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WARBUNGS AM) VVAtLINGS Weel could ye sing when fir.st I kt^nt ye, Then lets gie canker care the rout j If ye'll he hiverork— rse be Untie, Sae wifie we 11 sing san^' about, JENNY. Thae thorhts aye set my breast a thrabbin', In troth my heart is nearly broke To leave the laverocks — linties warblin', An come to hear the puddocks croak. GEORDIE, 'Tis true nae birds sing here sae weel, Yet whiles ye here the paitrick's drum,* • TIic cock partridge, during the season of incubation, is heard in a still morning at a great distance, diumming with hia wings on the Jimb of a dead tree, from which the Bportsman learns where partridges may be found in the proper season, but more frequently it leads the poacher to caiiie the poof bird to c1q9« Us sprightly revcUkr with a doleful t»tt«9. . *i •mmmmtmmmm OF LKISUKE HOURS, An the vva birds singin' — whup her weel,* When drouthie puddock8ca*for rum.f i^on nae kind friends will e'er come near us, On au!d yule night or halloween j Though mony a vveel-kent face wad chee; us, But for the sea thai row;i atween. • The distinctness with wLfch this small bird pronovnea ^Whuphcr H'i7/,~-is evidciit to all who have heard ita r*ote. f The note of the bull-fro^ is familiar to every Cana- tljan ear — such as, marche done — De Meuron — ruiii-more' rum. It is alleged that during tLe last war, in every place where the De Meuron regiment was quartered, the frogs gradually disappeared. The Canadians affirm that tho frogs, when engaged in their musical soirees, planted vi- dettes to give notice of the approach of the enemy, and that whenever De Meuron was sung, or sounded, the whole of the performers instantly dived, to seek for shelter in their rushy and muddy fastnesses. Tlie De Meurons, it appears^ had a peculiar mode of cooking these little Rongsters.— 2?« guitibiis 7iQn disputandwn. WARBLINGS AND WAILIhiGS GEORDIE. Let nae sic dowie thochls oppress ye, But dear your sweet an tuneful throat, When !)oir!es black or blue distress ye. Aye iicg t!i3[ii wV a merry note. JENNT. Weel I will strive to be contentif, I\)r y.^'ve been g jJe and kind to me ; Forbye our love's the niair cem.Nitit, By the bairnics roun' iriy knee. GEORDIE. Thae words exprest — my sorrow end>'— Wi' mair delight the axe Vll swing j An' sure that lounies laugh portends, That heM yet gar the forest ring. OP LEISURE HO^RI PART II. Tempora maUatur et nos mutamur tm iUk. OBORDIE. 'Tia, Jenny, noo just towmonds five, Since we came here, this fourth o' June ; Ye doubted, when I said, belyve Frae grief to joy you'd change your tun©. JENNY. Nae wonder, Geordie, I was wae. For then ye ken a' rjuu' was gloom ; 1 missna' noo the birk clad brae, Nor burniea aldo whare flowrios bloom. » WARBLINGS AND WAIfJNC^S GEORDIE. I TfonderM na' that ye were sail, I pitied yon, my bonnie woman ; An' thoujrh T seemM to yon sae glad, I grieved when ye grat 'bout the gloamin'. JENNY. About, tiie gTonmin' jeer nne mai", For then my thought^ were hameward roamin', I mind weel when my heart was sair, Ye aye said blyther days were comia* CfEORDIE. An' Fo they hae, my Jenny dear, Look ronri' an' coinit oi?r romforfs noo 5 WeVe mnckle here, o!ir hearts to rheer, Our blessings are nu' gma' nor few. JENNV, To Him ahoon that kens \hn mind, I'm tliankfu' aye lor a' that's given ; An' that ye've, Geordie, proved bo kind, I prize high 'mong the fift^ 0' he«iv?p. QF LEI8URK HOURS. GEOllDIE. Koo, ye can hear the kirk-bells ringin', An' gang to worship aye dry-shod ; We needna now be loupin — springin', Ower mud holes to the house o' God. JENNY. Wi' worldly comforts aye encreasin*, We noo enjoy the means o' grace ; May our minds be raised in praise nnceasin', To Him who rules ower time an' space. GEORDIE. 'Bout Unties' lilts on winnie brae, An' laverocks singin' in the air; 'Bout mavis' notes — on bush or spray, Ye seem na muckle noo to care. JENNY. The quackin' deuks — the gabblin' geese- The cackle o' the layin' hen, An' lammies wi' the snaw-white fleece, Ay^ ble^tin' £U my though tn ye ke^. 19 WAKHLINGIS AND WAILINGS O'EORDIK, Hoof, woman, that's riae half your stent, Ye hae the barnies fash forbye, As weel's the cows an calves to tent, And grumphies faltenin' in the stye. JENNY. My wark is only woman's wark, Wee fykie wark bout house and byre j But ye work hard frae morn 'till dark^ My wonder h ye never tire. GEoaniE. That minds me o' the muckle aik, The stumps yet near the auld shanty door ; I thought my heart would surely break Sic faught I had to cowp it ower. JENNY. Then a' was mirk — then a' was gloom, The sun he couldna get hisS nose in, But soon ye cleared and made sic room. That I could see the neuk ho rose in. OF LEISURE HOURS. If GEORDIE. By bit an' bit I've cleared alang, An' laboured eident late an' early, Whiles croonin' some auld Scolti-h sang, 'Bout Wallace^ Bruce or hapless Charlie* JENNT. Rome was na biggit in a day, 'Tis prentice leaf makes workmen gude, The neebors roun' noo own an' say, There's nane can match ye in the wood, OEORDtE. 