Classic Poem

1 In bodnie [bonnie], bright and fair Scotland, where bluebells they did grow,
There lived a shepherd's daughter down in the valley low.
Herding her flocks the whole day long, down on the banks of Clyde,
Although her lot in life was low, she was called the village pride.

2 A young officer down from Paisley town a-fowling went one day.
He happened by that very spot where Mary's cottage lay,
A long and a loving eye bestowed on Mary's form so fair,
And wondered how so fair a flower could bloom and cherish there.

3 This officer, being wounded, a visit to Mary paid,
And by his young and flattering tongue gained the love of this fair maid.
All day they wandered to and fro, it's over hill and dale —
And wondered if such hours in love to them would ever fail.

4 Till at length one day young Henry came, his face was decked with woe,
Saying, " Mary, lovelye Mary dear, far from you I must go.
Our regiment they've received a call, and I to duty yield.
I must forsake those Lowland glens for India's burning field. "

5 " Oh, don't tell me, now, Willie dear! these words will break my heart.
But I will be your wedded wife this night before we part!
It's for to go along with you it is my whole desire;
I'll go your waiting-boy to be, dressed up in men's attire! "

6 Now, 'twas airly a Monday morning, just as the sun arose,
The bugle sounded its first call; all dressed in soldiers' clothes.
For the King has called and we must all, it's leave this pleasant land,
For we must go and fight his foe o'er India's burning sand.

7 When they all marched down through Paisley town it made the people stare
To see this, oh, such a young recruit, so modest, neat, and fair.
The ladies all admired her as she stood on parade,
But little they knew a soldier's coat concealed so fair a maid.

8 Now, they've set sail for India's shore, for India's burning sand,
No tongue could tell what Mary bore all in that dreadful land.
And when she found her strength had failed her woe she strove to hide,
And turning round was seen to smile as Henry stepped by her side.

9 Just then a ball caused him to fall, that laid him on the ground.
" Oh Mary dear, I greatly fear it's here my death I've found! "
She gently raised him in her arms, a kiss on his lips impressed,
And as she stooped to dress his wounds a ball passed through her breast.

10 " I fear you're deadly wounded, love, " young Henry he did say,
" I fear you're deadly wounded, love; your face looks like the clay.
Oh, Mary dear, since I first saw you, 'twas you who I adore. "
They closed their eyes no more to rise on India's burning shore.

11 Now Henry lies in a foreign land and Mary by his side.
It's from their colors they never flinched; just where they fought, they died.
And as this couple loved in life, in death they did the same,
And as their life's blood ebbed away it mingled in one stream.