Gentlemen, it is my duty
To inform you of one beauty
Though I ask of you a favor, not to seek her for awhile.
On her roan she is a creature
Of character and feature
No one could paint a picture of the Queen of Argyle.

And if you could have seen her there,
Boys, if you had just been there
The sun was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Bow and ask her pardon.
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of Argyle.

On the evening that I mention,
I passed with light intention
Through the port of our dear country known for beauty and for style.
In a place of noble thinkers
Of scholars and great drinkers
But bugger them all for splendor, shun the Queen of Argyle.

And if you could have seen her there,
Boys, if you had just been there
The sun was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Bow and ask her pardon.
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of Argyle.

So at last my lads, I must leave you.
My intention's not to grieve you.
For nor would I deceive you,
I must leave you for awhile.
I must find a way to gain her,
To court her and to tame her.
For I fear my heart's in danger
Of the Queen of Argyle.

And if you could have seen her there,
Boys, if you had just been there
The sun was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Bow and ask her pardon.
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of Argyle.

And if you could have seen her there,
Boys, if you had just been there
The sun was in her movement and the morning in her smile
All the roses in the garden
Bow and ask her pardon.
For not one could match the beauty of the Queen of Argyle.



The words and music are written by Andy M. Steward of Strathmore Music and Film Services and is in print in The Andy M. Steward Collection (published in 1998) (a must for anyone interested in contemporary and historical Scottish folk music).

This song has appeared in several places. It was first recorded with the group "Silly Wizard" which appeared on the album Kiss the Tears Away and later on The Best of Silly Wizard and Live Wizardry. Since it was written in the 1980s, it has been recorded by many and sung by more. Being a Minstrels of Mayhem fan, it should be noted that it was recorded on The Minstrels of Mayhem (live) album. It is a standard song sung and many renaissance festivals.

One variant switches the word 'morning' for 'marvel' in the line:

The sun was in her movement and the morning in her smile

Argyle itself is the name of one of the counties in western Scotland which is well known for its diamond shaped plaid pattern which frequently appear on socks today.

And a thank you to m_turner, for correcting my mistake.

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