Suspense is worst than disappointment.

Nae man can tether time or tide.

Their sighing, canting, grace-proud faces, their three-mile prayers, and half-mile graces.

Nae man can tether time or tide; The hour approachesTam maun ride; That hour, o'night's black arch the key-stane, That dreary hourTam mounts his beast in.

Even every ray of hope destroyed and not a wish to gild the gloom.

Now a' is done that men can do, And a' is done in vain.

Now simmer blinks on flowery braes, And o'er the crystal streamlet plays.