Wha is That at My Bower-Door? (Poem by Robert Burns)

Wha is That at My Bower-Door? (1)

By Robert Burns

Wha is that at my bower door?

    O, wha is it but Findlay?

Then gae your gate, ye’se nae be here! —

    Indeed, maun I, quo’ Findlay.

What mak ye sae like a thief?

    O come and see, quo’ Findlay;

Before the morn ye’ll work mischief;

    Indeed will I, quo’ Findlay.

Wha is That at My Bower-Door? (2)

Gif I rise and let you in?

    Let me in, quo’ Findlay;

Ye’ll keep me waukin wi’ your din;

    Indeed will I, quo’ Findlay.

In my bower if you should stay?

    Let me stay, quo’ Findlay;

I fear ye’ll bide till break o’ day;

    Indeed will I, quo’ Findlay.

Wha is That at My Bower-Door? (3)

Here this night if ye remain; —

    I’ll remain, quo’ Findlay;

I dread ye’ll learn the gate again;

    Indeed will I, quo’ Findlay.

What may pass within this bower, —

    Let it pass, quo’ Findlay;

Ye maun conceal till your last hour;

    Indeed will I, quo’ Findlay!

Note:

The “Auld man and the Widow,” in Ramsay’s collection is said, by Gilbert Burns, to have suggested this song to his brother: it first appeared in the Museum.