Allan Ramsay,

Dedication

To every lovely British lass,

From Ladies Charlotte, Anne and Jean,

Down to every pretty singing Bess

Who dances barefoot on the green (town common land)

Dear lasses,

Your most humble slave,

Who shall never decline to serve you,

Begs on his knees for you to accept

This small gift.

Then take it kindly to your care,

Bring it back to life with your tuneful notes,

Its songs will look sweet and fair

When you sing them. 

The little child will rejoice,

When looked after by someone with a sparkling eye,

The spinet (early keyboard) tinkling with her voice,

And the child lying on her lovely knee. 

While kettles are boiling on the stove,

Or the maid is delayed by gossiping,

These songs may keep you from being sour-tempered,

And may help you pass the time.

Even while the tea is poured around,

Instead of risking burning your tongue,

Treat all the ears around to sound,

Then safely sip when you have sung.

May happiness hold your hearts up,

And keep you warm,

May good fortune play a part

In matching you to your desires.