^>. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 I^|2j8 |2.5 u MB « ..» "2.0 18. U III 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14SB0 (716) S72-4S03 ^^ V :0' \\ LV 6^ ^ L6> CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes tachniquas at bibliographiquaa Tha Instituta has attamptad to obtain tha bast original copy availabia for filming. Faaturas of this copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua, which may altar any of tha imagas in tha raproduction, or which may significantly changa tha usual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. nColourad covars/ Couvartura da coulaur r~1 Covars damagad/ D D D D D D H Couvartura andommagia Covars rastorad and/or laminatad/ Couvartura rastaurAa at/ou palliculte I I Covar titia missing/ La titra da couvartura manqua I I Coloured maps/ Cartas gtegraphiquas an coulaur Coloured inic (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches at/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relii avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serrie peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge intArieuro Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within tha text. Whenever possible, XY ose have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches aioutias lors d'une restauration apparaissent danr, le texte. mais, lorsqua cela Atait possible, ces pages n'ont pes «t« film«es. L'Institut a microfilm* la maillaur axamplaira qui! lui a iti possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaira qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier una image reproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mAthode normala da filmage sont indiquAs ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagies Pages restored and/oi Pages restaur^es at/ou pelliculies Pages discoloured, stained or foxec Pages dAcoiorAes, tachaties ou piquAes Pages detached/ Pages ditachias Showthrough> Transparence I — I Pages damaged/ j I Pages restored and/or laminated/ I I Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ I I Pages detached/ rrn Showthrough/ rri Quality of print varies/ Qualit* inigaia de I'impression Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du material supplimantaira D D Only edition available/ Seule Mition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalament ou partiallament obscurcies par un feuiilet d'arrata, une pelure, etc., ont iti fiimtes A nouveau da fapon h obtenir la meilleure image possible. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplimentaires: Wrinkled pages may film liightly out of focus. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film* au taux da riduction indiqui ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X y 12X 16X aox 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: Nationai Library of Canada L'exemplaire fiimA fut reproduit grAce A la gAnArositA de: BibliothAque nationale du Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Les Images sulvantes ont Mi reproduces avec le plus grand soln, compte tenu de la condition et de la netteti de rexemplaire fiimi, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated Impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated Impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated Impression. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimie sont fiimte en commen^ant par le premier plat et en terminant solt par la derniire page qui comporte une empreinte d'impresslon ou d'illustratlon, solt par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmfo en commenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impresslon ou d'illustratlon et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — »> (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, seion le cas: le symbols *»* signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: L«3 cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmis A des taux de reduction diffArents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul cllchA, II est fiim6 i partir de I'angle supArieur qauche, de gauche h droite, et de haut en has, en prenant le nombre d'Images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants lilustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 ifc '>#' ■0 , .■^- <[ .»IISC ^ t> Ya ,* ""^v •-^^SS;': ■■»^ :*» i •s^- /4fn\ .vIISCELLANEOUS POEMS. GEORGE W. GILLESPIE. ■i^. ,«^<; «^ ' ^^ILLESPIC PH * I- ' u. ''■» i' V . Lines on Epistle t The Em Lines on Advice t "Comal, I Versea Ballad- ToaCe Verses Epistle ' The Re( To a Di We've ( Blitlie J The Spi The Sci Fa re we Lines o On layi To an J Lines o The W Epistle The So Canadii The Pa The Ei Verses ScottisI The (^.5 CONTENTS. ^^ I . : > \,:^"^Hi\ ■■*:■ >? 'O- :i" Lines on Canada, .... 9 Epistle to J— s K—, Esq., Auld Reekie, . ]0 The Emigrant's Return fronri the West Indies . 15 Lines on the President Steam Ship . . 17 Advice to a Friend . . . 18,21,23 Comal, Gormalj and Galvina .' . f; ^, . 24 Verses . . . ... 27 Ballad— The Highland Tartan Plaid . . 3o To a Censorious Friend . . . . 31 Verses . . . . . . 32 Epistle to . • ... , . 33 'f'he Reekie House . ." ' . . 37 To a Discontented Personage, . . . 39 WeVe crossed the VVnly Ocean . . . • , 40 jlPithe Jamie wi' his Tartan Plaid * . ,, ,, • 41 The Spunk. — A true story . .''.,. . 43 The Scottish Bagpipe . . • .. ; , 44 Farewell to In vergordon . . • . 45 Lines occasioned by Capl. B — y's remarks on Canada 46 On laying the Foundation Stone of King's College 48 i'o an Abstemious Piiilosopher . .; * ,.. . 40 Lines on African Slavery . .„, , . 51 The Wooden Walls of Britain . ; ' . . 52 Epistle to J — sK — , Auld Reekie ,,. » . 54 The Soldier's Funeral . . ' . . 61 Canadian Woodsman's Fare^vcll to his Log House 52 The Parson and Butcher . , « . < 63 The Emigrant Ship . . , , . v ,'**>.. 64 Verses on Toronto . . • . ■ • • , ^8 Scottish Brosc . . . . . . 72 The ('anadian Donninie'R; Jianient . '-, , ,, 74 VI The Aullior to his Terrier Dog . , . Verses written on the Author's first arrival in Canada, between Windsor and Cliatliam Page 75 76 77 78 78 SO 81 82 8* ■Q JLmes ..... To Mr. L — y, on liis return to Scotland . D — nl — p and the Bear . . , To a boasting Bard . . , The snaw-wreathcs lig on Blackford's tap Admonition .... On passing the Bell Rock Lighthouse in a gale To the san:ie, when the Author was coniing to America 85 Impromptu .... Lines written on passing Maiden, &C. Song ..... On leaving the coast of Scotland *', ' ' The Laird o' Cockpen . , •, Lines admonitory to a Friend . ■ " , •" The Woodsman . . .'•■" Verses ....-, The Jolly Clerk's Oration On hearing plaintive Music at midnight . To a young Lady . . Lines on being benighted in l!ie woods Lines written at Sea . . • " L-nitated from the Swedish . * The Moon's? o'er the Lnke To a Friend who intended to remove to Jamaica, On viewing the Coast of Newfoundland . Verses on leaving Scotland . . , Lines to Melancholy . ■ . '•"''. '♦ Phrenology versus Fhisiognomy . ■' I- •' ,' * The Farmer's mischance On the lamentable assassination of Capt. Usher Sketch from the Author's Journal across the Atlan- tic . . 117, 118, 119, 121, 122 Ripening Autumn now is gane The Highlander and Grocer . • Adieu to thee, Queensfcrry . . ' Lines ..... Fragment dcscri|'tivc of a Scotch country Fair 86 87 87 89 90 93 94 95 96 98 100 101 102 103 lOi 105 107 108 111 112 114 IIG 123 124. 127 128 12f) Ln prompt An auld S maki Verses To a Friei iParanhras L A iOn vievvir fSong Verses [Lines lallad— 11 -4 J'age 9, lin I « 24., vei *:« 40, lin ' " 46, ve ,« 53, ve i*' 54, ve |« 94, vei f « 56, vei t« 27, No L^anada, 76 77 78 78 . SO 81 82 le , 84- > America 85 86 ■ . 87 ' . 87 • . . 89 * • 90 ^ . 93 : '■•i'. • 94 95 'J 96 '. 98 100 101 102 103 104 105 107 108 111 112 114 er 116 Allan- 19, 121, 122 123 124 127 12S r . i2f^ ica, Impromptu ..... An auld Scotch Wife's reflections on Aniorican Tea making . « . • Verses . . I . . , To a Friend, on his leaving Canada I Paraphrased from Ossian ■On viewing an Emigrant'^ Grave in the bush *Song . . . . • Verses # •. .» . iLines ...... lallad — The Shannon and Chesapeake . 138 139 141 142 143 147 147 148 149 15a I \ ERRATA age 9, line 33, for blythe read blithe. 24, verse 8, line 7, for tower read towers. 40, line 6, for gloom read glum. 46, verse 10, line 3, for Albion read Albin. 53, verse 4. line 1, for born read borne. 54, verse 6, for Jfavarind's read Jean D'Acre's 94, verse 3, line 9, for Can yields read yields. 56, verse 8, line 4, for rout read route. 27, Note, li le 3, for theirs read with. « i-'\: m: ^li^iMtd'^ "fl ■■; « -<• ■1 ',VvU\.v ji?f; ■». f) ■rV :yt .'' .i: 070 VlOCf MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. LINES ON CANADA. I.' V ' .'l^ A <$ ■^ 'es ! lovely the land of the poplar and pine, '^here the maple trees flourish, and wild shoots the vinet ^here the sun-flower prolific is every where seen, 'he holy-hock, shumac, and bright scarlet-bean. >h ! rich is the foliage the woods that array, ^nd charming the plumage their inmates displays |5f hat sweet little wanderer, the humming-bird bright, T|[ere to flaunt in the sun's fervid beam takes delight ; [is home for a period he makes of these bowers, ^ond sipping the fragrance and sweets of the flowers, fow charmed in the silence of noon I have strayed, tnd the woodpecker's beautiful plumage surveyed ; ''hil'stEcho his strokes through the wooJs made resound, ind the chipmunk familiar, frisk'd playful around, ''hile the walnuts prolific, adorning the trees, lipe, rapped to the ground at the kiss of each breeze: ind, oh ! what for grandeur in season may vie '"ith the beautiful tints of a Canada sky. lalia ! they tell us, so lauded by Fame, the lays of the poets, can put in her claim ; ^he hues of Aurora, the clear sky of noon, 'he shades of the evening, and then when the mooa 10 Majestlcal mounts from the verge of the lake^ And the bright constellations all splendid awake : With the serpentine form of the near milky way, The mind may retain, bu* no words can convey, More varied than hues of the forests are seen, More sweet than the flowers that enamel the green : The fair Up|)er Canada proudly may boast From Scotia, from Erin, and Anglian coast. ^ How blest were this land would dissensions all cease, And again come with smiles the sweet cherub of peace: The strokes of the woodman, as wont, blythe resound To the plough-boy's gay whittle, while tilling the ground ; The tears of the matron be dried, I've seen flow, Bereft of her mate, or her sons plunged in woe. Hence ! hateful rebellion, and dire civil war, Heaven hold from this Province your horrors afar ! EPISTLE TO JAMES K , Esq., AULD REEKIE. Far frae the mountains o** the north, And pleasant plains besouth the Forth, And fair Edina town ; On cauld Ontario's icy shore. Not far frae Niagara's roar, I musing sit me down Beside the stove wi' faggots filled. That lends a cozy heat; To icicles amaist we're chilled, Withouten sic a beet. ^ II Lips quivering, and shivering 'Mid thir keen blasts sar aell, Nane Scotland or England Experience half sae fell* < • Yet heartsome here the cloudless sky, ' And brighter Phoebus beams frae high - Full on the crisping snaw ; And what I deemed aye winter's bane, I weel may say we here hae nane, — Nae drouking, blashy thaw. While glibly o'er the level plain The sleighers fleetly glide, >'■ Wi' jingling bells theik' steeds fu' fain Scour on wi birr and pride. Sic tingling and jingling At ilka step we meet : Sae sprightly and sightly, To tent them is a treat. The Scottish mountains sair we miss Their towering peaks the clouds that kiss, And distant risings blue ; The undulations o' her hills, Her red-wud linns and murmuring rills. Scenes here we seldom view. The mavis' and the blackbird's sang At morn and e'en sae sweet. Our natal shaws and woods amang, We lang in vain to greet. Though bonny as ony Th* flutterers be on wing, They are hummies and dummies, ' Sotno^e chirp but downa