Anonymous, Bonny Barbara Allan

Anonymous (traditional scottish ballad)

Bonny Barbara Allan date unknown

It was in and about the Martinmas° time,

When the green leaves were afalling,

That Sir John Graeme, in the West Country,

Fell in love with Barbara Allan.

He sent his men down through the town, 5

To the place where she was dwelling:

“Oh haste and come to my master dear,

Gin° ye be Barbara Allan.” if

O hooly,° hooly rose she up, slowly

To the place where he was lying, 10

And when she drew the curtain by:

“Young man, I think you’re dying.”

“O it’s I’m sick, and very, very sick,

And ’tis a’ for Barbara Allan.”—

“O the better for me ye’s never be, 15

Tho your heart’s blood were aspilling.”

“O dinna ye mind,° young man,” she said, don’t you remember

“When ye was in the tavern adrinking,

That ye made the health° gae round and round, toasts

And slighted Barbara Allan?” 20

He turned his face unto the wall,

And death was with him dealing:

“Adieu, adieu, my dear friends all,

And be kind to Barbara Allan.”

And slowly, slowly raise her up, 25

And slowly, slowly left him,

And sighing said she could not stay,

Since death of life had reft him.

She had not gane a mile but twa,

When she heard the dead-bell ringing, 30

And every jow° that the dead-bell geid, stroke

It cried, “Woe to Barbara Allan!”

“O mother, mother, make my bed!

O make it saft and narrow!

Since my love died for me today, 35

I’ll die for him tomorrow.”