I dream'd I lay

I dream'd I lay.

["These two stanzas," says Burns, "I composed when I was about seventeen. They are among the oldest of my printed pieces." They are given in Johnson's Museum, adapted to an old air harmonized by Stephen Clarke.]

I dream'd I lay where flowers were springing, Gaily in the sunny beam; List'ning to the wild birds singing, By a falling, crystal stream: Straight the sky grew black and daring; Through the woods the whirlwinds rave; Trees with aged arms were warring O'er the swelling, drumlie wave. Such was my life's deceitful morning, Such the pleasures I enjoy'd: But lang or noon, loud tempests storming A' my flow'ry bliss destroy'd. Though fickle fortune has deceiv'd me, She promis'd fair, and perform'd but ill; Of mony a joy and hope bereav'd me, I bear a heart shall support me still.