_By_ ROBERT BURNS
NOTE.--The song as we know it is not the first song to bear that
title, nor is it entirely original with Robert Burns. It is said
that the second and third stanzas were written by him, but that the
others were merely revised. In a letter to a friend, written in
1793, Burns says, "The air (of _Auld Lang Syne_) is but mediocre;
but the following song, the old song of the olden time, which has
never been in print, nor even in manuscript, until I took it down
from an old man's singing, is enough to recommend any air." This
refers to the song as we know it, but the friend, a Mr. Thompson,
set the words to an old Lowland air which is the one every one now
uses.
At an earlier date Burns wrote to another friend: "Is not the
Scottish phrase, _auld lang syne_, exceedingly expressive? There is
an old song and tune that has often thrilled through my soul.
Light be the turf on the breast of the heaven-inspired poet who
composed this glorious fragment."
We cannot be certain that this refers to the exact wording he
subsequently set down, for there were at least three versions known
at that time.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to min'?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o' lang syne?
_For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,[229-2]
For auld lang syne._
We twa[229-3] hae[229-4] run about the braes,[229-5]
And pou'd[229-6] the gowans[229-7] fine;
But we've wandered mony[229-8] a weary foot
Sin'[229-9] auld lang syne.
_For auld_, etc.
We twa hae paidl't[229-10] i' the burn,[229-11]
Frae[229-12] mornin' sun till dine;[229-13]
But seas between us braid[229-14] hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.
_For auld_, etc.
And here's a hand, my trusty frere,[230-15]
And gie's[230-16] a hand o' thine;
And we'll tak a right guid[230-17] willie-waught[230-18]
For auld lang syne.
_For auld_, etc.
[Illustration: FOR AULD LANG SYNE]
And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup,[230-19]
And surely I'll be mine;
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.
_For auld_, etc.