'Tis art an' use makes labour light — Bush wark though hard is aye enlicin' f For ilka day afore your sight, New comforts spring frae labour risin'. jilNNY. The bairnies a' puir things are willin', Tc do sic light wark as they can ; See little Geordie how he's fillin' An' raxin' to the height o' man. v^ W.VABLmGH AXD WAILINGS QE^ rDIE. True, Geordie he's noo out fourteen, An' Jamie he'll be fwal belyve, Puir Andrew wi' the blearich een, Though only aucht can owsen drive. JENNY. Tn froth ye roose th(; laildies wee?, Without a word '^o»jt my ain Jenny; The glide wean toddles at my heel, All' rocks the cradle for her minnie. GEORDIE. At that indeed she's unco gude, An' ye aye keep her hand in use, So I fi.aun strive to raise the food, For soon wi' weans ye'll fill the house. JENNY. The wheat's a' dightit weel an clean, The morn ye maun gang to the mill ; I packit up the 'oo yestreen- Mind siiler for a stowp o' yilL / or LEISURE HOURS. 1$ GBORDIE. In that ril do as ye advise, For 1 may meet some neebor there ; Whose company an' cracks I prize, Wi, sic I like to birl or share. JENNY. Ye'll start as early as ye can, An' watch your turn — an' watch the miller j Tak' tent an no forget the bran, Een at the mill's as gude as siller. GEORDIE. I'll watch my turn as ye may trow,. Ilk lick o' bran bring hame to crummie^ I strive to till ilk speakin' mow, An' I will ne'er neglect the dummie. JENNY. Mind when ye get yom* meldor done, Speer 'bout the claith at Wabster Scott- At M*Master 'bout the laddies shoon, An' McLaren 'bout your ain new coat; 14 WAKBLINGS AND WA1L1NG8 G£ORDJE. Hae ye nae ither word to toiin, Nae worJ ava to luckie Gowdie 5 But it is yet perhaps ower soon, To tryst the gude auld skilly howdie. I JENNY. *Bout that gude man ne'er fash to speer, But mind anither thing my Geordie 5 Bring hanie a cask of nappy beer, Either fiae Lock or el^e frae Wordie. «s B>ii>ii.»iVir,nu»»«ii, OV LKIUURE HOUR!", >(^ SONG, Written for, and sung at the Dalhousie St. Andrew'a Philanthropic Society, on the 30th Nov., 1827, Blythe, blythe, and merrie are we, Blythe are we ane an a', JBlylhe to spend St. Andrew's night, That seenis to flee ower fast awa. We'll sing of Scotia's bonny Tay, An friends still dear there left behind ; 0' Clyde, wba's banks an' landscapes gay Bring bygane scenes fresh to ilk mind, Blythe, &;c» Tho' we may ower our shouihcrs keek, At scenes r^till dear, tho' past an' gane j Our ^en we surely manna ^teek, Oil blesBins we hac found fjae ha me. Blythe, ke, i i^ WARBLTXGS and WAILWGft Our Tay an' Clyde then lei us prize, Tho' shrouded now in forest gloom ; On their hanks rich lierhage yet will rit?a An monny a bonnie flovverie bloom*. Blythe, ^c* C siller tho' we may be scant, We pay nae rent— we're lairdies a' ; Noo naelhing feci o' pinchin' want, An that's ae biessin' worth some twa. BIythe, iScc* We've rowth o' meat an' rowth o' drink, An schuUin's nae that unco dear ; Forbye wheats ju^t as current's clink, Togie the wee bit barnies lear. Biythe, Sec, ^ * In 1827, when this was written, the banks of both rivers were hteralJy as described, part and parcel of the tTiZ ' Y^^^^^« at the present time, aloii- the course of both these streams, may now be seen verdant banks and flowery meads ; and m autumn, fields waving yellow with golden grain— thus remunerating the early and hardy pio- Sn^fn'. \u \ P^5f ' T^ \^^r' bestowed by them in pro- «ucinff these beneficial mi cheering reeulte. OF LEISURE HOURS. Our growing flocks, we tenl frae harm, We envy not the dandy's coat ; In hanfie>sj)im clad we're cosh an' warm, Nor plainness do we count a blot Blythe, &;c. Koo till — noo fill the glasses round, A bumper to our noble king; Wi' loyalty let the woods resound, And all Dalhousie's valley's ring. Blythe, dec. Push round — push round — again let fame, Trump loud the toast in faction's ears, A flowing bumper now I claim, To Ihm'' whose name our township bears. ♦ The Earl of Dalliousie, at the time Goveinor Geneia. »f Canada. V*- It WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS THE CUP OF FANCY AND TEAR OF GRATITUDE ; Written during a Calm on tlie Banks of Newfouncilanrf, in August, 1821. When the fresh'ning, fav'rins gale The mind elates and fills the sail, We then, in fancy, hail the t-hore, ' Quite tired of ocean's rage and roar, And view wiih hope's full ardent eye, Our future home in ecstary. Btit, ah ! a breathless calm enF\ir»i««, How elter'd then— how vhtw^a] vur vi'^w^ I In pensive mood — in mnsinp niiru!, We think on friends dear left I rhirsd. Whom fancy paints upon th*^ strni'd, Waving adieus with trcnjlliig lund, ...