The Farewell
IT was a’ for our rightfu’ kingWe left fair Scotland’s strand;It was a’ for our rightfu’ kingWe e’er saw Irish land,My dear,We e’er saw Irish land.
Now a’ is done that man can do,And a’ is done in vain;My love and native land farewell,For I maun cross the main,My dear,For I maun cross the main.
He turned him right and round aboutUpon the Irish shore;And gae his bridle-reins a shake,With Adieu for evermore,My dear,Adieu for evermore.
The sodger frae the wars returns,The sailor frae the main;But I hae parted frae my love,Never to meet again,My dear,Never to meet again.
When day is gane, and night is come,And a’ folks bound to sleep;I think on him that’s far awa’,The lee-lang night, and weep,My dear,The lee-lang night, and weep.
WILLIAM WORDSWORTH 1770–1850