Wi’ braw new branks in mickle pride,And eke a braw new brechan,My Pegasus I’m got astride,And up Parnassus pechin;Whiles owre a bush wi’ donwward crush,The doited beastie stammers;Then up he gets, and off he sets,For sake o’ Willie Chalmers.8
I doubt na, lass, that weel ken’d nameMay cost a pair o’ blushes;I am nae stranger to your fame,Nor his warm urged wishes.Your bonie face sae mild and sweet,His honest heart enamours,And faith ye’ll no be lost a whit,Tho’ wair’d on Willie Chalmers.16
Auld Truth hersel’ might swear yer’e fair,And Honour safely back her;And Modesty assume your air,And ne’er a ane mistak her:And sic twa love-inspiring eenMight fire even holy palmers;Nae wonder then they’ve fatal beenTo honest Willie Chalmers.24
I doubt na fortune may you shoreSome mim-mou’d pouther’d priestie,Fu’ lifted up wi’ Hebrew lore,And band upon his breastie:But oh! what signifies to youHis lexicons and grammars;The feeling heart’s the royal blue,And that’s wi’ Willie Chalmers.32
Some gapin’, glowrin’ countra lairdMay warsle for your favour;May claw his lug, and straik his beard,And hoast up some palaver:My bonie maid, before ye wedSic clumsy-witted hammers,Seek Heaven for help, and barefit skelpAwa wi’ Willie Chalmers.40
Forgive the Bard! my fond regardFor ane that shares my bosom,Inspires my Muse to gie ’m his duesFor deil a hair I roose him.May powers aboon unite you soon,And fructify your amours,—And every year come in mair dearTo you and Willie Chalmers.48