James Tytler

James Tytler was a Scottish poet, editor, and balloonist. He was known for his contributions to the Encyclopædia Britannica and also was the first person in Britain to fly in a hot air balloon. Despite his achievements, he struggled financially throughout his life, often due to his radical political views. Tytler's work extended beyond poetry to include scientific writings and editing.

December 17, 1745

January 11, 1804

English

James Tytler

I Hae Laid A Herring In Saut

I hae laid a herring in saut,
    Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now;
I hae brew'd a forpit o' maut,
    And I canna come ilka day to woo:

I hae a calf that will soon be a cow,
    Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now;
I hae a stook, and I'll soon hae a mowe,
    And I canna come ilka day to woo:

I hae a house upon yon moor,
    Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now;
Three sparrows may dance upon the floor,
    And I canna come ilka day to woo:

I hae a but, and I hae a ben,
    Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now;
A penny to keep, and a penny to spen',
    And I canna come ilka day to woo:

I hae a hen wi' a happitie leg,
    Lass, gin ye lo'e me, tell me now;
That ilka day lays me an egg,
    And I canna come ilka day to woo:
...

James Tytler