-.U,^.,. OF LEISURE HOURS. 19 Their gen'roiis act? are conjurrd up, And fancy quickly fills ihe cup ; Which to our lips as we uprear, Receives the starting— grateful tear : Unconscious, thus we tril.iiie pay To objects loved, though far away. Blest cup, tear-hallowed, now with haste, The balmy beverage straight we taste j In fancy qualT— we feel a glow, Which generous nnind« can only know,* For there are those in every land Whose shrivelled souls can ne'er expand. At length on ocean's placid breast, A ripple drowns the ze|>h yrs sigh ; Breeze fav'ring— lulls all Aars to rest, And land we hnil in fancy's eye. Long — long of winds and waves the pport, Soon wj shall reach the longcd-iur port*. * The chpper brig- Catherine made the voyage fjfow leith to Quebec in SLveiity-live days ! ! ! ftf^ WARBLINGS AND WAILIXGS ON THE DEATH OF A PROMISING BOY. As flovv'rels fade, antl leaves when blighted fall, Oft budding youth is nipt in its en recr ; Then — the sad, bearers ofihe funoral pall, Sighing in sorrow, Fheil ad'ection's tear; Lamenting innocence in life's gay bloom, Consigned itntiimhj to an early tomb. Ah ! who can fancy what a par^-^nt feels, What artist paint the gloom that clouds the mind ? ^ Bereavement only to ourselves reveals The strength of ties— the sympathies that bind To objects earthly ; su Ideu from us torn, They leave behind tlie ^.^^ boiacc to mourn. OF LEISURE HOURS. 21 May God in pity to the woe-struck heart, Send consolation from his heavenly throne ; Teach us, resigned, with gifts he gave, to part, Since He at will can justly claim his own. His mandate given ; although we may repine, All that is dear, we must to him resign. Yet from grief's fount, a rill of comfort Hows, That pours its soothing waters o'er the mind j They who smk sinless, calm in death's repose, Escape the ills, that wait those left behind. Freed from life's snares, its turmoils and alarms, Spotless they're welcomed to their Maker's arms. 22 WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS 1/ SONG. I hae a sma' craft, an' a wee pickle sheep, That wi' labour an' care in giule order I keep ; An' my flock is increasin' ! will ye agree, To live my dear Jean in a bolhie vvi' me! An' my flock, Sec. I liae a kind heart, O ! ye ken its ye're ain, An' surely nae langer ye'il keep me in pain; That heart vvi' my hand, an' a I will gie, If ye'll be content in a bothie wi' me. That heart, 8cc. Had I a fair kingdom, I'd make ye my queen, Thou flaxen. haired lass, vvi' the bonnie blue een • Tho' for state vvi' its cares, I carena a flea, ' I'd rather hae Jean in a bothie wi' me. Tho' for state, Sec, ymKtt m OF LEISURE HOURS. 23 A crook is the sceptre by which I would reign, My war-spear a sicide to cut down the grain 5 As to love in a palace, that's a' in my ee, Fond love wi' my Jean in a bothie for me. As to love, &c* I jid ji I' Walblings and wailtngs LINES. Wriifen at the hme of Sir Walter Scott's dmtK The wan of woe fiom Scotia's strand. Is wafted o'er ih' Atlnntic iTiain j * It speaks the sorrow of the lanfj— Wherever heard, creating pain, It tells that genius vast hath flown, And left the sphere of its renown. Mute hangs the Harp at Abbot^ford, Still is the voire that Fung so well • The Minstrel hand that touched the chord Lies cold, alas ! in Drybro' aisle. Grief breathes in .ighs o'er moor and glen, A farewell to the heU of mm- m* -!i-hs--f^'^ 1- *. ,.wsm, ^< M«a«^' .9». -A s-ti>i„:im,ii.-mmgi,m-r'&eKmmmmii»ii OF LEISURE HOURS. 2S All nature mourns — plaintive and !?hnll, The dirge nolo't> wiirh'od -inoig the tn-es, The flowerets droop— giicfsvvells e^ch rill And anguish, moaning, fills the breeze, Both high and low in sorrov^' lend Wailing such excellence s^hould end. In song, romance, hii^toiic page, In painting lofty scenes or low ; Still 'twas the wonder f»f the ao;e How he imparted nature's glow ) But cold, alas ! is now the hand, That weilded thus the majiic wand. Though none so much e'er said or sung, As gifted Scott of Abbotsford ; In age — in manhood — e'en when young, He ne"'er penned an immoral word. Enjoying now his high reward Is Scotia's highly-gifted Bard. In after times they'll wish to know, And doubting ask in every clime ^ 1^ WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS Did such vast streams of genius flow From one small fount] so short tho time He took such precious gifts to pour, From his prolific, mental store. When fortune frowned, he n'er repined, But bold withstood misfortune's shock 5 And drew on his gigantic mind, For treasure from its coi^ionr? stock. Alas ! su(!h deep and lengthened drain, Life's tenement could not sustain. Now e'er I close my theme of woe, Though weak, alas ! and faint the lays 5 No critic yet on earth below Commingled so, reproof with praise; No jealous cloud e'er crossed his mind; In kindness it embraced mankind. And sheds a halo round the name, Emblazoned on the roll of Fame. OF LEISURE HOURS. 