Robert Cunninghame-Graham of Gartmore.

1735-1797

483   If Doughty Deeds

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 thysel’,
   That voice that nane can match.
     Then tell me how to woo thee, Love ...

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.