M’Pherson’s Farewell

Farewell, ye dungeons dark and strong,The wretch’s destinie!M’Pherson’s time will not be longOn yonder gallows-tree.

Chorus

Sae rantingly, sae wantonly,Sae dauntingly gaed he;He play’d a spring, and danc’d it round,Below the gallows-tree.8

O, what is death but parting breath?On many a bloody plainI’ve dared his face, and in this placeI scorn him yet again!

Chorus

Sae rantingly, sae wantonly,Sae dauntingly gaed he;He play’d a spring, and danc’d it round,Below the gallows-tree.16

Untie these bands from off my hands,And bring me to my sword;And there’s no a man in all ScotlandBut I’ll brave him at a word.

Chorus

Sae rantingly, sae wantonly,Sae dauntingly gaed he;He play’d a spring, and danc’d it round,Below the gallows-tree.24

I’ve liv’d a life of sturt and strife;I die by treacherie:It burns my heart I must depart,And not avenged be.

Chorus

Sae rantingly, sae wantonly,Sae dauntingly gaed he;He play’d a spring, and danc’d it round,Below the gallows-tree.32

Now farewell light, thou sunshine bright,And all beneath the sky!May coward shame distain his name,The wretch that dares not die!

Chorus

Sae rantingly, sae wantonly,Sae dauntingly gaed he;He play’d a spring, and danc’d it round,Below the gallows-tree.40