singx T2 Led by vicissitudes oTate Athwart the braid Atlantic great Here is mony a Scottish chiel Wed formed to turn the teeming soil, And lay about him at hi» moil In hope* o'" doin' weeU Mang sic as these at e'ening hour 'Tis aft my lot to meet ; The fuffing cutty gangs like stour, While cracks the lang hours cheat. Some fretting, regretting That e'er they crossed the brine ; Some canty and vaunty, Deem the transition fine, t I've heard Niagara's roaring din, ^ » That far-famed and tremendous linn, And marked it wi* amaze j Ihae seen Lake Eirie's waters sweep Wild thundering o'er that awsome steep, Then tower in smoke and haze j And eyed the rainbow's varied hue Depicted on the same, — A prospect that outpeecs ilk view To which lean lay claim. Sae splendid, extended Aboon the dinsome roar ; Confounding, astounding The view frae shore to shore. Ontario sailed 'maist end frae end, And thrice across ita breast did bend And trod the itherstran' J 13 .. \ Lake Erie too, baith up and down, ,ji \i Frae Bufialo to Detroit town, , ^ _ In bounds o' Michigan; And trudged the shores o' lone St. Clair, By day and dreary night, And maist into a slush did lair, — I gat an unco fright. Whilst budging and trudging Tall trees and brushwood past, Benighted, whiles frighted Some bear wad grip me fast. Niagara is a heartsome spot, Its teeming orchards fair, I wot Are pleasing to the view; The landscape yields baith hill and dale, And prospects too, the pick and wale. In inony a charming liue ; While daintily the peaches hang Frae mony a bending bough, And gar the wending traveller lang To gust wi' them his mou\ Whilst rustling and juslling To breezes saft that blaw, Aft rapping and papping, Swith to the swaird they fa\ On Queenston Heights whar valor bled. Towers a memorial of the dead, Placed on a chosen site ; For Brock the grateful tribute stands, And a most splendid view commands O'er river, lake, and height, b2 u And while the lofty structure towers' Aboon the expansive scene, Ilk British e'e that on it glowrs, Shall tent the time that's been. Whan battle's loud rattle 'Mid those fair scenes did swell; Whar glorious, victorious, Brave Brock unsullied fell. ' While memory lives, I'll nevertine ;' The hours I. passed vvi' thee and thine^ Within your kindly ha', Whar hospitality prevailed ;.. Wi' lear, the mind was too regaled, — These times hae passed awa', • Whan tales and sangs as auld's the hills, ,, Awoke our souls to cheer, The airs, wi' a' their shakes and trills, Methinks e'ei now I hean Wi' cracking and knacking, The Strasburg aft we'd pree ; i Nae rising, devising Till morn aft made us jee. How do you fend ? how do you fare 1 Sae are you Fortune's sport or care 1 Gaun back, or forward driving 1 Does Mammon use you ill or weel? Is Tibbie soothing, kind, and leal, And a' things round you thriving ? Now my epistle I maun close j You'll aiblins deem it lang. , ., ♦.. O' rhyming gear an unco doze. Mail feckless than it's Strang. f TJ ', 15 May sever, e'en never, Guid feeling 'tween us twa ; Adieu, then, the now then, Ilk blessiflg be your fa?. ^tf ^Kl .« •' THE EMIGRANT'S RETURN FROM THE WEST INDIES* He sought again his dear loved land,^ Now thirty years had past * --^ . Since he had found a foreign shore, And viewed his native last. He conjured up each feeling That played around his heart, When the sea-breeze swelled his far-bound sail, And he saw his hills depart. Light seemed the toils and trouble .^ ; Through life he had sustained, ; ' To win that worldly competence His industry had gained. Long-cherished hopes seemed gratified When he trod his native soil ; Light beat the wanderer's bosom, — Seemed recompensed each toil. At length his well-known village spire Peeped o'er the aged trees. And played fresh on his sun-burnt cheeky His long^lost natal breeze. !6 He heard the stream's low murmur As it wimpled on its way, And saw the flat and grassy dell, Where his school-peers wont to play. The mill, whose clack broke silence In the sultry noon-tide hour, The grey old feudal castle. And the yet more ancient tower j And the tear-drop started in his eye, While wrapt in thought he stood ; Whilst he felt the warm and ardent glow Of his early youth renewed. With eager Pteps he sought the cot That reared his childhood gay ; . But found, his father's home the tide Of Time had swept away. He asked of stranger faces. How former friends did fare 1 And heard of groups dispersed and dead. Oft blithe assembled there. The rising generation With time had altered place. And few the homes new tenanted, Of dear ones could he trace. He sought the churchyard's lonely mound, While his heart grew faint and sore ; And he shed the tears of sorrow sad. Amid griefs unfelt before. 1 \ 17 LINES ON THE PRESIDENT STEAM-SHIP. Oh gaily slept the voyagers, thai goodly ship on board^ Her ample hold with merchandize of many lands was stored, Her gallant streamers wantonly unto the breezes played. And splendidly the Union Jack her lofty peak arrayed. Brave, able, active were the crew, that tripped the shaven deck j" They knew no fear of tempest shock, of sunken shoals or wreck, But merrily their levers plied, and tugged the capstan round. That loosed their ponderous anchor's hold, and to the cat-head; wound, They gave her powerful engines play, the lofty sails unfurl'd. Puissant sped that gallant ship towards the watery world. While hundreds on the strand beheld her course devoid of fears. Long after distance quash'd the din, of given and answering cheers, The western world behind her, the ocean r/ide before. While hoary spray high rose, and fell, dash'd from the thundering prore. With speed like to the eagle's flight, away the good ship flew, Till far beneath the horizon she sunk to every view, Is there a mind that ever scann'd the chances of the seas^ Is there a heart that ever felt for human miseries ; For such a mind, for such a heart, to think and feel, there's scope; Heaven check thy sway. Despondency, nor quench the spark of Hope, Oh ! many a mother's bosom yearnp, surcharged with crowding fears. And many a tender maiden's eyes the pillow bathes with tears. Fond mothers who have sons on board are doubtful of the deep, And maidens for their sires, and loves, with fears foreboding weep, 18 Too long they stay, old sailors say, v/ho watch the coming sail> Storms rage at sea, and Mystery has spread her dubious vei^.. Alas ! what fate that stately ship with all on board befell. As chaos daris remains, and will} till Heaven and Time shall telt. ADVICE TO A FRIEND. For me, I baud them a* as soUr, Wanwordie o' the name o^ Scots, E'en Hpurious gets frae frcm't folk sprung* Wha flout their guid auld mither tongue. You ask fra^ me a verse or twa, And my remissness sair misca', Si^e I the pen shall forthwith draw, Yea, in a trice, And gie you what besuits us a' — A guid advice. Advice, I ken, is aft ill ta'en ; A Sage has said 'tis lo'ed by nane,, But yoUj I trust, will, still be ane, To tak' it kind 5 However harshly flows the strain^ 'Tis weel designed. Frae Barleycorn haste turn aside^ His vile potations downa bide, In time they stifle honest pride, Playing mony a plisky,, >>r •' "':;r ( . > 19 Swelling misfortune's w&efu' tide — Accursed Whisky. Adovvn that tide you are floating fast, ^Tis whisky works your kiltie cast, Withouten rudder, sail, or mast, That I can see. The sport o' ilka wave and blast, O'hon ! wae's me 1 Yet a' wha guld advice do gie, Sair grieved at heart your case to see, You at them like a scorpion flee, Wi' bitter fang. And swear maliciously they lie. To do you wrang. Whan rhee's a howlet twined o' mirk, Wha mint your case you draw your dirk, To drive them afTto jinglekirk, Wi' fleesome blatter, Pd count mysel' a perfect stirk To wince the matter. In drink you wax mislear and rude, It fires the brain and files your bluid. And puts you aft in evil mood ; Deforms your looks, ^ And paints the face, be't understood, Wi' scores o' plooks. •* Besides, it lairns the tongue to lie, And haiver nonsense fluently, W hile awsome aiths at random flee,— . A sin and shame ; no It links your life wi' poverty, And soils your name. Wiiat's mair, by leading sic a life, You'll ne'er obtain a godly wife ; For wha wad woo domestic strife Wi' open e'en ? Atween the space o' this and Fife, There's few I ween. Yon decent, douce, judicious men, Wha your backslidings weel did ken, Wi' righteous zeal their aid did len To baud you right } Trying proper ways to thrust you ben Wi' a' their might. For tliem, right grievous 'twas to see Your mind ta'en up wi' thinking free. And banding \vV sic company, — Unhallowed scoffers j In future frae sic gentry flee, — Wild, wairdless loafers. Quote not, as you hae done to me, Rob Burns' praise o' barley bree ; Nae mair as wont the potion pree. Till lispin', winkin', Bang to your feet, and turn wi glee The corner, jinkin'. Disdain the silly viceo' lie'n. Unworthy of a human bein' ; -^ Ane after ane they're aye misgien' ' Your whids uncouth, — ■'■ r 21 Aye baud in mind the Power all-seem' Delights in truth* Your voice, oh ! never, never raise Against that class sae de^r to praise ; Whose aim^s to lessen human waes, And heeze sobriety ; — Ne'er scout these words 'mang friends or faee- " Temperance Society." For this ca' not the adviser loon, Nor raise a loud obstreperous croon ; Sup you the bree, nor heed the spoon, 'Tis wholesome fare ; Be sober, and you'll rise aboon Ilk warldly care. TO THE SAMIJ. Whar wend you now you weary wight 1 Since you hae ta'en frae hence the flight, Judicious men sad mourn your plight, And drap a tear ; That you hae ta'en the road that's right. They muckle fear. . * Attracted by the wonted smell O' some confounded whisky stell, ' Placed on the hatefu' road to h , And a' that's evil j They fear you've in the clul:he3 fell, Still o' the d 1. - " - ;- C 22 Infatuated, headstrong wight, Disdaining every lesson right, Plying the caup frae morn to night Wilhouten stand j Sinning as 'twere, wi' a' your mighi, \Vi' a high hand. Your life began in Virtue's school j You were inured to live by rule ; i ' Nature upon you stamp'd not fool, — ... Then pause and think j You choose obloquy, u^ant and dool, For love of drink. You boast of feeling ; have you tears? Look round and shed them o'er your peers, Who in the lapse of a kw years Vile drink's laid lov ; And on their path who perseveres, f Must likewise go. ^^ Duly imperative commands Means must be used, to break the bands That baud as 'twere in thrawl your hands, And doit your head ; Or ne'er frae skaith, while drib life's sands. Will you be freed. v<;'i •r '^i'. a Aft baud in mind the pledge you took j v 5. ^ .y,,^ And gravely musing on it look ; _^ . ,>«r,3 • f ! Conning at times tea-totallers' book In humble guise; n_ See there how mony drink's forsook,-— Think, and be wise. .,j 23 Self-con fidenco make not my charge ; Say not I stand yet on the verge, And jimply free the mist emerge 0' like transgression ; 'Tis for your guid I thus enlarge In zealous passion. , ^ J TO THE SAME. Yon decent, douce, leal, honest men, Their helping aid in vain did len' j Trying godly gates to thrust you ben WiMittledin; Their saws you laugh to scorn, you ken, The mair your sin. They've done, I wot, a' that they can, To mak' you a leal, honest man, — To pigs and whistles 'sgane their plan, For a' their fash ; Still thou wilt be wi' temper thrawn, A drucken hash ! - •" < • ^^ ■<^- ,-, 1 '■• ? r V --■ t » * J To turn the corner jinkin' right, You took your feet, your mouth did dight. And effort made wi' a' your might To flee like wud j Yet on your hurdles sossdid light Wi' vvaefu thud. It II 24 At giiiJ advice you toss your head, Or straight engage in deadly fied ; You hae by heart the drunkard's creed, His reel and wizzen ; Withhaud the joot, insooth I'm fleed Your wame wacl gizzen. In mulish mood then tak' your will, And toom as wont your darling gill ; Smell sax miles aff a horn o' yill Wi* terrier keenness j