Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 197. Song—The Banks of the Devon |
| | | | | Tune—“Bhanarach dhonn a’ chruidh.” |
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| HOW pleasant the banks of the clear winding Devon, | |
| With green spreading bushes and flow’rs blooming fair! | |
| But the boniest flow’r on the banks of the Devon | |
| Was once a sweet bud on the braes of the Ayr. | |
| Mild be the sun on this sweet blushing flower, | 5 |
| In the gay rosy morn, as it bathes in the dew; | |
| And gentle the fall of the soft vernal shower, | |
| That steals on the evening each leaf to renew! | |
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| O spare the dear blossom, ye orient breezes, | |
| With chill hoary wing as ye usher the dawn; | 10 |
| And far be thou distant, thou reptile that seizes | |
| The verdure and pride of the garden or lawn! | |
| Let Bourbon exult in his gay gilded lilies, | |
| And England triumphant display her proud rose: | |
| A fairer than either adorns the green valleys, | 15 |
| Where Devon, sweet Devon, meandering flows. | |
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