SCOTTISH TOASTS
A MISCELLANY
Most folks give their sentiments after their song,
But I cannot say that is my teacher;
To part heart and harmony sure must be wrong,
Song and Sentiment I join together:
So at once in a Song I’ll my Sentiments give,
Sure you’ll all approve what I am giving—
“Here’s our noble selves, and long may we live,
With dear Scotland, the land that we lived in.”
Then here’s “Lovely Woman!” each man will drink that,
For in each care and ill she’ll relieve him;
“Sweet home,” for though homely, ’tis home for all that,
With “a friend and a bottle to give him.”
Here’s “may honour and honesty never decline,”
’Tis the wish of my heart, I assure ye;
“May justice and mercy for ever entwine,”
With our glorious “Trial by Jury.”
May the moment now present, of life be the worst,
May the honest heart ne’er know distress,
May we have in our arms what in heart we love best,
All those that bless us may we bless.
“A good trade and well paid” which ensures “peace and plenty;”
“Honest men, pretty women” for ever!
“Playhouses full, and Workhouses empty,”
And “may worth and want finally sever.”
“Here’s the heart that can feel for another’s distress,”
And “the man that was never ungrateful;”
Here’s “may we the smiles of good humour possess,
With friends around, cheerful and faithful.”
Here’s “our own wooden walls,” that still lay our foes flat,
With those treasures, wives, children, and friends,
“Here’s our own noble selves,” and now having drank that,
Here my Song of good Sentiment ends.
THE END.