O how shall I, unskilfu’, try
The poet’s occupation?
The tunefu’ powers, in happy hours,
That whisper inspiration;
Even they maun dare aneffort mair
Than aughtthey ever gave us,
Erethey rehearse, in equal verse,
The charms o’ lovely Davies.
Each eye it cheers when she appears,
Like Phoebus in the morning,
When past the shower, and every flower
The garden is adorning:
As the wretch looks o’er Siberia’s shore,
When winter-bound the wave is;
Saedroops our heart, when we maunpart
Frae charming, lovely Davies.
Her smile’s a gift frae’boonthe lift,
That maks us mairthan princes;
A sceptred hand, a king’s command,
Is in her darting glances;
The man in arms ‘gainst female charms
Even he her willing slave is,
He hugs his chain, and owns the reign
Of conquering, lovely Davies.
My Muse, to dream of such a theme,
Her feeble powers surrender:
The eagle’s gaze alone surveys
The sun’s meridian splendour.
I wadin vain essay the strain,
The deed too daring brave is;
I’ll drapthe lyre, and mute admire
The charms o’lovely Davies.