Scotish Comic Ballads XXXIII

Oh how could I venture to luve ane like thee, And you not despise a poor conquest like me? On lords, thy admirers, could look wi disdain, And knew I was naething yet pitied my pain? You said, while they teas'd you with nonsense and dress, When real the passion the vanity's less. You saw thro' that silence which others despise, And while beaus were a-tauking read luve in my eyes.

O how I shall fauld thee and kiss a thy charms, Till fainting wi pleasure I die in your arms, Thro' all the wild transports of extacy tost, Till sinking together together we're lost! O where is the maid that like thee ne'er can cloy, Whose wit does enliven each dull pause of joy, And when the short raptures are all at an end, From beautiful mistress turns sensible friend?

In vain do I praise thee, or strive to reveal, (Too nice for expression) what only we feel: In a that ye do, in each look and each mien, The graces in waiting adorn you unseen. When I see you I luve you, when hearing adore; I wonder and think you a woman no more: Till mad wi admiring I canna contain, And kissing your lips you turn woman again.

With thee in my bosom how can I despair? I'll gaze on thy beauties and look awa care; I'll ask thy advice when with troubles opprest, Which never displeases but always is best. In all that I write I'll thy judgment require, Thy wit shall correct what thy charms did inspire. I'll kiss thee and press thee till youth is all o'er; And then live in friendship when passion's no more.