THE NIGHT VISITING SONG

I must away now I can no longer tarry.
This morning's tempest I have to cross.
I must be guided without a stumble
Into the arms I love the most.

Well when he came to his truelove's dwelling.
He knelt down gently upon a stone.
And through the window he whispered slowly.
'Is my true lover within at home?'

She's lifted her head from off her down white pillow.
She's lifted the blankets from off her breast,
And through the window she's whispered slowly.
'Who's that disturbing me at my night's rest?'

'Wake up. wake up, love, it is your own true lover,
Wake up, wake up. love, and let me in.
For I am wet, love, and also weary.
Yes I am wet,love, into my skin.'

She's raised her up with the greatest of pleasure.
She's raised her up to let him in.
And they were locked in each other's arms
Until the long night was passed and gone.

And when that long night was passed and over.
And when the smoke clouds began to grow,
He's ta'en her hand, aye, they've kissed and parted,
He's saddled and mounted and away did go.^^^


source: Ray Fisher's CD, Traditional Songs of Scotland (Saydisc, 1991)

Fisher's notes: Night-visiting was regarded widely as an acceptable practice in the courtship ritual. There are many songs that fall within the category known in Scotland as 'bundling songs' - this one is decidedly polite.

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The two versions in this thread are very similar to what's in the Digial Tradition, so I'm going to pass them up for harvesting and mark them ^^^

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(click here to search for various Night Visiting Songs).