Oh, what is this that racks my breast,
And fleys my peace o' mind awa',
An' maks me tyne my nightly rest,
An' weary for the mornin' daw?
I daunder doun the dowie glen,
I linger on the lanely lee,
An' in some dark an' eerie den
I fain wad lay me doun to dee.

I heave nae sigh, I mak nae mane,
I let nae tear bedim my ee,
But mix wi' follies light an' vain,
To wyle awa' my misery.
Few ken the hearts they meet wi' here,
Few trow there's grief they canna see,
An' e'en the maid I lo'e sae dear,
Shall never guess the dool I dree.

'Tis hopeless love an' sad despair,
Cast by the glamour o' thine ee,
That cluds my waukrife dreams wi' care,
And maks the daylight dark to me.
I canna hope nor ask for mair
Than ae wee pearly tear frae thee;
An' gin thy een hae ane to spare,
In pity let it fa' for me.