Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
517 . SongO wat ye whas in yon town
Chorus—O wat ye wha’s in yon town,
Ye see the e’enin sun upon,
The dearest maid’s in yon town,
That e’ening sun is shining on.
She wanders by yon spreading tree; How blest ye flowers that round her blaw, Ye catch the glances o’ her e’e! O wat ye wha’s, &c. And welcome in the blooming year; And doubly welcome be the Spring, The season to my Jeanie dear. O wat ye wha’s, &c. Among the broomy braes sae green; But my delight in yon town, And dearest pleasure, is my Jean. O wat ye wha’s, &c. O’ Paradise could yield me joy; But give me Jeanie in my arms And welcome Lapland’s dreary sky! O wat ye wha’s, &c. Tho’ raging Winter rent the air; And she a lovely little flower, That I wad tent and shelter there. O wat ye wha’s, &c. The sinkin, sun’s gane down upon; A fairer than’s in yon town, His setting beam ne’er shone upon. O wat ye wha’s, &c. And suff’ring I am doom’d to bear; I careless quit aught else below, But spare, O spare me Jeanie dear. O wat ye wha’s, &c. Ae thought frae her shall ne’er depart, And she, as fairest is her form, She has the truest, kindest heart. O wat ye wha’s, &c.