The Poetry Corner

The Highland Widow's Lament.

By Robert Burns

I. Oh! I am come to the low countrie, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Without a penny in my purse, To buy a meal to me. II. It was na sae in the Highland hills, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Nae woman in the country wide Sae happy was as me. III. For then I had a score o' kye, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Feeding on yon hills so high, And giving milk to me. IV. And there I had three score o' yowes, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Skipping on yon bonnie knowes, And casting woo' to me. V. I was the happiest of a' the clan, Sair, sair, may I repine; For Donald was the brawest lad, And Donald he was mine. VI. Till Charlie Stewart cam' at last, Sae far to set us free; My Donald's arm was wanted then, For Scotland and for me. VII. Their waefu' fate what need I tell, Right to the wrang did yield: My Donald and his country fell Upon Culloden's field. VIII. Oh! I am come to the low countrie, Och-on, och-on, och-rie! Nae woman in the world wide Sae wretched now as me.