I 'm wand'ring wide this wintry night,
But yet my heart 's at hame,
Fu' cozie by my ain fire-cheek,
Beside my winsome dame.
The weary winds howl lang an' loud;
But 'mid their howling drear,
Words sweeter far than honey blabs
Fa' saftly on my ear.
I 'm wand'ring wide this wintry night,
I 'm wand'ring wide an' far;
But love, to guide me back again,
Lights up a kindly star.
The lift glooms black aboon my head,
Nae friendly blink I see;
But let it gloom--twa bonnie e'en
Glance bright to gladden me.
I 'm wand'ring wide this wintry night,
I 'm wand'ring wide and late,
And ridgy wreaths afore me rise,
As if to bar my gate;
Around me swirls the sleety drift,
The frost bites dour an' keen;
But breathings warm, frae lovin' lips,
Come ilka gust atween.
I 'm wand'ring wide this wintry night,
I 'm wand'ring wide an' wild,
Alang a steep and eerie track,
Where hills on hills are piled;
The torrent roars in wrath below,
The tempest roars aboon;
But fancy broods on brighter scenes,
And soughs a cheerin' tune.
I 'm wand'ring wide this wintry night,
I 'm wand'ring wide my lane,
And mony a langsome, lanesome mile,
I 'll measure e'er it 's gane;
But lanesome roads or langsome miles,
Can never daunton me,
When I think on the welcome warm
That waits me, love, frae thee.