How blythe ilk morn was I to see
Language: English
How blythe ilk morn was I to see My swain come o'er the hill! He skipt the burn, and flew to me, I met him with good will. O the broom, the bonny, bonny broom, The broom of Cowdenknows; I wish I were with my dear swain, At hame to tend the ewes. I wanted neither yowe nor lamb, While his flock near me lay; He gather'd in my sheep at night, And cheer'd me a' the day. O the broom, etc. He tun'd his pipe and reed sae sweet, The birds stood list'ning by; Ev'n the dull cattle stood and gaz'd, Charm'd with his melody. O the broom, etc. While thus we spent our time, by turns, Betwixt our flocks and play, I envied not the fairest dame, Though e'er so rich or gay. O the broom, etc. Hard fate that I should banish'd be, Gang heavily, and mourn, Because I loved the kindest swain That ever yet was born. O the broom, etc. He did oblige me every hour; Could I but faithful be? He stawe my heart; could I refuse Whate'er he ask'd of me? O the broom, etc. My doggie, and my little kit That held my wee soup whey, My plaidie, brooch, and crookit stick, May now lie useless by. O the broom, etc. Adieu, ye Cowdenknows, adieu! Farewell a' pleasures there! Ye gods, restore me to my swain, Is a' I crave or care! O the broom, etc.
J. Haydn sets stanzas 1, 3, 8
About the headline (FAQ)
Note: ilk = everyAuthorship:
- from Volkslieder (Folksongs) , "The brume o' the Cowdenknowes" [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by (Franz) Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809), "The broom of Cowdenknows", Hob. XXXIa:170, JHW XXXII/3 no. 157, stanzas 1,3,8. [text verified 1 time]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2008-06-08
Line count: 43
Word count: 244