Donald of Glencoe
Love's Resilience in Glencoe: A Ballad of Longing and Devotion
Lyrics
As I was a'walking one evening of late
While walking in the evening, the narrator begins the story.
Where fragrant fine flowers the fields decorate
Describing a landscape with beautiful flowers adorning the fields.
I carelessly rambled where I did not know
Wandering casually without a specific destination.
By the fair crystal fountain that falls in Glencoe
Near a clear fountain in Glencoe, a location is introduced.
And on her who the prize on Mount Ider was won
Referring to a woman who won a prize on Mount Ider.
Then approached me a lassy as bright as the sun
A bright and sun-like woman approaches the narrator.
And the ribbon and the tartan around her did flow
She wears a ribbon and tartan, symbolizing pride in Glencoe.
That welcomed young Donald the pride of Glencoe
Welcoming Donald, the pride of Glencoe.
Said I, my fine creature, your charming sweet smile
The narrator praises the woman's charming smile and features.
And your comely fine features my heart has beguiled
Expressing admiration and being captivated by her.
And with your kind affection on me you'll bestow
Asking for her affection, promising to cherish the moment they met.
I'll bless the happy hour we met in Glencoe
Reflecting on the happiness brought by their encounter in Glencoe.
Kind Sir, she made answer, your love I'll disdain
The woman rejects the narrator's love, revealing a sweetheart named Donald.
For I have a young sweetheart and Donald by name
Donald is away at war, and she remains faithful until his return.
And he went to the wars about ten years ago
Her loyalty to Donald who left for the wars ten years ago.
And a maid I remain 'till he returns to Glencoe
Ah, perhaps your young Donald regards not your name
Questioning if Donald still remembers her and their love in Glencoe.
And has placed his affection on some foreign dame
Speculating that he may have forgotten the woman left in Glencoe.
He may have forgotten for all that you know
That bonny young creature he left in Glencoe
Emphasizing the narrator's belief in Donald's fidelity.
From his promise my Donald he'd never depart
Even if they never reunite, the narrator will remain single and mourn for Donald.
For love, truth and honour stand firm in his heart
And if I never see him, then single I'll go
Seeing the woman's constancy, the narrator reveals a glove as a token of love.
And mourn for my Donald the pride of Glencoe
She clings to his arms, and tears flow as they welcome Donald back to Glencoe.
Then seeing her constance he drew out a glove
Encouraging Flora to cheer up as their sorrows are over.
Which in parting she gave him in token of love
The couple vows never to part again since they have met in love.
She clung to his arms and tears down did flow
Anticipating a peaceful life despite the distant possibility of battle.
Ah, you're welcome my Donald the pride of Glencoe
Come cheer up my Flora your sorrows are o'er
-And since we have met love we'll never part more
-And the loud blast of battle, far distant may blow
-Whilst in peace and contentment we'll live in Glencoe
-
Comment