The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, by Walter Scott

If doughty deeds my ladye please,

Right soon I'll mount my steed;

And strong his arm, and fast his seat,

That bears frae me the meed.

I'll wear thy colours in my cap,

Thy picture in my heart;

And he that bends not to thine eye,

Shall rue it to his smart.

Then tell me how to woo thee, love;

O tell me how to woo thee!

For thy dear sake, nae care I'll take,

Tho' ne'er another trow me.

If gay attire delight thine eye,

I'll dight me in array;

I'll tend thy chamber door all night,

And squire thee all the day.

If sweetest sounds can win thy ear,

These sounds I'll strive to catch;

Thy voice I'll steal to woo thysell,

That voice that nane can match.

Then tell me how to woo thee, love,

O tell me how to woo thee;

For thy dear sake, nae care I'll take,

Tho' ne'er another trow me.

But if fond love thy heart can gain,

I never broke a vow;

Nae maiden lays her skaith to me,

I never loved but you.

For you alone I ride the ring,

For you I wear the blue;

For you alone I strive to sing,

O tell me how to woo.

O tell me how to woo thee, love,

O tell me how to woo thee;

For thy dear sake, nae care I'll take,

Tho' ne'er another trow me.