Boast honor, morals, temperance still,—* Enjoy your meanness. In short, jog on your wonted pace, Wi' plooky nose and lowing face, That on your path you'll kep disgrace. You needna doubt it j You prove at best a hopeless case, — Nae mair about it ! COMAL, GORMAL AND GALVINA,* The son of Albion Comal was, Chief of an hundred hills; His plenteous deer to quench their thirst, Drank of a thousand rills. A thousand rocks sung to his dogs, Their barkings fierce resound y * Paraphrasod from Ossiao. I \ i 23 While to the chase exuUingly u They fleetly stretch and bound. . . ^y; li His face possessed the smiles of youth, * i In war wide went his fame j « One was his love, and fair was she, — ^^ Galvina was her name. The mighty Conloch's daughter, who Of virgin's seemed most fair; Bright as when on the mountain's side Shewed morning's sunny glare. Her hair was like the raven's wing, Heaven's smiles adorned her face. Her bow-string sounded on the winds, Her dogs were taught the chase. Her heart was fixed on Comal, brave ; Oft met their eyes of love ; Oft in the chase their course was one, When sweet their words would prove-. But glcomy Ardven's chief beheld, And made the maid his care; Stern Gormal, hapless Comal's foe, In secret loved the fair. v Tired of the chase, one day they met In Ronan's cave unseen, While shrouding mists their friends conceal'd, The chase still following keen. That cave was Comal's wonted haunt, Its sides with arms were hung j c2 i 26 I An hundred shields of thongs shew'd round, Helms, spears, with bows unstrung. " Rest here," he said, " Galvina rest, Of Ronan's cave the light, TiU yonder deer to thee I bring,. That shews on Mora's height. "Galvina, rest thee here the while Short time from hence I go ;" " Dark Gormal's steps I fear," she said, ** Lest hither comes thy foe." He went to follow Mora's deer, She longed to try his love ; Straight clothed her sides in armour bright, Intent the same to prove. He deemed it was his foe drew near ; His haughty heart beat high. His colour changed, red angei burned, And darkness dimmed his eye. He drew his bow, the arrow flew, Galvina pressed the plain ; With wildn€ss in his steps he ran And called her name in vain. . . No answer from the lonely rock, — • * " Oh ! whence my love ?" he cried j^ He saw at length her heaving breast, — The dying maid descried. «;< Oh ! Conlo^h's daughter, is it thou V* ' He called, with grief oppresl j 27 Then overcome with panga of woe,'- Sunk senseless on her breatt. The hunters found the h"[:less pairj He lived, and walL-cJ the hill,., But many were his silent steps Hound herdarl: cUvelling still. The fleet of ocean came — he fought — Before him strangers fled ; He sought for death along the field, But who could lay him dead ? He threw away his dark-brown shield, An arrow found his breast ; He sleeps beside the sounding surge,. Calm, with the maid his rest. Their green tombs to the mariner Still shew conspicuous forth j While in his reeling bark he bounds Q'er billows of the north. VERSES. Far city of proud palaces. Thou modern Athens named j For arts and liberality, Throughout the wide world famed/ * Thy Bcns, Edina, social, kind, With open arms the alianger hail ; Their views enlarged, their's liberal mind,' Above the narrow rural vale. — Burns. II s 28 SiHl memory, marks that parting nighty When from the wavy brine We saw thy towers in distance fade, And all thy lights decline; Next morn, the sun in splendour rose, Enlivening land and sea. Our matin thoughts, our earliest gaze, Still fondly turn'd to thee ; But thou wert gone yt to our view, Far in the nether sky, Tower'd o'er thy fanes and structures vast, Thy landmark mountain high> Whose lofty pinnacle full oft In former hours we trod, To eye the beauteous map beneath. Expansive spread abroad. Rich was the scene when evening's tinge The western highlands tipp'd Beneath the mountain's verge, ere yet The orb of day had dipp'd, When Autumn's ripe and mellowing hues ^ The fields and woodlands crown'd, And scalter'd towns and villagey Adorn'd the landscape round j ^ Thence far beneath our lofty site Shevv'd turrets, spire, and dome ; . . And Holy rood's vast palace fair, Famed Scotia's royal home Ye charming banks of Esk, adieu, Where Roilin's ruins peer; , 29 And Hawlhornden, the Muse's haunt, Romantic seated near ; — Where nnassy rock and tangling woods Overhang the dimpling stream So wildly sweet, the whole appears The semblance of a dream Proud land of song, a long farewell, With all thy varied charms, Full oft in memory's musing mood To thee my bosom warms, — Full oft the scenes that grace the Forth, In grand perspective rise, With far Benleddi's tapering form Commingled with the skies. Oft when the moon's unclouded beams Fall lustrous on the lake, And glittering roofs and pointed spires Hues yet more silvery take, Fond Fancy wings her boundless flight Athwart the orient main, Retracing scenes and by-gone hours With interest againt Loved scenes of early life, still oft To musing moments dear, On Memory's tablet deeply graved, Though absent, ever near. Oh, Scoiia ! what though mountains part, And bars a boundless sea, 'Tis death alone can yield the wrench That severs hearts from thee ! ( -: , • .iM 30 BALLAD. THE HIGHLAND TARTAN PLAID. Am,— " For a' that." The Highland Tartan Plaid sae leal, And Bonnet blue, and a' that. Was aye the last to quat the fiel', Sae staunch and true and a' that. For a' that, and a' that, Wi' sword, and targe, and a' that, The mightiest faes in dool aft rued Their feckfu' charge, for a* that. In days o' yore, whan Fingal fought, And Ossian sane;, and a' that. Whan Norsemen, fierce, their mountains sought, They bade the bang for a' that. For a' that, and a' that, Bauid Svvaran's fleets, and a' that, Were fain to mount the ocean wave And prize retreat, for a' that. The Romans wha the warld made cower, * And fealty swear, and a' that. Our Celtic Sires defied their power, And vexed them sair, for a' that, , ; .;. f For a' that, and a' that, Agricola, and a' that, They chased toward the south to rear, His barrier wa', for a' that. ,', J ai In modern times the Tartan Plaid Still stands renown'd, and a' that, Whar war in direst form's display'd, The weed is found, for a' that. And a' that, and a' that, Wi' laurels crown'd, and a' that, And will, while Fame has pith and power. His trump to sound; for a' that. TO A CENSORIOUS FRIEND. What ails you now, you claiverin goose. To be sae gien to sair abuse ; Whar wons the profit, what the use — The tale though true — To blab and blaw 'mang friends sae crouse. That I was fou ? I humbly own 'twas far free right ; But if excuse has ony weight — It was on Hogmanai — the night Whan Scotchmen rant j Whan you yoursel waxed wond'rous bright For a' this cant. I You like a mavis sang wi' glee Auld sangs composed ayont the sea ; And 'tween ilk pause the glass did pree Wi' gleesome din, And made the toasts whirl round right free. Nor thought it sin. - - i v 32 Now this defect I mark in thee,-^ Your neighbours' fauts you glegly tee, But tent your ain wi* blinked e'e, And baud by ae thing — Wliat wrangin ilhers seems to be. In you is naething. Sic selfish stuff I canna bide->- A neighbour's fauts you seldom hide~* Shaw you a breach, yet still mair wide You strive to mak' it — Sac frae the theme J turn aside, Mishanter tak' it ! VERSES. We will stand by our Country, we'll stand by our Queen } As our Fathers have done when required j Bound the Union we'll rally with interest keen, By duty and loyalty fired. In vain disaffection, in vain discontent. Dissension, and heartless mistrust ; The laws of our country require no comment, Puissant, well-grounded and just. Britannia's true sons from their country afar, Will look to her interest elate. And proudly they'll prove, amid peace or in war, fv Sons worthy a parent so great. 33 EPISTLE TO cenj I've claw'd my povv, yet claw'd in vain, To stimulate my donart brain ; My pen thrown down, ta'en up again. Some screed to write, Address'd to thee my wordie M , Thou chosen sprite. Weel are you versed in olden rhymes, The pink and wale o' bygane times ; O' love or war, or waefu' crimes Your memory bauds, 'O' Brechin's feats in foreign climes, An' sic like ladf* The crack atween the corbies twa, The bardie heard ayont the wa', That minted how the knight did fi'— A waesome tale ; And how they mean'd to fill ilk maw, And mak' regale. Weel can you ape the dinsome squad That roar through Glasgow streets like mad, In literature neglected sad, E'en strange probationers ; I mean ilk speechifying lad — The flying stationers. "Wi* tales o' ghaists and brownies leal, Wha nightly grund the miller's mea^ .?V' ^4 And loonder'd mony a lazy chiel, And help'd the howdie To prosecute her labours weel, Nor sought their crowdie. Warlocks on ragweed naigs that flee ; Witches on besom-shafts, wi' glee Skimming the lifts right wickedly For some wierd spots, To'vex, perplex, and horrify B,enighted sots. Sad neerdowcdls wha bide frae hame^ Filling w-i' muddling gills the wame, Lien' and haverin' 'thouten shame Or common sense ; While waukrife, weary weans and dame Sair ban their mense. They i..ico tales that we've drunk in By ingle cheek, wi' little din, While gaucie wives wad sit and spin And gash repeat, Renew those scenes to youth akin, And proves a treat. While fortune's brae you've tried to speel, You've housed in mony on unco biel, And met wi' mony a curious chiel, And strange mishaps — Wights, drucken loons as slid's the eel, And guid mess chaps. Far frae the bonny banks o' Clyde, And Cart, that rins by Paisley's side^ 35 Athwart the vast Atlantic wide Is now your fa', Though in your breast doth still reside Houfs far awa. In Scotia now the blackbirds sing, And mavis dear to smiling spring. The laverocks soar as wont on wing Young morn to greet. And flowerets round their odours fling, Bich, fragrant, sweet. The garden-beds are dinked braw, Their glossy leaves the bushes shaw, While wastlin breezes saftly blaw , The fiords alang, And vernal showers, mild, pattering fa' The leaves amang. The swelling hills that rise sae high — Mountains that bore'the nether sky^ Whase broken crags for hues may vie Whan day sinks low, Wi' ony views we can descry In grandeur's glow. These scenes strong mark'd on memory's page. Do oft, IJken, your mind engage, And mony a restive thought assuage, Whan sair perplex'd Wi' warldly cares, that e'en the sage And wise hae vexed. 