27 4^ LINES Ou the Death of Lieutenant Weir, of the 32cl Regiment, who while employed on a Special duty, was betrayed, made prisoner, and barl^arously murdered by the Rebels at St. Denis-— shewing that they are alike traitors to their Sovereign, and foes to humanity. Britannia in grief as she bent o'er her shield, It was dimmed by the fall of a tear: Then majestic she rose — now tearless her eve Although from her bosom escaped a deep sigh — Whilst with firmness she grasped her dread spear. She swore in her ire — she swore in her might, That no blot on her shield should appear ; Her bayonets should burnish it bright as of yore, The tear-blot efface — its lustre restore — 23 WARELINGS AND WAILINGS Oh ! bail lie but fal-cn encounfcring (he foe, Kow duU'reiit the h;ig]i nr.ti the tear ; Exultation would tlv n !;nve co-mingled with woe, While lamentijig the folo, ihnt in l.attle hid low, 'I'he gallant — the young i-oMier Weir. Woe, woe to the heartless — the foul murd'ring band, J^ow shrinking as vengeance draws near — Every Corps of our Queen — every subject will lend Assistance in hunting to earth's farthest end — The Hell fiends who liave murdered brave Weir. When I heard the sad tale, my blood became chill'd— When the death note first fell on my ear; l^hudd'ring exclaimed — f.;te cruel and hard — But pausing — I leave to more talent<^d bard, To chaunt a blest requiem to Weir. i OF LEISUr^E HOURS. 29 LIXES On the Death of tho Hon. ]\Irs. Grant of Kilgraston. Like the illusion:-; ofa f)leasing dream, 3r fioeting gi-andcur ofa nieleor\s gleam, )ur joys are transient in tills v*'orld, where woe 'ft cloiiJri the picture wrought in fancy's glow. .'he bud, the opening, and the full blown rose, )ifruse their fragr-^nce, and their sweets disclose, STet e'er the sen:^os are regaled — the eye, 3eholds with pain their glories fade and die. >o budded Margaret, and so Margaret bloom'd, Vedded in youth, alas ! in youth entombed ; 'he torch hymeneal that so brilhant shone, heds its dim dying light upon her tomb. 30 WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS That form so graceful, those engaging charms, Lie now enclasped in death's cold icy arms : But the pure soul, that knew but virtue's road, Hath soared from earth—and winged its course to God. Now husband, parents, kindred, lowly mourn This bud of beauty, from affection torn, Yet when escapes the deep, the grief-fraught sigh Be they consoled— for Margaret blooms on high. :^f?i' OF LEISURE HOURS 31 I*, •II A TRIBUTE OF AFFECTION. When sorrow preys upon the m'nd, And struggling in the bosom pent ; Like fluid, when too close confned, 'Twill burst the shell, or find a vent. He died far from home on the ocean *, Yet his country's brave tars, hore his bier ; His pall was the flag of the nation, Which in life to his heart was ^o dear. While lowering the youth to his grave, Grief spoke through the &ij,hs of the brave. * On board her Majesty's Steamship Prometheus, Lieutenant Sparks Con mander, en the passage from Malta to Gibraltar, at which latter place the remains© if the lamented youth, to which these imperftct lines ref«r fvere iuterreJ. .HI 32 WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS Oil ! he dlel in a fir distniit cliinc, No parent to tea I or watch o'er him ; He went down to tlic grave in life's prime, Leavinj; rriend;<,vvh()m he lov'd, to deplore him. Gone — ;r()iie to that haven of rest, Where souls anchor safe with the blest Tliough he died on the main far from land, Yet a friend, heaven sent, snioothf.d his pillow* ; \nd perhaps, too, the same fiiendly hand, May plant o'er his lone grave, a willow. To mark out the .^pot where he lies, To which now arc wafted sad sighs. lUt why thus should we grieve that he's gone ? Alas ! for ourselves is the sorrow ; 'hough to day the sun brilii.mt hath shone. Who can j)r()mise a cloudless to-morrow? Vain hopes, which in fancy we form, Oft vanish — or fall 'ijeath the storm. • Thomas Davenport, Esq., whose kindness is grate- %lly remembered by the bert-aved parents. or LEISURE HOURS. He wai manly, yet modest and mild, Warm-hearted — aye, io friendship sincere j If a parent may mourn a loved child, There is due to his virtues a tear. But tears unavailing may flow, Alas I they efface not the woe. 81 Jt M WARBLINGS AND WAlLDNtaS- THE HUNTSMAN. The following Lines were addressed to a Poet Artist, who- told the Author that he was about to commence painting Hunting Pieces. The huntsman sounds his thiilling horn, The pportsmen quick convene j Each face looks cheerful as the morn — Pray, artist, paint the scene. In cover next sv^^eet hope runs h'gh, All beat with ardour keen ; And on the stretch are ear and eye — Pray, artist, paint the soene. iJTfS- W LEISimE HOURS. ia drawing on they near the spot, Where Reynard late has been ; List to the hounds s■«! %; 'i:i i The huntsman now whoops <* Tally-ho," For he has Reynard seen j Hark ! forward ! now is all the go—- Pray, artist, paint the scene. He next whoops, *« gone-gone-gone away,'* And points to the ravine, Where Reynard crossed in style so gay- Pray, artist, paint the .