I didn't realize this was an old thread...thanks Patla6. Bruce, just to pick the nit, My Merry Muses does cite the episode. It's by Legman and when it comes to bawdy, Legman knows everything and writes about even more. He gives a brief account of the encounter and detailed citations for it. He gives the earlies printing of the song as Herd II. "Leeze" is poorly glossed. I've heard 'lay' often but that barely makes sense. Chambers Scots Dictionary doesn't give it and, sadly, Herd's own glossary doesn't either. MacColl gives 'dear is to me' but I have a feeling he's going by context, not other knowledge. Legman agrees with Cuilionn & gives 'my blessing on,' which does make contextual sense. No etymology though. All agree on 'head' for 'pow'.

It''s a good tune, too.