36 Still woo the Muses whan they come, Though critic chiels may e'en look glum- Just answer them wi' fee-fa-fum^ And o'er them blink ; Frae Helicon still tak you some Inspiring drink. Wi' mettle yet your bagpipe blaw, E'en lilt the praise o' Canada, Her fertile fields and biggins braw Sae nobly rising, Which mid her sair backslidinga a' Are e'en surprising. Wile spunky chiels frae hame wi' cash, This gate to come and mak a dash, Across the braid Atlantic splash, 'Neath canvass wings, To sow the fields, the wood-lands smash, And live like kings. For.here, if managed weel, there's routh O' food for moriy a distant mouth, Wi' waters pure to quench their drouth And float their gear. Our envious neighbours o' the south The fact can swear. Hale be your heart, your sprite ne'er fail. My earnest wish, whate'er prevail, May fortune on you ne'er turn tail Whare'er you gang. But fend you in a coat o' mail Frae ilka bang. -. r - 87 Now I maun close this screed o' mine, To con the same may gar you dvvine, And a' your slock o' patience tine To reach the en' — Ilk blessing fa' to thee and thine, My prayer — Amen ! THE REEKIE HOUSE. The skaith frae Whisky that proceed:?, Aft contemplation gori-ovving heeds, Distress'd to find that rash'nal creatures Should sink sae far beneath their natures, For love o' vile intoxication, Dauble in dool and consternation, Mark how the dramming system leads To colishangies fights and fieds. An honest man and eke his wife,- A waefu' dram involved in strife. And whan their arguments ran out. The lady lent the laird a clout ; His haufits touzlod, made him lOir, And like a maukin seek the. door. Flee down the stair in desperate dread, ? Fearing he'd left behind his head. It chanced, his landlcd pasting by, Cried " John, what is your all ? Your e'en are watering greviously, Yojr legs wi' shaking fall j" d2> 38 " Landlord," qiioth John e'en unco douce, " Oh landlord I've a reekie house j" • " A reekie house, that cannot be, My house ne'er reek'd, Sir, I maintain ;" " Stap up the stairs says John and see, For arguments are vain," Up mounts the landlord with a cautious air, Looking for smoke with curious aspect round ; The wife a foot hears stealing up the stair. The chanty seizes to maintain her ground, Thinking 'tis John vvi' vengeance fir'd come back; In turn to pay her with a hearty thwack. The luckless wight nae evil dreading, But still John's errand strictly heeding, Gat sic a clash whan at the doer As gar'd him stagger, reel and roar ; He turned to flee, but lining houp, His feet he lost, sossed on his d — p, And like a shot starn frae the lift, Flew down the stairs in fleesome tiff, Gaining his footing on the grun'. Fleet as a whitruck afl'he run. Now John beholding a' this flurrj'. Cries " landlord ho ! how cam' you speed ;" " Oh John," he skirls " excuse my hurry, You hae a reekie house indeed." n. 39 TO A DISCONTENTED PERSONAGE. Be gratefu', Sir, for fortune's gifts, ;. And dinna tak sic thrawart tifts; ^ It sets you ill, you are na blato To ban vour stars at sic a rate, ril tell you, though I gain ill will, The guid you share surmounts the ill ; Subtract the lesser frae the greater, , You stand a discontented creature. How many friends and fortune tine j How mony douf in sickness dvvine, While ithers, pent in prisons, groan, ,,. i , Dejected and deserted, lone. , ^ In various ways afflictions come. But heavier light nae doubt on some ; You thus to whine, and girn, and grane, Appears nonsensical and vain — Put in the scales your dools wi' theirs, And tent the heaviest load vvha shares. '■. To save yoursel a warld o' care, Big fewer castles in the air, Phantoms that ilka puff'distorls, And puts your mind sair out o' sorts ; ' Woo calm contentment for your guest, Wi' common sense your mind invest. And strenuously exert your powers To cultivate life's fleeting hours. So may you soon, by firmness, gain - The better o' your troubles, vain j And still as frae a serpent, shrink Frae source o' ilka wae, — strong drink. . 40 WE'VE CROSSED THE WALY OCEAN. We've crossed the Waly ocean, We've landed o'er the faem, Far, far frae Caledonia, Our fathers' cherish'd hame. Lang tossed on stornny billows, Whar seas and skies look'd gloom, Yet we're a' wae at parting, Since the parting has come. We've looted o'er the taffrail And the stormy petreol vievvcd, While their tales o' superstition The mariners renew'd. Seen the nautilus careering, The porpoise sportive play O'er ocean's boundless bosom, * ' , As far as e''e could gac. Aft listen'd to the sangs O' the land we left behind. While round the cabouse crowding, When thrawart blew the wind ; And whiled the listless calm Wi' nae douf or dull effect. Linking up the lightsome dance On the smooth and shaven deck. , We'll think on by-gane moments, Whan each his gate has ganc?, Perchance whilst lanely musirf By sonis vvoodsido alane. 41 I tent the signs o' 8«"i 'ow Deep clud the brows o' some, E'en we're a' vvae at parting, Since the parting has come. BLITHE JAMIE WI' HIS TARTAN PLAID.. What Scotchman has na sate wi' lug agee, Watching the wankening o' the midnight bell, Whan Hugmanni' turn'^d on her shanks to flee, And New Yearjs'd morn, to meet the joyous swell O' dinsome welcome, frae the assembled thrang, Rending the ait wi' uproar loud and lang. On Hogmanai* as custom claims, Around the board we lighted down, Wi' younkers, carls, and winsome dames, The closing year wi' joy to crown. Whan started ben, wi' spunky sten', Like ony Highland laird array'd, The wale o' social furlhy man, Blithe Jamie, wi' his Tartan plaid. The langh o' joy flew round about, • Sae glad were a' his face to see. The carls their snuff mulls whiskit out, The brewsler fill'd a bumper hie, He toom'd it aff, syne raised his sang. Few minstrels e'er mair skill display'd, And loud the dinsome plaudits rang, To Jamie, wi' his Tartan Plaid. • The last night of the old year. . 42 Whan twal' had chapp'd the Clauchan bell, And New Year's morn gat welcome in, In sooth ae word you couldan tell, For ranting Jamie's roaring din j Whan on the lasses lips sae sweet, The glowing kisses thick were laid, The loudest smacker in the leet, Was Jamie, wi' his Tartan Plaid. . » - The fiddler screw'd his pins fu' hie, And made the thairm wi' dirdum squeel. The dancers took the floor wi' glee, ' And lightly linked at the reel ; r But by my sang', for Highland fling, Strathspey, or eflbrt there was made, . The crousest dancer could na ding Blithe Jamie, wi' his Tartan Plaid- The sang, the dance, the crack gaed round, Time moved but ither joys to bring, Ae hint to jee there was na i'diind, Till morn began to flap his wing ; _ ' The waning noon wi' silvery light. To guide the hameward group essay'd, Then on the van a stalwart wight, ' Moved Jamie, wi' his tartpn Pij^id. Alake ! mair Hogmanai'g may come. And New Year morns, at Time's command, The Minstrel blithe his strings may thrum, And lighter link the joyous band j But never mair shall Jamie jink, Like ony Highland laird airay'd, 0' death's cauld cup he's ta'en the drink. The winding sheet is now his Plaid. n THE SPUNK. A TRUE STORY. I've heard lang syne the auld folk say, As time wends on his boundless way, ' *^ Fresh variorums will take place, Which is a fact in mon-y a case, Though ithers tak' a different view, And staunch maintain there's naething now. I've heard folk say withouten heed. Deeming 'twas only words, not deed. Some birkies wha gat bleezing drunk. You, at their nose, might light a spunk ; But, by my sang, 'tis proved a fact. Which St — th — rs, lately, show'd wi' tact. A chield right rhcO enjoyed his nap. Whan saft this wag towards him crap, A lucifer produced, jocose, And glegly harl'd it o'er his nose. Whan straight a flickering flame was found, While laughter kittled a' around, Conv^ulsed their sides wi' sic gaffaws As o'er their heads maist brought the wa's, The chains o' sleep sae feckfu' broke. The startled sot bewilder'd woke. And heard, wi' countenance affrighted, His fiery nose a spnnk had lighted. Whether the wag, for this invention, To tak' a patent has intention, A« yet surpasses comprehension.. 11 1) ^ :/•! 44 Yet may that spunk the nose ignited, Prove light to him wi' drink benighted, Guiding him past ilk tavern door Whar he was wonf to rant and roar, Inspiring haivens and propriety, Wi' zeal and love for real sobriety ; Then Str — th—rs* a' the praises due, iBarring dissent, shall fa' to you, THE SCOTTISH T \GPIPE. ''' ' ■ , " i ■ , - ' The Scottish Bagpipe Utile did I love, Nor deem'd it ovvn'd much grace or dignily, Till one still night its merits I did prove, Its shrill bold warblings and wild energy, While loud, and louder, swell'd the deafening drone Rousing lone echo from her inmost cell, With mutual voice the moun ains round did moan, Each cloven cliff fast caught the rising sv^ell. 'Tis war's own music ! proudly I exclaimed, The martial wakening of ihe mountain band, Who many a charge have po'ently sustain'd In hottest fray, in many a foreign land. Nor do I marvel when to battle led By such a voice, the Highlander should dare, Dash with resistless force the foe o'er head, And seize the laurel with triumphant air. ♦ A humourous Bon o' the Land o' Cake«. 45 I'AREWELL TO INVERGORDON. Farewell to Invcrgordoti, With its ancient ruin near '; To its woodlands, straths, and mountains That aloft their summits rear} To its calm and placid basin^ ' Like the bosom of the lake When the winds sleep in their chambers^ And the ripples cease to break. Thou « Toriui Salutis*^ By ancient voyagers named ; For shelter from the stormy deep, And native beauty famed. High on the near Benwevis The flaky snow-wreaths reign ; Despising summer's melting glow- Presiding o'er the plain. ' ' ■ ~ .\ With lingering steps along thy beach We chid our transient stay, And eager wished the thwarting winds Would lengthen out delay ; For dear did fancy love to trace That fair romantic strand, With all the glowing scenery rounds Diversified and grand. E V fi m 46 Oh, Scotland ! many are the charnM Of thy nnajeBtic shore, More striking thus, whilst on the eve Of viewing them no more. ^ * More mellowing hues will distance yield, Yet softer tinge will give, Retouch'd when by Ihe hand of Time, |'| With memory to live. Adieu! the sails are flapping, The favoring breezes play. The capstan is in motion. And the ship gets underwelgh, To stem the wide Atlantic, Moor on Columbia's shore ; — Farewell ! adieu, fair Albion— Invergorden's Bay no more ! « ' t-f '%X OCCASIONED BY CAPTAIN B Y'S REMARKS Ox\ CANADA. B — c — y, what's this ? you are na blate \i To slight this land at sic a rate ; ? ' .// To pass remarks you hadna time — Your short sojourn scarce saw a stime— Your rashness really ranks a crime, For which you e'en maun thole reproof; Wba wad hae thought you sic a cuif ? \ 47 !oi A traveller wi' sic hurriei] race Can hae nae time to tent ilk place, And if he soured and peevish be. Views a' around wi' jaundiced e'e — Doubtless this was the case wi' thee ; You should hae ta'en a better blink Before you gae your thoughts to ink ; Insooth at least four seasons baited, And on guid information waited — Storing wi' knowledge meet your mindy Nor been to sterling facts sae blind — Conversed wi' gaucie men a' mense, And gaen to wark wi' common sense ; I'll wad my sonnet to your book, You'll own you took a hasty look — Made mony a Ftrange hallucination While hurrying through your quaint narration. v'*l This is a land o' milk and honejr, Whar men may live wi' little money As lairds and farmers fen and thrive, Wi' taxes very sma' to strive j Without a licence shoot like wud Birds o' ilk kind wi' blattering thud — Yea pap a ball right through a deer, ^, Nor e'en the leave o*^ ony speer j ^^ ,^(, Advantages you brawly ken . .. Envied by British gentlemen. . ..re i Whan seated in your chair at hame, While interest deep your stories claim Frae curious listeners round the table, Imbibing a' ^ fast's they're able— ■ n ■•j>'i ■■ V every mind the bpleen,. A» if the god of day had been Alive to this eventful day. When one and' all to joy gave wajr To hail the undertaking- grand, Fair hope of this increasing land'. Imposing proved the meet display Toronto made, this special day- Destined her annals long to grace. For future ages back to trace. St. George's Day the feat did lead — « The better day the better deed j" Ail ranks to testify good-will. Crowded the gorgeous train to fiU j .-. 49 With hopeful smHes, in groups, the fafir Survey'd the scene with fostering care^ And youths ordain'd perchance to shine In every branch beneath this shrine^ Felt warm inspired with feeliRgs meet, Congenial with this noble feat. May Heaven the grand beginning shield,. And every guardian bliessing yield ; ■"' • " The rising genius firm inspire With virtue true, and native fire ;■ And from afar may youths repair. With zeal' these blessings here to share. Long shall the name of Bagot stand High honored in this rising land, Who paronizing laid the base Of this bright hope of coming days, — The work proceeds — give God the praise. TO AN ABSTEMIOUS PHILOSOPHER. ^^ Oh, thou wha like some grave divine, Can gie the moral lecture fine, And execrate debased manki a? ■ Wha menseliess cram Within their lips, ilk day at t ne^. ^ Beef, veal or lamb J, :. - V* ■ ■ * _■■■■;■ -i ■' : * Tlie above yerses were compcysod'in consequence of the autlior having heard an abstemious philosopher expatiate on the evil effects of eating butcher meat, declaring that tl e practice was inimical lo existence, cutting short the thread of life, — that nuture solely in- tended for mankind the consumption of roots, hot us, milk^ &c. us being conducive to a long and healthy life; and shortly thereafter observing the same abstemious philosopher devouring with avlditv roast beef, lamb, &c. with much seeming satisfaction.