Robina

Just wait andI'll tell you a thing that is droll
That happened to me, John Macdonald from Coll:
One night I was walking - just taking a stroll
When who did I meet but Robina.

"And is it yourself Robina? " I cried:
"It is long since I saw you, dear John," she replied,
And then I just started to walk by her side,
And so I went home with Robina.

But when we arrived at the house where she stayed.
I looked with surprise and my heart was dismayed;
The house was so grand that it made me afraid
Myself was no match for Robina.

"Robina." I said in a voice that was sad
'Do you mind when in Coll we was lassie and lad,
Of the joyful and beautiful days that we had
When cutting the peats, dear Robina?"

'And do you remember how often we met
When the grass with the dew of the evening was wet?
My heart it is full of those memories yet -
And have you forgotten, Robina?"

"My love, it is strange - it was only to-day
My master was talking of raising my pay.
But still I am poor - Can I take you away
From this mansion so grand dear Robina?"

Then Robina she turned to myself with surprise,
And with wonder I saw there was tears in her eyes,
When I heard in the stillness, a window to rise,
And a lady called sharply, Robina!"

"The mistress is calling, " the girl said in fear,
"And I must be saying Good-night to you, dear,
For, John - I am only a laundrymaid here " -
And into the house ran Robina.

Then I stood and I laughed - I was feeling so glad -
Perhaps people thought 'twas a dram that I had -
But I said to myself "John Macdonald my lad
Yourself is the man for Robina!"

In the island of Coll there was married a pair,
And myself and Robina my sweetheart was there,
And I thought as I looked at the maidens so fair
That the pick of them all was Robina.

And who was the bridegroom, and who was the bride -
The lassie so lovely that stood by his side?
My secret so joyful no more can I hide -
The pair was just me and Robina. -

from D.M. MacKenzie's 'Highland Readings.
- sole performance rights on Coll
by Jim MacFadyen; Tigh na Craig.