Ah! cruel Margaret why require
That I should strike again the lyre,
Do’st thou not know forgetful maid
That if my hand thy will obeyed
I might thy anger move!
What theme but one, could Allan sing!
And what could each responsive string
But answer, notes of love!
Then spare the secret of my woe,
Nor bid thy trembling minstrel show
The anguish he must prove.
Allan
Castle Gowrie
March 21st 1806