The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #8022   Message #143679
Posted By: Philippa
02-Dec-99 - 12:02 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Proud Maisrie/Bonny Maisrie/Lady Margaret
Subject: Lyr Add: PROUD MAISIE (Walter Scott)
I haven't heard this Walter Scott poem (song?) sung, but if the song about the Gardener isn't what you seek, perhaps Proud Maisie is

Proud Maisie

Proud Maisie is in the wood,
Walking so early;
Sweet Robin sits on the bush,
Singing so rarely.

'Tell me, thou bonny bird,
When shall I marry me?'
'When six braw gentlemen
Kirkward shall carry ye.'

'Who makes the bridal bed,
Birdie, say truly?'
'The grey-headed sexton
That delves the grave duly.

'The glow-worm o'er grave and stone
Shall light thee steady,
The owl from the steeple sing,
"Welcome , proud lady".'

Walter Scott (1771-1832)
source: Walter Scott "Poetical Works", 1904; John MacQueen and Tom Scott, compilers, "The Oxford Book of Scottish Verse", London: Oxford University Press, 1975 (first edition 1966)