SONGS

THE DESERT ISLE.

Air—“Rory Fraser's Winsome Lassie.”

FLY we tae some desert isle,
There we'll pass our days thegither,
Shun the world's derisive smile,
Wand'ring tenants o the heather ;
Shelter'd in some lanely glen,
Far removed frae mortal ken,
Forget the selfish ways o men,
Nor feel a wish beyond each ither.

Tho my frien's deride me still,
Jamie, I'll disown thee never ;
Let them scorn me as they will,
I'll be thine, and thine for ever.
What are a my kin tae me,
A their pride o pedigree !
What war life, if wantin thee,
An what war death, if we maun sever!


Gilbert Burns, Esq., Knockmaroon Lodge, Chapelizod, Dublin,—a nephew of the Scots National Poet,—has in his possession the manuscript of this song in the handwriting of Tannahill. It is entitled “A Scottish Song,” written to the Air—“Rory Fraser 's Winsome Lassie.” He is also in possession of a letter dated 1st March, 1810, written by Tannahill to Mr. Thomas Stewart, bookseller, Greenock, when the Poet was proposing to publish a second edition of his Works. Mr. Burns kindly sent us copies of the song and letter. —Ed.

[Semple 132]