasten.

You Powers of Honour, Love, and Truth,
From every ill defend her!
Inspire the highly-favoured youth
The destinies intend her!
Still fan the sweet connubial flame
Responsive in each bosom,
And bless the dear parental name
With many a filial blossom!

 

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