My Bonnie Wee Hen

Once I had a wee, wee hen and broon it was her tap
She went oot tae seek her meat and ill it was her hap,
l it was her hap and bonnie was her care
Every day she laid twa eggs and some days she laid mair,

I widna' for my seven sheep was smothered in the snaw
Them that killed my bonnie wee hen, I'll charge them at the law
I'll charge them at the law and then I'll catechize
I wasna half so sorry the night my husband died.

I opened up my bonnie wee hen and viewed her a' within
Four and twenty nice wee eggs a-hangin' on a string
A-hangin' on a string and many's a wan forby
The dear be with my bonnie wee hen this night where she does lie.

To the funeral o' this bonnie wee hen (she will lie at yon bog en')
Now I will invite you, both ladies and gentlemen
Both ladies and gentlemen, and many's a wan forby
The blessing be with the bonnie wee hen this night where she does lie.

From Songs of the People, Henry
RG
APR99