^. h2. 50 Maintain that nature ne'er intended, Nor to our palates recommsnded The flesh o' beasts frae stock descended, Before e'en men, But chiefly roots and herbs commended, On these to fen. But lent me, Birky ! for a wee ; ,r, Wha was't I saw wi' sparklin' e'e, And knife «nd fork, swith making free Wi' beef and gravy ; And playing at lamb right heartsomely An unco shavici J -, * You vow the man wha flesh will flee, Assemblage vast o' years will see, . While gormandizers round him die Like rotten sheep ; Yet he survives as brisk's a bee, And fens mair cheap. f ::,^'r-s<^ You mind me o' a droulhy loon I lately met in this same town, Wha railed, and ran ilk drinker down/ . " Wi' weighty thud — Gat fou himsel thereafter soon. And fell i' the mud. ui ni? 'i-^ n;; ^ Precept is nought without example ; Law-makers ne'er on laws should trample ; Hech ! you hae gien a sorry sample 0' what you vend ; rji pay nae mair, though scope I've ample, ^ Save lent and mend. ws.;^. '»■' {* kh LINES ON AFRICAN SLAVERY.* Long Wilberforce did persevere. And Afric'8 cause uiiwcarieJ pled ; *, Tlie pond approved his views sincere, f And far their virtuous iniluenco spread, it?'' '«'■■. Absurdly eoundeih Freedom's name In yonder land where slavery dwells; , A paradox appears the same, .. j,' (4 This scene the truth decided tells. • The star-gem'd banner proud may wave^. Yet ever sullied must it be, While underneath i groans the slave, |' Struggling from thraldom to be free. . .' ' .-■* O'er Afric's spurned and trampled race, There hangs oppression's iron scourge j Deeds that humanity disgrace, Columbia's sonsf relentless urge, *Onc night while the author was at Sandwich, three men of coloi; arrived at tl>e Inn where iio lodged, huvinft made their escape from the Southern States, where, for a long time, ihcy had undergone Jill the miseries of American slavery ; iheir treatment having been Fo intolerable, they determined to gain their liberty at all hazards. After having travelled upwards of seven hundred miles — concealing Iheinsclves in the woods during the day, and travelling by night — Ibey arrived at the Detroit River, and, seizing a boat, put across, landing in the neighborhood of Sandwich. The joy of these poor fellows was great on Ending they had gained the British lin?s and were in a place of safety : while the congratulations of tliose pre- pent, (among whom were some of their own people who, on learn- ing the circumstance, had repaired to the place) formed altogether a mof4 gratifying and highly interesting scene. f The author is aware that this does not opply to a vast portion of the neighboring States, yet by far too many sfrenuoygly con . linueto support and encourage the revolting system. % :>. (. Yet urge in vain, — moves on its way The march of intellect more bright; Oppression sinks, declines in sway, Scared by its aU-subduing might. This Freedom's home* too ! here unheard The dismaf clank of slavery's chain ; The sufferer's plaint meets kind regard, Whilst gratitude seems all his pain. Blest Isle of Britain,, not alone, For arms unrivalled stands thy name ; The softer virtues are thine own. Brightening the halo round thy fame. Though flir remote, thy wandering sons New beauties in thy measures see ; Where waves thy flag, where roar thy guns, True greatness emanates from ihee. THE WOODEN WALLS OF BRITAIN. What renders Britain famous, Revered throughout the world ; Where swells her canvas to the breeze. Where floats- her flag unfui I'd. Her wooden walls, the hearts of oak Their trackless course who guide, Heaven shield the fleets of Britain,, Her glory, strength, and pride.. • » Canada. 53 Surrounded by her native deep,. The Queen of Navies peeri. Unmoved by all invasive threats Each other nation Tsars. Her rugged coasts innpregnabFe For miles, as ramparts run, JVnd stand her wards immovable Since Time his eourse begun. Speed well ! her buoyant batteries To furthest bounds that rangey •■ ' - Equipped, and fitted at her word, For every clime and change. These dauntless launch amid the deep^ Exulting in their might, . , To guard her fleets of merchantmen^ Or thunder in the fight. Their thunders born to every coast, .., With victory's peal have roared ;. While quailing to them proudest flags Submissively have lowered. The bravery of a Blake yet lives » Within these wooden walls ;, The spiritof a Benbow, tooy ■ -^ • , Each scion proud recalls. Whose feats ofvalor Nelson's breast » ^ With glory's love inspired, And fitted for the arduous task < His warlike times required. Go glance o'er History's glowing page*> '„ ' And note each laurelM name J i ^■Jl • r 54 A Duncan and a Smith there live' Within the wreath of Fame. Sajr not in these pacific times Our Naval ardours sleep ; Ask Navarlno's balter'd walls If tars old lessons keep! They do, and will, while Britain waves Her trident o'er the tide ; Heaven shield the fleets of England, And all their motions guide. :t-*. H EPISTLE TO J. K , Esq., AULD REEKIE.. IVe aft design'd to pen to you, S )me ora hour, a verse or two, I'ro.Tastinalion siill, somehow, " , Has marr'd the same. For which, I own wi' deference due,, I'm eair to blame.. Far frae the Pentland hills awa', V. !*;my-:i '-. ? 4i .... i » 55 Fresh water sea— whar ships may ride 0' hugest form, And learn 'tis wark enough to bide Its gurliest storm. ii This is a heartsome, thriving place, A curiosity to trace j Sprung frae the wilderness, wi' grace She takes her stand — Toronto weel may shaw her f^ce In ony land. I.. .)".»■ Here biggins rise o' brick, and etane. And wood, I trow surpassed by nane j Wi* glittering spires that tap the fane And gem the sUies ; Wi' wharves beneath huge loads that grane, 0' merchandize. ,, . ^^ . Now gas-light stars adorn the street, To shaw the passengers their feet,- And ample drains draw affthe weet That ance molested ; A spirit to mak things complete, Seems here invested. ->. ■■'W.^'l ■ ■ \\'\ 'l ni r' :^i^. i'i*-> i vii)*.,* uil The neighbouring roads progressive thrive, Macadamizing on dolh drive. E'en every calling seems to strive Wi' application ; The general weal to baud alive ' Wi' emulation. -• ■J If ' II I i S6 Between the Huron and this Lake, A road they're shortly gaun to make ; Then trade a noble turn will take By that same rout ; And commerce like new morn awake — O* that nae doubt* The sturdy labourer 's better here By far, than whan at hame, 'tis clear ; Can live on mair besuiting cheer ; Shares less neglect ; Has fewer obstacles to f^ar, And gains respect. < Some dread overwhelming inundation Frae ilk o'er-stock'd and crowded nation, Disgorging fast its population, And pray yon strand ^7 , They'll tenty tak', for consolation,— Van Diemen's Land. They fear they'll gar the prices fa', And labour's value sairly thraw. Sic crowds wha here in thousands draw, Sae locust-like ; But, fudge ! there's room enough for a', Without this fyke. This land is fertile, lang, and braid, Producing routh, if weel outlaid ; And by the dint o' skilful aid Its wildest spot Wad somewhat yield to eke out trade, And raise its groat. '1 .* * ^ ■1':^ 5? Rebellion's blast here wildly ble\r, And caused stagnation, that is true, And in its net entangling, drew The reckless in ; Rests on Mackenzie's head I trow, A warld o' sin. iFrae wrangling he could never re"* j He was an ettercaup, and pest ; Now few or -na-ne, frae east to west, His yammering heed j It was a mad attempt, at best. And couldna speed. How does the Queen o' cities thrive ? Has Trade turn'd douf or a' alive 1 Does Law as deep in cases dive, 0' cash that eases? Wi' wonted skill doth Physic strive Against diseases? ,- f •> Does Architecture's noble art * ' * Yet aid the Parthenon alert ; Progressive, bringing ilka part Toward perfection ? Or dwines the fabric, still inert, • In lone dejection ? I hear the auld warld Bow is gane ; A tale that somewhat gies me pain, As I'm o' ancient relics fain j And mourn their fa' ; Hech ! ilka vestige hae they taeft E'en clean awa'I i \ ik, Hi ■;) ''♦ft j ^ii ,3. i- P 58 The bairns, I trow, nae mair will fear, When mirk and dismal nights draw near, The awsome pranks o' Major Weir, To do them ill ; W^ha held that quarter lang asteer Wi's cantrip skill. I'm laid youVe got a harbour grand, Form'd near by Royston Castle's stand, The finest on Forlh's southern strand — A special place — That out o' date wi' the whip-hand tun; Auld Leith dolh chase. , ;, . ; - r > A lang account I've lately seen Anent the visit o' our Queen, In your leal town wha late has been, And taen a keekie ; jr , ' A bonnier sight ne'er met her e'en, . Fairla' Auld Reekie! , . , But, och ! I'm wondrous wae to hear Your headsmen were to rise sac swear ; i; They maun be lazy lads, J fear, ; -, , 0' mense forlorn; , ; , '< They should been up as dawn drew near, i , On sic a morn. *■ "^f^.* .1' )". ' l\ %. Perchance o'er night in social glee, The toasts ihey birl'd about right free, Until the upper storey, hie, ,. , , ;, Was fairly Rpeel'd; , ., . . . Then Time wi' unco whirr does fleo, Kens mony a chield. ! I 59 Be't as it will, they get their clouts, And on men's minds rest mony doubts; On sic a morn their conduct suits A wee bit handle ; E'en they maun bide through mony bruits, The scourge o' scandal. Stili leeze me on those scenes sae fair ; The sea-breeze fresh, and healthy air ; The Forth, wi' a' its islets rare, Whar joins the Amon ; For scenery rich, what may compare Wi' that near Crammon 1 In early life there aft I've stray'd Beneath the verdant vocal shade. Whan a' the feathered flock essay'd . Their sangs o' glee. And Echo back their notes convey'd Melodiously. Departed scenes I fond recall, Whan musing moods absorb my saul ; Aft whan the sweet and pensive fall Saft sorrowing steals ; ' Whase varied dyes surpasses all That art reveals. Here skies present a clearer hue ; The lakes assume a deeper blue Than on our Fiords appear to view ; A brighter green Methinks the grass exhibits too,. Than there is seen* -•^':ii t«pr >, Mt. /. m •I 60 Yet sweet September's placid sky,. Whan o'er fair Scotia's mountains high,. Float clouds arrayM in glorious dye, By Phoebus' glow, Aft starts wi' force to memory's eye. Whan day sinks low. Were mine the magic gift o' flight,. Wi' power at will to soar and light, I'll wad you'd hear a whirr some night, And flapping din, Whan pouncing by your door, I'd lig^ht At T — 4)p — linn,. To hear your ferlies and your tale> That aften comes to mind unstale ; Eke pree your horn o' amber ale In moderation ; And on a real Lochfine regale, — WHiat recreation ! 13 ut I hae spun my verse o'er lang, And words obtrude them on me thrang, Sae I shall close this rambling sang,. By simply wishing, Whare'er j'ou bide, whare'er you gang, You^l thole a blessing. .•i'J t (il THE SOLDIER'S FUNERAL. Hark ! 'tis the solemn step and peal That speak's the soldier's funeral liour ; Hard is his heart that cannot feel^, And scorns to own its to!iching power, A sombre gloom each aspect wears, Hilarity is quash'd, has fled ; Each visage seems as if it bears Fond recollections of the dead. Again the music's bursting wail, Spontaneous issuing, strikes the ear ; Floating all solemn on the gale, As weeping o'er the mournful bier. The measured cadence, pompous train, With arras reversed, and thoughtful mein. Through vision strikes the heart with pain^ And adds fresh gusto to the scene. In softenM mood, the pensive mind Unconscious joins the mournful throng ; And musing, with the train is join'il- - " A captive led," — and drawn along. Perchance, remote, a mother mourns The absence of a favorite son ; And hopeful to his coming turns, Unconscious that his race is run. ;«*^= ■.