The Poetry Corner

I Hae Laid A Herring In Saut

By James Tytler

I hae laid a herring in saut, Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now; I hae brew'd a forpit o' maut, And I canna come ilka day to woo: I hae a calf that will soon be a cow, Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now; I hae a stook, and I'll soon hae a mowe, And I canna come ilka day to woo: I hae a house upon yon moor, Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now; Three sparrows may dance upon the floor, And I canna come ilka day to woo: I hae a but, and I hae a ben, Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now; A penny to keep, and a penny to spen', And I canna come ilka day to woo: I hae a hen wi' a happitie leg, Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now; That ilka day lays me an egg, And I canna come ilka day to woo: I hae a cheese upon my skelf, Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now; And soon wi' mites 'twill rin itself, And I canna come ilka day to woo.