Jessy

By Robert Burns

I.

Here's a health to ane I lo'e dear!
Here's a health to ane I lo'e dear!
Thou art sweet as the smile when fond lovers meet,
And soft as their parting tear - Jessy!

II.

Altho' thou maun never be mine,
Altho' even hope is denied;
'T is sweeter for thee despairing
Than aught in the world beside - Jessy!

III.

I mourn through the gay, gaudy day,
As, hopeless, I muse on thy charms;
But welcome the dream o' sweet slumber,
For then I am lock't in thy arms - Jessy!

IV.

I guess by the dear angel smile,
I guess by the love-rolling e'e;
But why urge the tender confession,
'Gainst fortune's fell, cruel decree! - Jessy!

Here's a health to ane I lo'e dear!
Here's a health to ane I lo'e dear!
Thou art sweet as the smile when fond lovers meet,
And soft as their parting tear - Jessy!

Notes to the poem:

The heroine of this song was the Miss Jessy Lewars of whom we have previously spoken as acting the part of nurse to the poet during his illness.