312. If Doughty Deeds

Robert Graham of Gartmore (1735—1797)

  IF doughty deeds my lady please

  Right soon I’ll mount my steed;

  And strong his arm, and fast his seat

  That bears frae me the meed.

  I’ll wear thy colours in my cap,

  Thy picture in my heart;

  And he that bends not to thine eye

  Shall rue it to his smart!

  Then tell me how to woo thee, Love;

  O tell me how to woo thee!

  For thy dear sake, nae care I’ll take

  Tho’ ne’er another trow me.

  If gay attire delight thine eye

  I’ll dight me in array;

  I’ll tend thy chamber door all night,

  And squire thee all the day.

  If sweetest sounds can win thine ear,

  These sounds I’ll strive to catch;

  Thy voice I’ll steal to woo thysell,

  That voice that nane can match.

  But if fond love thy heart can gain,

  I never broke a vow;

  Nae maiden lays her skaith to me,

  I never loved but you.

  For you alone I ride the ring,

  For you I wear the blue;

  For you alone I strive to sing,

  O tell me how to woo!

  Then tell me how to woo thee, Love;

  O tell me how to woo thee!

  For thy dear sake, nae care I’ll take,

  Tho’ ne’er another trow me.