■o Relying on that hour afar, ^. , When journeving home, the solJicrs conic, f2 1 1 1 '^ %■ ■l if ■:.| 62^ iRelea#9• " Well done ; that's you,"" the butcher laughing roari ; True acted, right, as if the tale were true ; No fear, we'll rub off all the neighbours' scores — Slick to the text my friend, and then you'll do." THE EMIGRANT SHIP. Farewell, farewell ! romantic land. Cape Wrath recedes from viewj And dwindled down to hillocks mean, Shew all thy mountains blue ; The bounding vessel seaward sweeps,. Her bellying canvas spread,, -^ .71" ■ ■m 65 Yel landward many an eye is turnM^ Droops pensive many a head. Oh ! bleakly bioT the blustering winds, And fleet the scud-clouds fly, Now Scotia, all dissolvM in mis$t, No longer meets the eye. Thou aged man with hoary locks, Lone on the poop who stands. What urgeth thee to tempt the seas,. In quest of distant lands.. Near eighty summera well, I ween. Have circled o?er thy head ; What enterprize can lure thee hence I Who tend thy dying bed ? The tear-drop on thy furrow'd cheek I plainly can descry ; A settled gloom thy features speak. Old wanderer^ tell me why 1: Alas, alas ! I never dreamM These natal hills to leave j And when I take this final view,. , No marvel that I grifeve. My father's bones rest peaceful there^ Wiih hers who shared my bed ; And all the friends that cared for me Are numberM with the dead. Far, far beyond yon western deep My sons have found a home, And at their filial call, e'en now^ Wide ocean's breast 1 roam. V -ui :; ' > i ■, si •')•,! ■I ,'4 66 In providence I firmly trust, My duteous sons to see j Embrace, befjre these eyes are closed^ Tl»e boys that climbed my knee. God grant thy boon, thou aged man, So laudable and just ; Tkat Heaven may make thy prospects good,. I firmly hoj)e and trust, And even' comfort hers impart While journeying on thy way, Soothing serene, with friendly smiles, , The sunset of thy day. And who art thou? say, shivering youth, Beneath the long-boat's lee. With pallid cheek, and shuddering boks, As timid of the sea? A blooming lass oft by thy side, Seems all thy ails to tend ; Insoolh young man thou'rt belter off Than he who lacks a friei»d., I shiver sore, I must confess^ My cheek, I own, is pale. Yet of the sea I have small dread. Nor heed I much the gale. That bloofrting lass, she is my bride,. And all my ails dolh tend, And thou art right, I'm better off Than he who lacks a friend. Her father with his sturdy son* Design'd to croea the seas^ ' mi 67 There with Iheir savings purchase land, And fell Canadian trees. With aching heart I heard their views, To travel ill resigned ; Yet if I staid, it was their wish We twain should not be join'd. To leave my parents pain'd me sore, 'Twixt love and duty bound, Conflicting feelings torturM, till ' r My brain a fever found. With kindest assiduity She waited by my bed. Restored my health and reason too. Which for a time had fled* 13 ■>a I gave consent with them to go, ; She vow'd, and gave her hand ; The nuptial-knot was tied, and thus We leave our native fend. By slow degrees my health returns. Sea-sickness vexes sore, But happiness, I trust, in Heaven For us is still in store. God grant thy wish, thou faithful youth, Speed all thy prospects fair. The blessings of yon rising hnd I hope you all will share. Now nobly spooms our trim-built barque, She gains the open sea ; No dread of frowning rocks or shoals, The ocean spreads to lee. 66 To you, yet striving fond to catch One glimpse of land behind, Cheer up j there's hopes enough in slore, To parting prove resign'd. For darker than yon mist-vi^reath dense. Than lowrering clouds of eve, Spreads dire misfortune's gathering gloom, Wide o'er that land you leave. Fill up, and drain the parting cup To those who yet remain j And cherish hopes, however faint,— ,, We part to meet again. Ye powers, who give the winds their play. Yon hurrying clouds that urge. Safe shield us while we cleave our way Athwart the foaming surge. i'i: VERSES ON TORONTO. Toronto, Canada's delight, _. Rife may thy roofs of silver rise. Thy burnish'd spires, tall, glittering, bright, _ , Majestic tower toward the skies ; ^. Thy steamers grace Ontario proud. And trade and commerce active ply, While countless craft thy wharves do crowd, To please the venturous merchant's eye. Improvement's rapid strides are thine, Years after years successive shew, ♦ ' > t> ? . 1 ; 69 And may the Muse dare to divine, Year after year they'll greater grow. Here men of various countries meet, With thoughts to ffnd a home imprest, Whose efforts shew the spacious street, Whose labours too the soil has drest. The veteran too of many scars, Hopes here when all his toils are o'er. Proud to recount his various wars, And join the martial ranks no more ; But 'neath his sheltering wooden shed. Repeat how oft the breach he has braved And never need beg bitter bread, Through realms his youthful valor saved. WIten retrospection's eye turns back, To mark this spot late in the wild. And gradually her progress track, Although she ranks but still a child; There is a thought comes o'er the mind. What applications powers can do, Homes here may distant hundreds find. And bless the winds them hither blew. ,.i ■i'l .1 ^i Lale where the busy active scene. Of bustle and of business lies, , Prolific waved the cedars green, Through which lone night-winds breathed their sighs There too the evening fogs made pause. Attracted by their kindred damp, * Tho market place. " 70 For why ! the plain, the ruling cause, That stirring scene shew'd then a swamp. No more the stealthy wolf doth prowl, Around thy suburbs as of yore,* Unheard the Bear's gruff surly growl. Re-echoing round thy once lone shore ; The busy hum of men hath scared Those sounds that vexed the ear of night. Industry's hand tl .^ir coverts bared. There now the fertile field shews bright. The Muses too delight to wend Along those scenes where Humber flows, Inhale the sweets the green woods send, . And list the chopper's sturdy blows ; And note the splendid plumage gay. That decorates the fealher'd throng. Though far remote the Thrush's lay, And Merl so dear to Biitish song. Here Learning opes his ample page. Replete with ancient classic lore. Descriptive of each Attic sage. Renewing scenes Time's long passed o'erj And Science too unrolls his scroll. Marked with the circle, square, and cone. Delineates space 'twixt pole and pole, And bearings of each girding zone. Fair as the varied ruddy glow, Thy placid evening sky displays, * Such the author is informed was tbo csie not many }'«iri tgo in the suburbs of Toronto. 71 Toronto's lovely daughters shew, Dear to the meed of virtuous praise ', May faction, feud and discord die, All envyings and dissension cease, With one accord each bosom vie To woo the blissful arts of peace. t' Smile yet more fair ye sunny plains, ^ , More genial than ye yet have smiled. And may each effort that restrains Your progress aye be marr'd and foiled j Beshrew the base the recreant band,* Like prowling midnight wolves that range, Armed with the dire explosive brand. To gratify the worst revenge. StiU higher shall that fabric tower, For Brock above the honored scene. Defying every dasiard power To soil his deathless laurels green ; Tes, heart and hand shall band the brave, His virtuous memory to prolong, And from oblivion Bards shall save His trophies in the sounding song. Toronto, Canada's delight, Rife may thy roofs of silver rise, Thy burnish'd spires, tali, glittering, bright. Majestic point toward the skies ; Thy steamers grace Ontario proud, And trade and commerce active ply, ' While countless craft thy wharves do crowd, Fraught for thy weal with rich supply. ^ Alluding to tho disgraceful altempt to destroy General Brock's itionumenton Queenston Heights; an action which none but villians could suggeit and tho worst of miscreants attempt to perpetrate. i H:| f- 3 i 72 SCOTTISH BROSE. Since the land o' our fathera Lies far o'er the faem, And Christmas comes jinkin' To bless us again, Hang the pat on the crook, Jaup in water and beef, " In behalf o' the brose That maun still reign the chief. Roast beef and plum-pudding, And geese may reek rife, And gabs do them justice Wi' feck to the life, Unenvious the lads o' the north Still jocose, •'":■„ Wi' the feelings o'yoro ' Clean will claucht out their brose. ♦ By oral tradition, Auld warld folk maintain. Some king before Malcolm In Scotland did reign, Whase nobles to steching : On dainties inclined, Despising book-learningy ' '. Best food for the mind. A mandate he issued Enforcing the same, For absolute power, then, All monarchs could claim; ". nu': :,M: ■m 'li'.A I'll n That each of his nobles His presence should flee, Till master at least 0' the plain A, B, C. And during their studies, ' ' Tradition thus goes, The fare they were doom'd to Was plain Scottish brose, Which sentence severe, ' Proved a blessing ere lang — This temperate food Made their faculties Strang. < Their bodies waxed rackle, Their mental parts bright. They grew wisse in the council And sturdy in fight. Lear bravery and brose Still wend hand in hand. Transmitted sin' svne Through the feck o' the land. IV • ( ' i (■> v:, 1, ''^'^'' L ';U:-il/'^^ cj2 And the chiels malstly gifted ' '" ■ ',- 1 Wi' faculties prime, ^' :•< J-uJ^n ; ' Eke the clnymore to handle ' - ' ': m; V ,. n And mountain to climb; ' *' / 1 Whan duly consider'd, • ' ^ fuilfj ^ Still ever prove those ' ' 1 '^ ■ .*;$ M \ Wha were glegest and keenest " To scart out their brose. ' ■. ' 1, -'■'(■ 1 ■ - ■ s i' ii '' ■x!i-iti»!'iAt,v,^'iir.v.^-^^.-:v:x: 74 THE CANADIAN DOMINIE'S LAMENT. Tdwine in my cruive a' the lang winter night, And never beams roun ? m^ ae blink o' delight ; I gaunt and I b r id tne weary night lang, And carena for r4?^r\din;>. lor music nor sang; I sigh for Toronto, w con. \ "^y fain. And wish frae my heart I were in it again. A Dominie's life, lone, secluded, I find Is ane winna souther exact wi' my mind ; I find 'tis iay effort that strikes me aft mute. To teach young ideas the method to shoot ; The bairns are a fash, their capacities dull, Opposed towards letters seems each stupid skull ; My lugs a' day lang are confused wi' their din. To paik them their parents consider it sin ; My salary's dubious, my labours are sure, The prospect before me's an unco bare muir ; My pupils are stubborn, not easily tamed. For their misdemeanours by parents Vm blamed. Who often are boorish, unsocial, and prone To think there are few like themselves and their own* My back should I turn, while preparing to eat, The cat breaks a dish, and the dog steals my meat ; Things a' out o' keeping, confusion grows rife, For lack o' right sorting, for want o' a wife. My post I'll abandon and hie to the bush, There I'll work as a chopper, and sing like a thrush. Though the bear should molest, and the wolf round me prowl. Fur this is a life only fit for ua owlo tR 75 THE AUTHOR TO HIS TERRIER 1)00. Fairfa' thy gaucie knowing face, Thou chieftan o' the canino race, 'Tis thine the souple hare to chase, The leveret catch, The track o' wily fumart trace^ And weasel watch. To howk for moudi worts fu' gleg, Wi' snouking snout and active leg, Or frae a hen-house nab an egg,* Nae tyke can peer thee. Or sit upon your d — p and beg, While a' revere thee. In bruilzies still you bear the gree, The fient a ane daur mel wi' thee, Wi' bitter whirl you gar them flee Wi' gurry, whurry, — Syne hirplin' affthy faes we see In fleesome hurry. Sude man offend you e'en sae gleg^ You dinna stand to gie'm a sneg, And grip him fearless by the leg Wi' bitter fang, — He maunna heed a bite a feg, Wha'd do you wrang. 1 1 5f ^ * Thii dog had a lingular propensity for invading hen rooiti^ PI ■§■ 1^ For ilk misdeed and evil part, Thou dost not lack a kindly heart,— Affectionate, warm, playful, smart, — Thee I commend. For ruthless enemy alert, „ ; (^ But faithful friend. *. 