Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Altho' thou maun never be mine

Robert Burns

“Altho' thou maun never be mine” as printed in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887).

Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics Text 107 1887 · historical text
Public domainScottish songSong lyrics
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from The Poetical Works of Robert Burns, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

CHORUS.

Here's a health to ane I lo'e dear,

Here's a health to ane I lo'e dear;

Thou art as sweet as the smile when fond lovers meet,

And soft as their parting tear—Jessy!

Verse 2

Altho' thou maun never be mine,

Altho' even hope is denied;

'Tis sweeter for thee despairing,

Than aught in the world beside—Jessy!

Here's a health, &c.

Verse 3

I mourn thro' the gay, gaudy day,

As, hopeless, I muse on thy charms:

But welcome the dream o' sweet slumber,

For then I am lockt in thy arms—Jessy!

Here's a health, &c.

Verse 4

I guess by the dear angel smile,

I guess by the love-rolling ee;

But why urge the tender confession

'Gainst fortune's fell cruel decree—Jessy!

Here's a health, &c.

Credits

Written by Robert Burns

Words by Robert Burns. Historical text published in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887), “Altho' thou maun never be mine”

Every text in this 1887 collected edition is by Robert Burns (1759-1796), who died more than 230 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination and a pre-1931 United States publication.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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