For, as a dancer, in my youth
So great was my renown
The King invited me
To come to London town

My brand new presentation kilt
And ornaments I wore
And with my skian dhu
I rapped upon the Palace door

And soon I heard a lord - or a duke
Come rinning down the stair
To the keyhole put his mouth
Demanding, "Who was there?"

"Open the door" I sternly cried
"As quickly as you can"
"Is this the way that you receive
A highland gentleman?"

The door was opened. Word went 'round
"MacAllister is here!"
And with the news the palace rang
With one tremendous cheer.

The King was seated on his throne
But down the steps he came,
Immediately the waiting lord
Pronounced my magic name.

The lovely ladies of the court
With pearls and jewels decked,
All blushed and trembled
As I bowed to them, with great respect.

Slowly at first, with hands on hips
I danced with ease and grace,
Then with my hands above my head
Much faster grew my pace.

Until no human eye could see
My steps so light and quick,
And from the floor great clouds of dust
Came rising fast and thick.

The king was greatly moved
And shook my hand in friendship true,
"Alas" he said, "although a King
I cannot dance like you."

And then the gracious Queen herself
Came shyly o'er to me;
She pinned a medal on my breast
For all the world to see.

Her whisper I shall ne'er forget
Nor how her eyes grew dim,
"Oh where were you MacAllister
The day I married him?"