Here's to Thy Health Songtext
von Jean Redpath

Here′s to thy health, my bonie lass,
Gude nicht and joy be wi' thee;
I′ll come nae mair to thy bower-door,
To tell thee that I lo'e thee.
O dinna think, my pretty pink,
But I can live without thee:
I vow and swear I dinna care,
How lang ye look about ye.


Thou'rt aye sae free informing me,
Thou hast nae mind to marry;
I′ll be as free informing thee,
Nae time hae I to tarry:
I ken thy frien′s try ilka means
Frae wedlock to delay thee;
Depending on some higher chance,
But fortune may betray thee.

I ken they scorn my low estate,
But that does never grieve me;
For I'm as free as any he;
Sma′ siller will relieve me.
I'll count my health my greatest wealth,
Sae lang as I′ll enjoy it;
I'll fear nae scant, I′ll bode nae want,
As lang's I get employment.


But far off fowls hae feathers fair,
And, aye until ye try them,
Tho' they seem fair, still have a care;
They may prove waur than I am.
But at twal′ at night, when the moon shines bright,
My dear, I′ll come and see thee;
For the man that loves his mistress weel,
Nae travel makes him weary.