Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 65. Song—Rantin, Rovin Robin |
| | | | | Tune—“Daintie Davie.” |
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| THERE 1 was a lad was born in Kyle, | |
| But whatna day o’ whatna style, | |
| I doubt it’s hardly worth the while | |
| To be sae nice wi’ Robin. | |
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| Chor.—Robin was a rovin’ boy, | 5 |
| Rantin’, rovin’, rantin’, rovin’, | |
| Robin was a rovin’ boy, | |
| Rantin’, rovin’, Robin! | |
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| Our monarch’s hindmost year but ane | |
| Was five-and-twenty days begun, 2 | 10 |
| ’Twas then a blast o’ Janwar’ win’ | |
| Blew hansel in on Robin. | |
| Robin was, &c. | |
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| The gossip keekit in his loof, | |
| Quo’ scho, “Wha lives will see the proof, | 15 |
| This waly boy will be nae coof: | |
| I think we’ll ca’ him Robin.” | |
| Robin was, &c. | |
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| “He’ll hae misfortunes great an’ sma’, | |
| But aye a heart aboon them a’, | 20 |
| He’ll be a credit till us a’— | |
| We’ll a’ be proud o’ Robin.” | |
| Robin was, &c. | |
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| “But sure as three times three mak nine, | |
| I see by ilka score and line, | 25 |
| This chap will dearly like our kin’, | |
| So leeze me on thee! Robin.” | |
| Robin was, &c. | |
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| “Guid faith,” quo’, scho, “I doubt you gar | |
| The bonie lasses lie aspar; | 30 |
| But twenty fauts ye may hae waur | |
| So blessins on thee! Robin.” | |
| Robin was, &c. | |
| | | Note 1. Not published by Burns. [back] |
| Note 2. January 25, 1759, the date of my bardship’s vital existence.—R. B. [back] |
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