====== Banks of the Dee ======

by John Tait

'Twas summer, and softly the breezes were blowing, 
And sweetly the nightingale sang from the tree. 
At the foot of a hill, where the river was flowing 
I sat myself down on the banks of the Dee. 
Flow on, lovely Dee, flow on thou sweet river 
Thy banks, purest stream shall be dear to me ever; 
For there I first gained the affection and favor 
Of Jamie, the glory and pride of the Dee.

But now he has gone from me and left me thus mourning 
To quell the proud rebels, for valiant is he; 
But ah! There's no hope of his speedy returning 
To wander again on the banks of the Dee. 
He's gone, hapless youth, o'er the rude roaring billows, 
The kindest, the sweetest, of all his brave fellows 
And left me to stray 'mongst these once loved willows 
The loneliest lass on the banks of the Dee.

But time and my prayers may perhaps yet restore him 
Blest peace may restore my dear lover to me. 
And when he returns, with such care I'll watch o'er him 
He never shall leave the sweet banks of the Dee. 
The Dee will then flow, all its beauty displaying 
The lambs on its banks will again be seen playing 
Whilst I, with my Jamie, am carelessly straying 
And tasting again all the sweets of the Dee.