1^ ••-'iJv. VERSES \ Written on the Author's fast arrival in Canada, between Windsor and Chatham, Oh ! these are no my country's hills, _ . . . Sae shilpit like and wee, , •« These lakes are no my country*s lochs. Though lang and braid they be. The woods th?t skirt their ample sides, * , , Are no my country's wuds, \» And whan 1 heavenward turn my e'en, I miss auld Scotia's duds. - What though the stately pine tree towers, The walnut and the lime, Nae wftodland warblers perch thereon, ' ' ' ' Sae rife in Britain's clime. ' ' The gaudy huerf o' the woodpecker Are bonny to behold, The plumage o' the hovvlet fair. And the eagle's flight is bold 'y , ,< vv, ;. , ,i ■i-.i", m? 77 But the sangs frae Scotia'8 leafy shaws At morn and e'en that start, Are rooted in a Scotchman's mind, And hefted in his heart. LINES.* < "- Resume that plaintive lay again \ I give thee fond encore, Methought I had not cross'd the mainly Nor left my native shore. When on my morning slumbers broke Those tones, enchanting, near, I deem'd on Albiii's strand I woke,. And marvel'd to be here. That lay was one I early lovM, And still 'tis dear to me, Oft have I listen'd, and approv'd Its mournful melody. Thou minstrel of the forest lone. Pour fourth that strain again. It conjures back blest hours long flown, Imparting joy and pain. * On the Author being' awakened one morning before day-brouk, by hearing the air " Farewell to Locbaber,'' played on a Goriiiun flute, in an adjoining uparlment, by a feliow-traveller, in a tave n on the f^hurc of Lake St. Clair, imagining at the Inne he wasj iii,. Scotload. 78 TO MR. L , ON HIS RETURN TO SCOTLAND. May western breezes favouring blow With just sufficient force To cause you incommoded speed, And steady keep your course, Until you reacli fair Britain's Isle, And Modern Athens gain, From all the toils of travel free. And hazards of the main. "There when old friends your circle crowd, : i To hear the traveller's tale. May unanimity abound ' ^ > "^ , ; And happiness prevail j In short, according with your views ' . ' May every thing agree, — ' Each comfort for the while resign'd, Augmented wait for thee. ^fil r" D^NL—P AND THE BEAR. Manners are pleasing^, even when aright i and Braid are ladenM mair, Nature's flung round her hoary haup, And winter reigns despotic there. ' - Now swirling snell vvi' dinsome gowl, Theblirty, feathery shower we meet; How heaitsome reeks the cheering bowl, What comfort sheds the ingle's heat. Though hush'd the mavis' mellow strain, To simmer gloamin ever dear, Yet raise the sang, nor vvauk in vain, Let Tannahill's blithe lilts be near. Or Allan's strains that cares can bang. Though o'er them Time has flapp'd hi« wing } Or Burns' fancy-rousing sang, That loftier lays mair feckfu* dingi •■ The social chat when feeling starts, And humours in ac channel rovr, A sweetness to the hour imparts, And .duks in hearts a hallovv'd lowe. Then what to us, though ilk hill tap Around our houf ligs deep 'mang snaw> WintCi may spread her hoary haup, And swirling blasts unheeded blaw. - >' * Blackford hill in the vicin:! 7 of Cdinburght H , 82 ADMONITION. Carlracle ! Carlracle ! Give over deep bousing, Bid a serious adieu To all reckless carousing; To all reckless carousing, No good that produces, But leads to mischances And various abuses. In the hall snug when seated, Strong liquor before thee. Good fellows lamented, Nay, oft would abhor thee ; And oft would abhor thee In great consternation, For your tongue would engroBB Every man's conversation. Every man's conversation — Your conduct was elfish, And your topics oft-times Were long-winded and selfish* At the hour of departure Your guests you neglected, The wight, too, top-heavy, His suit you rejected. * His suit you rejected. The convoy when craving; You kept fast to your seat. Like a host not behaving. 83 Like a host cot behaving, or sense and good breeding, To the night you exposed him, His plight never heeding. His plight never heeding— The slorm might rage round him. The shriek of tlie ghost And the kelpy confound him>; He might stagger and reel, I gnus f (If us to guide him. The pit- fall and ditch Gaping widely beside him j While you o'er your bottle Most pleasantly pondering, Pass'd never one thought On hia weariful wandering j But at his dilemma Laughed loud and censorious, Though thou wert the cause Of his hazard's inglorious^ These acts oft- repeated. Made boon ones despise thee ^ In the hall of the social They lightly did prize thee. They lightly do prize thee> Therefore with inspection These deeds overlook With besuiting reflection, i' f^tussiOi^aemmaU 84 Until fairly convinced Comfort lives with sobriety. And rank 'neath the standard Of Temperance Society, IN PASSING THE BELL ROCK LIGHT HOUSE* IN A GALE. Tall watchman of the faiih.ess deep, Thy ruddy braw of lustre hail. While round the jarring night-winds weep And pattering rain tlie decks assail. Ani'd tiio elemental jar, Increasing winds, waves rolling high, The sea-bound mariner afar, Still on thee casts a lingering eye. j.i< Fast lessening now thy fnendly 11^ His bark bleak occiin bounding through ; Rushing amid dark cheerless night, He bids thee, with a sigh, adieu ! * Tli*^ ^ell Rock L'uht TIouso, situntcd nt tlio mouth of tlio Frith of Foitli, tu'olvo tnilcs frort» land, — tlm rock on whtcli this building i?^ placed bpinjj only visiblo at low water. In for- mer times a float was moornd to the rock, with a large bell suspend;!d thereon, which being rnnt; liy thi motion of the waves, g i> .; timeotis warnlnp to mariners. Tradition Bnys, a Dutch pirate posso?s3(l hiniself of this boll, and cut the float ndni't, r)r wiiich iniquitn p proceeding, l>y Divine retribution, !• ■ w' A British Queen tirl'd at your pin j Yet you ne'er budged to let her in J Oh ! Fye for shame, yon moyaing. Now poppy wreathes inste?Ml o* bays, Maun haup your heads tliroxigh future days ^ And meikle niirth 'inang SooVia's braes^ Be heard o? that; blithe moFning. Hill ON LEAVING THE COAST OF SCOTLANI>. Oh ! the Swilkies of Stroma* are dreary to view, Ta the Emigrant biddin*^ his country adieii,, Yon bare withering mast^s f o'er the billows shewdreafj, "Where the wreck rests beneath, warning dangers lurk near jj The mist-wreaths of evening the Highlands have dimni'd,. His watch lights the warder already hns trimm'd. The bleak winds blow fi'eshly, the rude billows swells And sad hearts are sighing, dear Scotia^ farevyell f How varied the feelings of those on the deck, Some dread the winds rising, the shallows, and wreck,, To the chances of ocean but ill yot resigu'd, The land fust receding, dear friends left behind ; .- ' Whilst others rejoicing new lands soon to hail, Shew reckless of shallows, of billows, or gale. On Hope's buoyant pinions fair fancies arise, r ' Inspired with the prospects of warm enterprise^ * The Isle of Stroma in the Pentland Frith, or rather stratt.. i Mo^tsi of vc^sols that have su^k in that hazardous ^uactoi;.. i<: n m 'i ;il ff •:«^»v— «««>««»^ 90 his not the hazards attending the sea, Wake sorrows uneasy, that sore sadden me, I've the reeling deck stagger'd, o'er far rougher main^ And I shrink not, I quail not, to meet it again ; But feelings, affections, strong, suddenly start, Fair Albin from thee, thus about lo depart, And through each light and shade, tickle fortune may shew, Thou'It be nursed in my bosom wherever I go* THE LAIRD 0' COCKPEN. The times sair were changM wi' the Laird o' Cockpen^ His lands frae his grip they were a' like to gae, Sae what does he do, but bangs up wi' a sten, And affto King Charlie at Court hies away. Whan fortune on him cuist her dark surly scowl. Whan friendless he wander'd, uncherish'd by men j Oh ! whardid he meet sic a kind-hearted soul. In the days o' his dool, as the Laird o' Cockpen. Arrived at fair London he sought him in vain, Nae courtier wad deign there to bid him gae ben. But tented their '^uitor wi' cauldrife disdain. And spurn'd his blunt looks o* the Laird o' Cockpen, Sair griev'd at his success, he hied to the kirk, There tented the king, wham he bravvly did ken ; Thinks he, now he'll heed me by dint o' a quirk, For gleg was the wit o' the Laird u' Jockpen. S 91 W? the organist next he made up, and did gain Permission to play, as his art he did ken ; Ere lang, " Brose and Butter," he bang'd up fu' fain, And the hale kirk's asteer wi' the Laird o* Cockpen. The parson stood startled, as ane sair beset ; The clerk what to mak o' the case didna ken ; The lugs o' the audience were mair puzzled yet. But the king minds wi' glee o' the Laird o' Cockpen. Whan service was ended the monarch stapt out, And affto the organist hasty did sten — <'Who play'd on the organ, inform me thou lout" — Weel kenn'd he the bald rousing birr o' Cockpen. **Not I, royal sire," cries the other in dread ; " True, true," quoth the monarch, " that weel do I ken, Such heavenly strain, sir, ne'er enter'd thy head; There's none play such airs save the Laird o' Cockpen "' The Laird straight appear'd, whan the king grasp'd his hand, Cries " frae dancing how hinder'd I downa weel ken i To that tune aft I've linked in fair Scottish land, 'Neath thy ain friendly roof, my leal-hearted Cockpen." He tald then his tale, how he'd sought him in vain, And o' this expedient to catch him let ken, — The monarch he leugh till he jimp stood alane, And vowed he wad ^ver be true to Cockpen. *' Still leeze me upon thee whan fortune did scowl, Whan chased to the wilds like the roe frae its den j Oh ! whar did I meet sic a kind-hearted soul In the days o' my dool, as the laird o' Cockpen. :' ::!! Ill I ^> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.1 ■filM 12.5 HO "i^" il^H ■^ Iii2 12.2 2.0 1 1.25 1 1.4 L6 ^ 6" ► m Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. U5S0 (716) S73-4503 m \^ f\ "0| \ N> 4. LV ^ ;\ o Ua 03 <« On your land, to your tune, < Btost &n^ iButter,^ gie dance. While timber and water are useful to ttien ; And whan gane, there your heirs may caper and prance j'* Sae bameward rejoicing came witty Cockpenw* * In the Pariish of Cockpen, situafed a few miles south of Edinburgh, resided on his paternal estate the Loird of Cock* pen. During the troubles of King Charles the Second, Flis Majesty found a hearty welcome and ready asylum under his hospitable roof. The Laird being cf a witty and cheerful dis. position, and withal a good -mmiuian, used frequently to enter* tain the King with his fiivorite Scotch airs, particularly ** Gio me love brnso and butter.