The Rowin't in Her Apron
written in 1796
The Rowin't in Her Apron - meaning Summary
Motherhood and Improvised Care
A comic, folksong-like narrative in Scots about an unmarried young woman who gives birth unexpectedly and wraps the newborn in her apron. She worries the baby might be lost but comforts herself with pragmatic care and hopes the father will accept and provide. Her father hears the child and questions its origins; the mother reassures him that the father, named Terreagles, is a gentleman who will support them and bring material comfort. The poem centers on sudden motherhood, practical tenderness, social reputation, and the speaker’s confident hope for provision.
Read Complete AnalysesOur young lady's a huntin gane, Sheets nor blankets has she ta'en, But she's born her auld son or she cam hame, And she's row'd him in her apron. Her apron was o' the hollan fine, Laid about wi' laces nine; She thought it a pity her babie should tyne, And she's row'd him in her apron. Her apron was o' the hollan sma, Laid about wi' laces a', She thought it a pity her baby to let fa, And she row'd him in her apron. Her father says within the ha, Amang the knight and nobles a, I think I hear a babie ca, In the chamber amang our young ladies. O father dear it is a bairn, I hope it will do you nae harm, For the daddie I lo'ed, and he'll lo'e me again, For the rowin 't in my apron. O is he a gentleman, or is he a clown, That has brought thy fair body down, I would not for a' this town The rowin 't in thy apron. Young Terreagles he's nae clown, He is the toss of Edinburgh town, And he'll buy me a braw new gown, For the rowin 't in my apron. Its I hae castles, I hae towers, I hae barns, I hae bowers, A' that is mine it shall be thine, For the rowin 't in thy apron.
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