-^cene. O'er brook and brake— o'er hill and dale, As well as meadow green, He bounds, till strength begins to fail-^ Pray, artist, paint the scene. %$ WARBLmOS AND WAILUfOS Now, panting, faint, he dragi along, And close behind are seen Two high bred hounds, both fleet and itrong- TOey, anist, close the scene. i i; OF LEISURE HOtmS, H- t 37 SONG. 0, say will ye be mine, lassie, 0, say will ye be mine ; I'll cozie keep ye — dawt ye weel, Gin ye will be but mine, lassie. The miser glowriQ* ower his gowd, May feast his, greedy een, But I love maire than a' his wealth The blythe looks o' my Jean, O, say will ye be, &c. Though epicures on dainties rare, May stech till they are fou, I'd rather live on hamel fare, An that fare share wi' you, O Cnv Tljill VTA Ka Arn do WARBIJNGS AND WAILINGS Though topers in their revels high, May boast their sparklin' wine, Wi' Jean I'cJ drink at nature's fount, An' think my lot divine, 0, say will ye be, &,c. While blest wi' health I'll earn eneuch, To keep our hothie warm; The arms that toil to win the bread, Shall tent my Jean frae harm, 0, say will ye be, &:c. It may be fancy's dizzie dream, Yet Jean methinks I see, Consent tho' modest peepin' out, Frae neath thy bonnie ee, 0, say will ye be, Sec, lassie, Then since ye will be mine, O, since ye will be mine ; I'll cozie keep ye — dawt ye weel When you are truly mine, — !!! U _ 0_ _ , Kay Will yt; uu, oiu. t)F LEISURE HOURS. 39 LOVE OF COUNTRY. 30th NOVEMBER. Caledonians removed far from objects endearing, In whatever country or dime they may roam ; The return of this day brings an influence cheering, To Scotsmen who still love their dear native home. The friends of my youth, still in fond recollection, In my mind I parade — they pass in review ; Nor distance nor time can lessen aflTection, Heart-felt was the pang when I bade them adieu. Although far from my country now distant I dwelli Yet the scenes of my youth are still fresh in mj mind ; The mountain, the streamlet, 'the flowery green The place of my birth, yea, and parents so kind. f i . ^1 i II II it 40 IfARBLINGS AND WAILINGS Whiles I think in the burnie trout I'm ensnaring, Or that at a mawkin the gun's at my ee ; That the wild craiga and cliffs I am fearlesslj daring, When my country's the theme— ^glowing fancy roams free. I have gazed from the summit of lofty Ben Nevis, There spell-bound surveyed the vast scenery around j The Cheviots, the Grampions, Lomond, Ledi and We vis, Whilst o'er sea in the distance, fam'd Erin I found. Scotia, my country ! ihoif it still dear tamy heart, Now enfeebled with age — I shall near see thee more : Yet before to that unexplored land I depart, >A last fond wish I waft to mv lov'd native shore. umi ./i- X>T LEISURE HOURS. Ai LIFE'S VICISSITUDES. At this gay season of the new-born year, When buoyant hearts are all to joy inclinied I I'm doomed in grief to muse, while drops the tear, O'er seenea gone by, Iho' deep in mern'ry shsinad. Life's early morn in smiles was drest^ In life's meridian I was blest : But noo the tear maun tell the rcst^ That dims life's gloamin ee. i 'i Friends dearly loved, alas ! are gane, They've drappit affa' aneby ane: An' dreary lam left alane, iLifft'fl irtva arf^ fflf>n frflA mft_ W: .1 ,, WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS But soon shall a' vain-grievin' cease, For tiL'^e wi' silent stealthy pace, Leads to life's final restin' place. The cauld — the narrow bed. Life's thread is wearin' unco sma*, Yet oh ! while I ha® breath to draw, 'Twill pass in sighs for them awa, Noo numbered wi' the dead. Wi' objects dear we're sweer to part, Affection twines sae ronn' the heart, Asunder torn, the pang — the smart It leaves, will last for aye. Thus musin' on my state forlorn, I think I view the mien — the form O' those I loved* an noo I mourn, In this my closin' lay. OF LEISURE HOURS. 