Robert Burns

Young Peggy

YOUNG Peggy blooms our bonniest lass,
  Her blush is like the morning,
The rosy dawn the springing grass
  With early gems adorning.
Her eyes outshine the radiant beams
  That gild the passing shower,
And glitter o’er the crystal streams,
  And cheer each fresh’ning flower.

Her lips more than the cherries bright,
  A richer dye has graced them;
They charm th’ admiring gazer’s sight,
  And sweetly tempt to taste them.
Her smile is as the ev’ning mild,
  When feather’d pairs are courting,
And little lambkins wanton wild,
  In playful bands disporting.

Were Fortune lovely Peggy’s foe,
  Such sweetness would relent her,
As blooming Spring unbends the brow
  Of surly, savage Winter.
Detraction’s eye no aim can gain
  Her winning powers to lessen;
And fretful envy grins in vain,
  The poison’d tooth to fasten.

Ye Pow’rs of Honour, Love, and Truth,
  From ev’ry ill defend her;
Inspire the highly favour’d youth
  The destinies intend her;
Still fan the sweet connubial flame
  Responsive in each bosom;
And bless the dear parental name
  With many a filial blossom.