Maggie Lauder

What wouldn’t it be in love
With bonnie Maggie Lauder?
A piper met her goin’ to Fife
And speaked what people called her
Right scornfully she answered him
“Begone you howlin’ shaker!
Jog on your way, you blatherskate!
My name is Maggie Lauder.”

“Maggie,” call he, “And by my bags
I’m fidgin’ feign to see thee
“Sit down by me, my bonnie bird
And drawn, I wouldn’t austere thee;
“For I’m a piper to my trade:
My name is Rob the Ranter
“The lassies lept as they were daft
When I blow up my chanter.”

“Piper,” call Meg, “have you your bags
For is your drone in order?
“If you be Rob, I’ve heard of you
You live upon the border
“The lassies all, both far and near
Have heard of Rob the Ranter
“I’ll shake my foot with right good will
If you’ll blow up your chanter!”

Then to his bags he flew with speed;
About the drone he twisted
Meg up and walloped o’er the green;
For brawley could she frisk it!
“Well done!” quo he. “Play up!” said she
“Well bobbed!” said Rob the Ranter
“‘Tis worth my while to play, indeed
When I have such a dancer!”

“Well have you played your part,” call Meg
“Your cheeks are like the crimson
“There’s ne’er in Scotland plays so well
Since we lost Habbie Simpson
“I’ve lived in Fife, both maid and wife
This ten years and a quarter
“If you should come to Anster fair
Speak ’ere for Maggie Lauder!”

















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