43 mVITATION TO DLNNER TO THE REV. I hae, dear sir, ae wee fresh cod •, An' tho' that same is nne doubt odd. We'll it divide in pieces sma' To gust the gabs o' ane' an' a. I hae forbye a gude fat hen, Wha lately cackled her amen ; A piece o' beef, cut frae the rumple Or dcup, o' that fat ox ca'd dumple. • Before Rail-r6'ads had been introduced upon this con- tinent, sea fish of various kinds were brought from Boston and other sea ports into Canada in winter in sleighs, and were consequently dainties more rare and expensive than ^i the pr«sent day. I iim^ 44 WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS A tongue that never evil spoke, Will sure be there to help the joke ; Wi' rovvth o' reamin' nappy beer. To synde well doun the hamel cheer. I hae besides some gude auld wine, Drink fit for layman or divine ; But I hae branks to gird the mou, An' flag the chiels frae getting fou. Noo gin ye like the bill o' fare, Stap ouer the morn, an' tak' a share, Precise at four. aElse my auld cook will gloom an' stare, Wi' visage sour. OF LEISURE HOURS. A FLIGHT TO THE GLEN. (4 l'- r Reply to a Poetical Epistle, received on the morning of 30 November 1848, from J. D., along with a sprig of heather, to be worn at the Celebration Pinner of Scotia'^- Patron Saint. Your bonnie lines an' cowe o' heather. Made my auld heart as lights a feather ; Sae aff on fancy's wings I flew, My native glen ance niair to view. I thought t'was early morn in May, Month o' the year maist blythe an' gay : I lighted on the warlock knowe, Whar' eituntit bushes only grow. m 46 WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS There I had full within my view Baith crystal stream, an' mountains blue ?> The lammies bleatin' on the hill, Some sportin\ loupin' ower the rill. The mavis perchM on thorney spray, In biythe notes welcomed in the day j The Unties on the whinnie brae, Sent down their streams o' melody. The lavrock soarin' high in air, Poured forth sic dulcet warblins there, As tunes the heart to praise an' prayer* The auld kirk on the risin' knowe, The mill raair distant in the howe j In cozie neuk the cottage clean, Did not escape my searchiu' een. The rowan trees afore the door, Stood there, as they had stood before j Put ah ! alas she was not there, Wha nursed me wi' a mithers care. 1.4 OF LEISURE HOURS. Nor Him wha's voice at morn an' even, Was raised in pious prayer to heaven j Baith lang hae lain in the kirk yard, Bailh gane to reap their high revsrard. 47" I next surveyed the village green, When handsome stalwart youths were seea In converse sweet with maidens fair As oft in youth I used to share. ^y But a' my early friends war' gane, Some laid aneath the sod or dtane, Some perished on the stormy main, But maist were in the battle slain. The few that live were a' awa, " Pursuing fortune's sliddery ba." The Glen being lanesome noo to me, The tear drap fiUin' fast my ee, I shook from aff my wings the dew, FleviT back to tell my waes to you. 4S WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS Waea sad, that ne'er can be removed, While thinking on friends dearly loved y So lovM in life — to memory dear, They claim the tribute of a teari ^ I l Am mm fff n m mwfaiim ^n i OF LEISURE HOURS. 4i THE FUR TROWSERS. At a party miny years agi, a g3ntleman was accused of having purchased a pair of fur trovvsers, under suspici* ous circumstances, wiiich brought forth the following impromptu liu.^^i, to the great amusemant of the com. pany. Although 'tis saiil the Fair are frail, Yet who'd believe ihem 8uch vile wretches- That for the sake of gin or ale, They'd sell their husband's winter breeches. m m On vvedded love, though fortune's frown, At times assails, with painful twitches; Yet vvhoM believe that for a crcwriy A wife would sell lier husband's breeches; E i jtlSisL 6& WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS^ When winter winds 1)low coM nnd shrill, May such disaster never reach us ; But may our wives pnne loving still. And neither sell^ nor wear, our breeches^ J I / OF LEISUJdE HOURS. &J FAMILIAR AND FRIENDLY ENQUIRIES, ADDRESSED TO J. S. Is our friend Henry Glass as jocund as of yore, Wi' sly accusations settir»g tables in a roar? Is Dr. Gimmill still kiltie texts expounding, An' doctor Leach's fame thro' Lanark wood's resounding ? Does Major Eraser still to th'cooser send his mare, On Sabbath, when the ncebars roun' are in th9 House o' Prayer ? Is there reek in the luin o' the house ance warm to a', Or is the hearth grown cauld o' him* that's noo awa. * The residence of Colonel jMarsball, Superintendent of the Lanark Mililaiy Sellkment, who after the clcse of the Department had returned to his natve ccuFitry, to pass the close of a useful aud honorable life— m otium cum di^ (nilnfo m m^l 62 WARBLTNGS AND WAILINGS Wha lives in Shaw's house, out o'er the risin** hill, Wha noo makes the whiskey, wha has the Lanark mill? How does Mr. Baillev do, an how Mr. Lambie, Aa Shaw's very dear friend, ye'il ken 1 mean^ Tanimie l Are hairnios lenrnin' woel at the schools ye foster, Some Inh'rin^at ther abs, an' some at j)aternostcr? Is our frien' M-Intyre still nuikin' bonnie verses, An' the lavvse applyin' to doupics, alias ar — si Are the neebors getting rich, are their flocks en- creasin', An' no yet lazy grown, an' frae labor ceasin'1 Are ye mendin' your bad ways, are mud holes as I found them, Requirin' skill an' trare, to pilot dry-shod rouad them ? mwi ^ But I maun hae a snuff, so F noo lay down my per>, * .