Complete Songs Of Robert Burns - online book

360+ songs with lyrics, sheet music, historical notes & glossary.

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	304            TONE-POETRY OF ROBERT BURNS
	No. 324. When chill November s surly blast.
	Tune : Peggy BawnScots Musical Museum, 1803, No. 509.
	When chill November's surly blast Made fields and forests bare, One ev'ning, as I wander'd forth, Along the banks of Ayr, I spy'd a man whose aged step Seera'd weary, worn with care; His face was furrow'd o'erwithyears, And hoary was his hair. ' Young stranger, whither wand'rest thou ?' Began the reverend Sage ; ' Does thirst of wealth thy step con­strain, Or youthful pleasures rage ? Or haply, prest with cares and woes, Too soon thou hast began To wander forth, with me to mourn The miseries of man. ' The sun that overhangs yon moors," Outspreading far and wide, Where hundreds labour to sup­port A haughty lordling's pride :—	I've seen yon weary winter-sun Twice forty times return ; And ev'ry time has added proofs, That man was made to mourn. ' O man ! while in thy early years, How prodigal of time ! Mis-spending all thy precious hours, Thy glorious, youthful prime ! , Alternate follies take the sway; Licentious passions burn ; Which tenfold force gives nature's law, That man was made to mourn. ' Look not alone on youthful prime, Or manhood's active might; Man then is useful to his kind, Supported is his right: But see him on the edge of life, With cares and sorrows worn ; Then age and want—O ill-matched pair 1— Show man was made to mourn.