Here's to Thy Health My Bonie Lass
written in 1780
Here's to Thy Health My Bonie Lass - meaning Summary
Defiant, Affectionate Farewell
A speaker addresses a beloved with a mix of affection, pride, and resignation. He insists he can live without her while admitting ongoing love and determination to visit at night. Social differences and the beloved s friends who disapprove of his low status shape his tone: he both downplays material need and warns that others who seem attractive may disappoint. The poem balances boastful independence with persistent devotion, portraying courtship constrained by class and reputation but sustained by personal fidelity and longing.
Read Complete AnalysesHere's to thy health, my bonie lass, Gudenight and joy be wi' thee: I'll come nae mair to thy bower-door, To tell thee that I loe 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 friends 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 ay until ye try them: Tho' they seem fair, still have a care, They may prove as bad as 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.
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