- 9 — .1 ,. ? I ?..£. ..r.; J I'M inlrck if iirx nrro nrrAn _ *OF LEISURE HOURS. 53 TO SLEEK CHOPS. I s Where feudal winds first blrvv their Litter blast, Some still there are wlio grieve such gales are pastj ^here power despotic- unrestrained bore sway, lAnd vassal slaves learnt naught but to obey. I'm doomed to dwell — but still my mind is free, Therefore, bland Sleek Chops, this address to theej ^Cringing and fawning to the wealthy great, Who bask in splendour or who roll in state. Thy placid mean and ready courteous smile, Would speak a heart devoid of fraud and guile| The panther, leopard, and the tiger too, Comely appear in menngerie to view. But ihey, alas 1 are emblems sir, ol yoUi C4 WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS Some men of mannprs rough, with notions crude, Have noble minds, slill bent on doing good ; Whilst others pliant, plausible and civil, Are subtle, yea, and treacherous as the devil. Your word and promise readily you break, If sorded self has interest in the stak:* ; In these dire times when thousands are^ in dread, For lack of work to starve for want of bread. When men step forth, and those in highest sta- lion, Plans to devise to feed a hungry nation : Proclaim aloud, and tell the world forsooth, How well you fare, by sacriticing truth. r What means this disregard for honest fame T A wicked heart that can no good retain, Ilich in bad qnalities, with no good ones stored^ Detested is its ovi^ner, its principles abhorred. But vain th' attempt thy character to draw,^ im]> oi liiu uuvii, ecrniuicr \n ixic layv | 'OF LEISURE HOURS. » Long exercised in vice, complete thou art, Xiiberally complete, in each infernal part. Mankind's disgrace — thy country's foulest blotj Noxious and vile, retire and be forgot. ,1 V 14 i i w w9 WARBtlNGS AND WAILINGS I It TYKE'S PETITION. Lines written and tie J round t'le piiv d )g'g neck, and ad- dressed to his master. The petition must have been lis- tened to as tli3 Qjod old dj^ afterwards disappeared. Oh, hearken to yonr poor aiild ting's petition, Wha kens na noo the smell o' brose frae sneeshin j Wha's een's sae ilim, he canna see ava, Nor can he hear his gude kind master's ca'. His step ance boundin'sl, turn'd to pace of snail, His drooping hurdies, hide his covvrin' tail j Death would l)e nnercy, Hfe's a burden noo, And since I found a kind friend aye in you. Give the command to put me under ground, That I nae mair may taint the air around ; Give the command in pity, do not spare, And Tyke will, dying, howl for you a prayer^ ;f OF LEISURE HOURa 67 SONG. In a calm summer evening as so] was dciilining, And dipping his edge in the western wave , A fair maid in sadness, sat wailing repining That Reuben shouid leave her lo mix with the brave. The Soldier sat near her, his heart became pof- tened, Though daring in danger, a stranger to fear; The bloom fled his cheek, which quickly was moistened, With the starting, endearing, the love-telling tean m WaHBLINGS and WATLIiVGS Cro, Reubon, exclaimed this high-minded womatti Oh ! tarry not here, from the field of thy famei May prowess, and valor, encount'ring the foemani Gain for thee, a niche in the temple of fame. When the turmoil of war, when the battle is over> And verdure again decks the stained battle plain ; Return to your Emma, who constant as ever, The lard of her love to her bosom wil strain* \ €F LEISURE HOURS. 09 ^1 CHARLOTTE*. IMPKOMPTU LINES. \ Charming, generous, gallant youth, How welcome are the words of truth ; Announced in language glowing kind| Hed hot from the furnaced mind. Love's a passion scorning reason, Oh ! the fickle god with treason Temps me now ! IVe tried in vain, To cool in reason's pool my brain- Enough discloied — my gallant swain* • At a party on Valentine's day, a young lady exhibited an Acrostic she had received, breathing burning love, in ifiery strains, and agreed to address a reply to it if any one would dictate a proper answer. Charlotte, however, de» idined to address the above lines to JuUus. f60 WARBLINGS AN3 WAILINGS TO J. M'lNTYRE, ESQ., :^Secretary of tke Dalhousie St. Andrew's Society, 1829* Convened in your hall, ssitling snng round tho nappy*, With fanesbrighthenming in health's rosybloomj I waft a fonii wish, that you long may he happy> And live far apart from adversity's gloom. f; v>. M ^ The gloom from the forest, with purpose un- bending, And labor incessant, you've toiled fo remove j Now sol's rays admitted, rains genial descending. Cause fields to wave yellow, where late stood a grove* The g'oom from the forest dispelled— the young mind, To improve and instruct engages your care j ♦ Exhiliratitig beverage. -^T- ".