Sae merry as we ha'e been

A lass that was laden with care,

Sat heavily under yon thorn;

I listened a while for to hear,

When thus she began for to mourn:

"Whene'er my dear shepherd was here,

"The birds did melodiously sing;

"Andcold nipping winter did wear

"A face that resembled the spring.

"Sae merry as we twa ha'e been;

"My heart it is like for to break,

"When I think on the days we ha'e seen.

But now he is far from my sight,

"Perhaps a deceiver may prove,

"Which makes me lament day and night

"That ever I granted my love.

"At eve, when the rest of the folk

"Are merrily seated to spin,

"I set myself under an oak,

"And heavily sigh for him.

"Sae merry as we twa ha'e been;

"My heart it is like for to break,

"When I think on the days we ha'e seen."