Robert Burns (1759-1796)

Tam Glen

    My heart is a-breaking, dear Tittie,
        Some counsel unto me come len';
    To anger them a' is a pity,
        But what will I do wi' Tam Glen?

    I'm thinking, wi' sic a braw fellow,
        In poortith I might mak a fen':
    What care I in riches to wallow,
        If I mauna marry Tam Glen?

    There's Lowrie, the laird o' Dumeller,
        "Guid-day to you,"--brute! he comes ben:
    He brags and he blaws o' his siller,
        But when will he dance like Tam Glen?

    My minnie does constantly deave me,
       And bids me beware o' young men;
    They flatter, she says, to deceive me;
       But wha can think sae o' Tam Glen?

    My daddie says, gin I'll forsake him,
       He'll gie me guid hunder marks ten:
    But, if it's ordain'd I maun take him,
       O wha will I get but Tam Glen?

    Yestreen at the valentines' dealing,
       My heart to my mou gied a sten:
    For thrice I drew ane without failing,
       And thrice it was written, "Tam Glen"!

    The last Halloween I was waukin
       My droukit sark-sleeve, as ye ken:
    His likeness cam up the house staukin,
       And the very gray breeks o' Tam Glen!

    Come counsel, dear Tittie, don't tarry;
       I'll gie ye my bonie black hen,
    Gif ye will advise me to marry
       The lad I lo'e dearly, Tam Glen.