^^^.-"■f:'?^.''''^--^"* ^^r-'b^jpU"'" r^ 7P ■|:.Jt^.^v»r---^^^-- ' -p-^r? = • -«-«i.s«rp7^'jT^''S^ OF LEISURE HOURS. «l Go on — 'tis a duty both holy and kind, Those we love, for life's duties to train and pre* pare*. i i When time in its course, shall have called you allf home, The boon you dispense now to objects so dear y Long hence — when they vi^it your lone forest tomb, V/ill call forth a blessing, a gigh and a tear. gg^^^^^^WBJS^ "'' ^'- '" ^"^F" 'y^^"' 62^ WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS^ SETTLERS LAMENT, ■ Oh ! are ye gaun to leave ns, Oh ! are ye gaun lo leave us; Has fate (let-reeil that we niaiia part, The ihoughl, how sad it grieves us.» The sun by nature's law supreme, At times in darkness leaves us ; But soon returns wi' gleams an' beams That warms to life, an' i heers us. Oh ! are ye gaun, &c. • On the departure of Colonel Wm. Marshall, the effi- fient Superirteudent of the Lanark Military Settlement, ipon the close of the Department over which he had so ■worthily presided. OF leisureT hours. But though ye're gaun sae far awa, Nae mair to see or hear us ; We'll teach ilk wean to lisp the name 0' him sae kind when near us. Oh ! are ye gaun, &c. When reekless, aft wRen led astiay, Maist when the drap deceived us ; Ye counselled a' to keep frae law, When want press'd — ye relieved us. Oh ! are ye gaun, &c. 63 Noo since yfe're gaun to leave us, For ever mair to leave us ; We'll marshal a' baith great an' sma', To chant the dirge that grieves us. Oh ! are ye gaun, &:c. 64 WARBLINGS AND WAILINGS ii KAIL BROSE. -Altered and sung by the Author at the Three Rivers St. Andrew's Society's celebration dinner, 30th November 1856. When our ancient forefathers agreed wi' ihe laird, For a piece o' gude grun to be a kail yard ; 'Tvvas aye to the brose, that they paid their regard, O the kail brose of auld Scotland, An' ih^ auld Scottish kail brose. Our soldiers were dress't then in kilts an' short hose, An' bonnets an' plaids too, their dress did com- pose ; Wi' a bag o' ait meal on their backs to be broio, the kail brose, &;c. i ! OF LEISURE HOURS. 65 Of old we are told when the English were foes, We often hae dealt tliem out verv hard blows : ^ John Bull then wad curse our sad relish for brose, the kail brose, undred years are past and gone, Down to the gulf of endless time, Since first was heard the voice of one, Born to enchant in every clime. The infant voice, then faintly heard, Was that of Scotia's tuneful bard. iM [i !. Though now that voice in death is still, And ear deaf to all human praise, Yet unborn generations will Rehearse the bard's immortal lays. His name on History's brightest page, High-prized go down from age to age. rij S'S. <- "N llii: DLATII OF lllL LA 11 iUr. ^3coii]c Slubbs Whcii I think uii the da>c that ait- gant . VVeel mixt up, wi joys an' wi t^on uw ; Jn sadness I grieve noo lor ane. To be laid in the caitld grave tu-niurr<.\v. For thirty lung years au' some nfiair. He has been to me, aye like a Brither ; Nae wonder my auld heart is sair, For I'll ne'er meet again sic anither. Tho' he was na, ae draps-bliiid to me, Tho' nae Scotsman, he prized Scottish men ; .Scottish waes brought the tear to his ee,. As he road o' the unpeopled glen. Nae mair 'boirt the wacs o' the glen, We'll crack-nor 'bout London lamed 'itv ; Fareweel to the best o' gud»; men — VVeel worthy o' this my last ditty—. In his nature aye g(.'ntlc an' kind, His heart beat in Iriondship to a' ; Uaassiimin'J!;,Yci gifted in mind, Was tlto fiiend I noo mourn ta'-n ■p\-). - \t;i\-, l^vt^O f. li: i I Jll m w. ^1 ■^ i ;■■ waiiblj?:gs anp wailini^s To His Koyal Highness the TiUNCE w Wales, By an old Siil)ject7 and Servant oi the British Crown. Hail Scion of illustrious race, We bid thee welcome to our sliore ; While blest with plenty — blest with peace, Thy presence makes our cannon roar. The welkin rini^s in idaddened voice. The cheering stiains — our Prince — rejoic.'?. Prince born to wear the British Crown — The British sceptre, born to sway ; Thy Mothers virtues, and renown, Mark locli — as Guides, for future day. The w^orlds esteem— Her peoples love, And prayers ; will follow her above. When She her brilliant course hath run, Course, full of honors — full of yc^'vs ivesigns the sceptre to her son in midst the Nation's gri^jf and tears. 'i'hen iioyal Prince be tiiuie the aim.. To omidate Victouia's fame. V/iierever Britons chance to dwell, h\ surniy lands — or fjigid zone — Where ere they roam — iheir bosom? 'c^^^•"li. in pride ol' country, and its Throne. So Here Li-'ire P'ince, all will t) ycui. Both old and young pay homage du<'. l^'M'cni mine ''acc-pt. ,tt I0i"h!y-lw > Ipi i^ H' l\ V;( A' ,1 mO.