There was a bonny Lassie once

There was a bonny Lassie once Sitting by a well— But what this bonny Lassie thought I cannot, cannot tell— When by there went a cavalier Well known as Willie Wright, Just in full marching order, His armour shining bright.

"Ah maiden, lovely maiden, why Sits thou by the spring? Dost thou seek a lover, with A golden wedding ring? Or wherefore dost thou gaze on me, With eyes so bright and wide? Or wherefore does that pitcher lay Broken by thy side?"

"My pitcher it is broken, sir, And this the reason is, A villian came behind me, An' he tried to steal a kiss. I could na take his nonsense, So ne'er a word I spoke, But hit him with my pitcher, And thus you see 'tis broke."

"My uncle Jock McNeil, ye ken Now waits for me to come; He canna mak his Crowdy, Till t'watter it goes home. I canna tak him watter, And that I ken full weel, And so I'm sure to catch it,— For he'll play the varry de'il."

"Ah maiden, lovely maiden, I pray be ruled by me; Smile with thine eyes and ruby lips, And give me kisses three. And we'll suppose my helmet is A pitcher made o' steel, And we'll carry home some watter To thy uncle Jock McNeil."

She silently consented, for She blink'd her bonny ee, I threw mi arms around her, And gave her kisses three. To wrong the bonny Lassie I sware 'twould be a sin; So knelt dahn by the watter To dip mi helmet in.

Out spake this bonny Lassie, "My soldier lad, forbear, I wadna spoil thi bonny plume That decks thi raven hair; Come buckle up thy sword again, Put on thi cap o' steel, I carena for my pitcher, nor My uncle Jock McNeil."

I often think, my comrades, About this Northern queen, And fancy that I see her smile, Though mountains lay between. But should you meet her Uncle Jock, I hope you'll never tell How I squared the broken pitcher, With the Lassie at the well.