Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

394 . Song—Braw Lads o’ Gala Water

BRAW, braw lads on Yarrow-braes,

They rove amang the blooming heather;

But Yarrow braes, nor Ettrick shaws

Can match the lads o’ Galla Water.

But there is ane, a secret ane,

Aboon them a’ I loe him better;

And I’ll be his, and he’ll be mine,

The bonie lad o’ Galla Water.

Altho’ his daddie was nae laird,

And tho’ I hae nae meikle tocher,

Yet rich in kindest, truest love,

We’ll tent our flocks by Galla Water.

It ne’er was wealth, it ne’er was wealth,

That coft contentment, peace, or pleasure;

The bands and bliss o’ mutual love,

O that’s the chiefest warld’s treasure.