McCabeGall

Lady Nairne (1766-1845) The Laird o' Cockpen The poem is a tale of a wealthy laird who seeks a wife but whose offer of marriage is turned down by a lady who has no money.  While the poem has a humourous and satirical tone it covers a serious theme of the time, where marriage arrangements were often governed by social status and wealth. By refusing the offer from a older man, which would have ensured her a house and a title, the lady was considered 'daft', although her response was that of person whose reaction was of a person not swayed by social status.  The Laird o' Cockpen The laird o’ Cockpen, he’s proud an’ he’s great, His mind is ta’en up wi’ the things o’ the State; He wanted a wife, his braw house to keep, But favour wi’ wooin’ was fashious to seek. Down by the dyke-side a lady did dwell, At his table head he thocht she’d look well, M’Leish’s ae dochter o’ Clavers-ha’ Lea, A penniless lass wi’ a lang pedigree. His wig was weel pouther’d and as gude as