*' After the rcstcrution ef Charles^ the Laird became involved in pecuniary embarrassmenti and was in dan:!:er of losing his eslaie, which caused him make a journey to London, with the intention of laying his casO befurB the King. On his arrival ho found access to royalty not so eaU. ily obtained as ho had imagined, — his plain appearance, and seemingly unoouth niannurs, by no nicuns tending to fi^rtii^r his introduction to royalty. Disappointed, and not a little cha* grined at his reception, ho repaired on the following Sunday to Church,wliere he hud the satisfaction ofseoing Mis Majesty^ but no Opportunity of addrn^sing him. At length n thought struck him of introducing; hinl^clf as a brother musician to tho organist, and through ti)at means, by the introdu LINES ADMONITORY TO A FRIEND. Since you hae vowM wWa in the bottb ,,: Shall never mair gae o'er your throttle,; ;;nt :.a i And fled the gate o' cann and spigot, ifl 'Tia said you've turn'd a perfect bigot ; Wearing a lang lugubrious face, . // Walking vvi' Fharasaic pace, wan*:; Wi' garments !ang you love to greet, r ijn/. And gossip on the market street Wi' men o' standing, deemed substantial, • And truly look quite consequential. Being yoursel frae drink e^cempt, You look on ithers wi' contempt J If sae the case^ I somewhat grieve To think you haivens thus would leave — 'Tis not the way to mak amends By turning tail on former friends-^ Let by-gane hours come aft to mind, And be to charity inclined. For weel wot I you brawly ken There's mony social honest men Wha mense and manners had fu* rife. That gied and ^ook their dram through life Deem not I temperance traduce, Or frae her precepts wad seduce ; Frae evil habits since you're clear. Strive a consistent course to steer->' O' self-esteem still hae a care — Remember Holy Willie's prayer. './V I aKt' { HtU ; i ill THE WpODSMAN. For a' the city's gaudy glare, Kind fortune gie to me The snug log-house in forest fairy Beneath the maple tree, Whar tile lake in view^ Wi' its dark deep blue, Shev\rs through the opening trees, And the wood-axe swings, That the chopper flingsy 1 n the healUiy, bracing breeze ; Some acres whar the rising grain Shoots up wi' prospect fair, A barn to store, whan harvest's o'er, And mak ilk comfort mair ; Wi' a horse and cow, Thriving pigs and sow, On the beach a buoyant yawl, Wi' a net to fish For a special dish, And the tak free for the haul. The feather'd thrang mak music svveet. But sweeter notes to me Is the axe's sound in forest wide. And crash of falling tree. Caparison'd gay Proud the steeds may neigh, And chariot attractive sdem» But to me the sight Can yields mair delight 0' the logging oxen team. 9S The l>u8Uinafi'8 lot, devoid o' cafe^, 'J^ry Surveying his domain, '-*« Wi* fthers r^laccd, exccHeih hi^''''^'''^ S4\V^ntyb lii^ ot Though humble, lis his ain. In the woods I've seen What is sought for keen, ... ,os i,/ 1 Yet fraittess aft the toil-^^»"fc^W;"^'^<' ^''^ 'Twas the face express .,; . . Inward happiness^ ' ' fe«'> And fijBilm contentment's smile. •mtk.'o o I.:.;. Sfi gs '.{ ed oIbH V E« SES. :r/: 'T Oh, charming is the scehery ^^"'^^ '^'^'^ ^" ^ By the calm Canadian lake, <»'wk qiieeir , rft ? o / O* curious knacks, .-- Though distant, memory brings you near. And shares your craok««. .^v j It), fi nl Hale be his heart wha could contrive The blessed plunging kirn to drive ; May his descendants ever thrive Whare'er they be, And ne'er 'gainst thrawart fortune strivo, The prayer o' mejfj aKiuartfiL Jiii y.U Let Robbie Bums o' barley sine, ^ t ,.'f Yea like an eagle spread his wing, While drinkers round him form a ring, >/ // ->. Incline their lugs, ;jj. ^a. jqc) al The task whilst his the joys to bring, * ' O' reaming jugs. i'l^ \k But guid sourmilk, my favorite theme. My thought at night, my morning dream, Compared wi' thee what's richest cream Or ony potion, Whan frae the barrel pours thy stream — . . ^ Och ! that's the noiioni ''^ ^^'''^^''^ Congenial draught, awa, awftf > loiiov'^illiw A Your soda water, perfect stawh' > .. : oflt \i\ 97 Frae ginger beer, preserve us a' ! Sour milk, my darling, Thou stomach-sheather, king o'er a', 'Tis thou art sterling. I've seen firm bods, as red as roses, Wi' fient ae plook on a' their nose^, Wha took o' thee guid morning doses, Though fou at night. Beam intellect, nae feck that loses, Like FhcBbus bright. There's mony a chield now in his grave, That mot, I think, stenn'd yet fu' brave — Had he right kenn'd how to behave — The poisoner bilk, By playing ilka morn a shave At guid sour milk. There's some weak stomachs, I allow, Let Truth and Justice hae their due. That winna v*u' this potion do, Puir dwining creatures. Yet leeze me on the stalwart crew 0' sturdy natures. Whan Edinbro' flowers forsake the street. Their scent whan noses cease to greet, Whan Pl:«jbus sheds his orient heat On slates and spires. And housemaids blithe start to their feet To trim their fires j While sour milk Jock stands on his cart Wi' jug in hand, be mine the part .•i li 1( 98 To toom the same wP joyfu* heart To a' the dairies ; Lon^ fend the milkmaids frae ilk art O* witch or fairies. a Thus spoke the Clerk, syne took a waught- A most unconscionable draught — His zeal ilkdrouthy birkie caught, That lent a lug, And crowding round him, made a claucht To grip the jug. '^H ON HEARING PI^AINTIVE MUSIC AT MIDNIQHT. 'Tis night, aad streaked on my bed. On pillow leans my drowsy head» The hum o' day entirely fled— A' still as death — Unheard around ae mortal tread Ae stir or breath. What sudden burst is that I hear ? 'Tis minstrelsy salutes mine ear, Sounds to the stilly night maist dear, These fond I greet ; The wandering midnight minstrels near — 'Tis heavenly ! sweet ! Pathetic swells their plaintive strain, And to the heart yields pleasing paini j. , 99 I Erin ! the melody*B thine ain — The exile's lay — Hark ! Echo sounds it back again In mournfu! play. Oh ! Music, sweetest soother, say, From iieaven how did'st thou find the way t Did cherubs not invoke thy stay, Loath ye should part? Thou passion's wildest force can stay, And lull the heart. On days o' yore wha looks can see, King David paid his court to thee ; The evil spirit aff gaur'd flee — Saul's mind did warp — Restor'd the jay-blink to his e'e Aft wi' his harp. Shakspeare has made this sage remark, ** Like Erebus, his soul is dark. Meet for the basest, blackest wark, Wha loes thee not — To bring on men and cities cark, Intrigue, and plot." Inspired by thee, auld Scotia^s Gow Sae drew wi' birr and feck the bow. That mony ferlied whence and how He gat his lear ; His prime strathspeys a' yet do cowe, To memory dear. 100 YeVe gane, ye wanJering wighU, I hear, Your lessening tones faint touch the ear ; Renew these strains again sac dear, Why transient stay 1 Like plea:?ure'3 smiles, ye but Jraw near To flit away. TO A YOUNG LADY.* Beshrew the plague that thus could spoil The smoothness of young Mary's face, And plant its venom'd fangs the while Where beauty's witchery all might trace. By hapless fates who are forgot The very best afflictions find, 'Tis ever wise, whatever our lot, If possible, to be resign'd. Then mourn not, Mary, scorn to fret, A greater evil might befall ; You still possess your eyes of jet, And elegance of form withal. Let virtue still your actions guide. Your winning manners yet improve, No former friend will turn aside, Nor fond admirer cease to love. * On hearinjr her express dissatisfaction at her change of appearance, afler recovering from the small pox^ lOl ii LINES •uflCY/ £>C? of On being benighted in the woods bifween Windsor and Tilbury, ontAe shoreofLtikeSt. Clair, Oh ! gloomy is the dreary night, ** The lake is lone, the air is cauld, The moofli and stars shed fujrth nae light, And darkness round the woods enfauld. .. m, /; E'en guid advice had we but ta'en * Nor been sae headlung and sae bauld In cozy bield we might hae lain, Nor wanderM thiJis fraie house and bautd. ik ■ ■ ■ ' i a The i^utumn sun, wi^ heartening wiles, AssurM us that our point weM gain ; :^dl |{ii^ We trusted to his luring smiles, rI/1 But find them fause, delusive, vain. .'^rsli<>{ ami'T Perchance Ihe pro.vlir^ir wolf^s abroad In quest o' prey gn'd his lair. May scare us on vious road. His neighbour forrcbier, the bear. Heaven fend us frae sic comppnie, While thus we trudge vvi' weary pace, rd rather storm-toss'd on the sea Be reeling, than in sic a place. . But, truce I a liglit glents through the mirk, Hopes low, depress'd, blink up amain. Now languor lessens, care, and irk. And on we push vvi' spunk again. * ' ■ :■. '. ■ ^ ■irytrm^^:'^ ' * The Author and his companion were advised nol to pro. co«d further on their journey, the day being too fat gone, and 13 miles to travel ere they reached the next tavern ; but tbej lent a deaf ear to the reasonably adYiQ& of t^eir host and hoiit> ess, and experienced various unpleasant mishaps fur their ub. stinate temerity. 102 Sae wanders ofi the nightfed bark, Uncertain on some rocky sea, vHuv,.^ :,nv Till beatiM the pharos* distant spark, Consoling to the sailor's e'e. ^ ^ ^^^i^ , ^^q Ere lang we reach the looUM f .r ha', '^^^' ^^^'^ Some kindly Frenchman's sheltering biel, * ^"* Wha gie us welcome, ane and a', And i'or our state, benighted, feel. ^y^'.^ * ^ Fresh faggo's on the fire thty heap Wi' tenty hand, draw in the chair, i»^> »ii List to our crack till soothing sleep ''^""^" '^'^' Divests our minds o' ilka care. Still leeze me on that eliettering houf, May benisons rest mony there, That lodged the travellers, fagg'd and douf. Whan wandering by the lone St. Clair. ^, to- no g*i ^Tnas vsl/ ~jt ti/otfji.ai>a»iil UlIOJ; DLfViJ--)!' WRITTEN AT SEA.^„ ., ^^„ %?),Jo««•: 103 Bright in the hemisphere Fair stars are beaming, And grandly majestic here Northern lig hts streamitig • Lonely the deck I tready Thoughts homeward veering An emigrant, distant led, O'ei' ocean steering. Land I have left behind, Friefids ye are near me, Ye who were ever kind, Your memory can cheer me. Loves and affections Though distance may sever, With fond recollections Stand rooted for ever. 'it IMITATED FROM THE SWEDISH. The first glass with joy to my sweetheart I fill, The next to my friend I shall drain, To my king, to my country, the Ihird, with good will To empty I shall not refrain. Then pledge me my friend, be my sentiments thine, The patriot, lover, and friend, Let us empty our cups with a relish divine, Since virtue our views must commend. r! W id4 THE MOON'S O'ER THE LAK^. ;•<§ on. I The moon's o'er the lake, mi^n fntMlhoVI And the night's setting in ; The sleigh-bells without, Hark ! mak a jingVin' din ; The stove is fiU'd wi' faggots, And the night is cauld, I woU Sae we'll e'en trim the cutty ^-^^r ..^j.^^j | |,„j< j O'er the wee drappy o't. awf Here's luck to the land ' '.- O tn3 mountain and glen, Though distant in ilk heart .^...^f,^ f,;,,, ^^,,^^ May she aye be farther ben ; .j[j ,i, .„>jjX ^ May the land o' cakes be never >* lOf/i' By ane lhat*"a here forgot, i i'xfu^i.pMRi^! VVhar we've a' ance been canty O'er the wee drappy o't. A bumper to our Queen That wons athwart the brine, ,,., ' , ^,,, . , ,1,1 ' «^ ^ /' i ihiL Ae acre o' her land May she never, never tine ; , - •*. May the hearts that bled to earn it O' yore, be ne er forgot, , _ Then dram to their memory ;,' , ' ^ ^. O er the wee drappy o t- ' 105 .it TO A FRIEND WHO INTENDED TO REMOVE TO JAMAICA. Vou turn to Jamaica, and long to be there To better your fortune, to leesen your care ; But (rust me the prospects that seem to invite, Are merely delusions, false phantoms in sight. One side of the picture you dwell on, 'tis clcac — And that over-colorM doth plainly appear ; In Canada's summer, if langour you know, Say what your condition 'neath that burning glow ? So long that oppresses the Isle you thus prize, Where health stands precarious, and strength droops And dies, Cold Canadian winter impels you, severe. To fly to worse evils, I doubt much and fear ; Then seek not that Isle in the Carribean sea. However inviting the prospect may be, And shun that belief daily growing untrue — Most men may fall victims, but not so will you* The stone ever moving no moss will retain, - Redouble your efforts, contented remain In a clime more congenial with that of your own, And tempt not another less happily knownv Rich Island I remote in the warm southern brine. Wealthy beauty, fertility, doubtless are thine ; Th<* revenue's ample that springs from thy gains, And grand are thy mountains, delightful thy plains ; And rich is the produce that yields forth thy soil. In kinds multifarious, with moderate toil ; The splendid mahogany, glory of trees, Takes root in thy woodlands, so prized over seas ; 106 The hard lignum vitse thrives happily there, For strength estimated, and durable wear ; The ironfvood and logwood so useful in dyes, With rich brazelleta, and fustic likewise ; The royal pametto, o(l noted for height) The fig-trees luxuriate, the oranges bright ; While cocoa, grape, lemon, the mango and lime. Spontaneously flourish in thy glowing clime. Chief care of thy culture, vast source of thy gain. The fragrant pimento, and rich sugar-cnne Induces the merchant from far to resort To thy marts, from all countries, intent to import. For frank hospitality circles thy name. To liberal endowments too, ample thy claim ; Best side of thy picture already is sketch'd, And stands not in verity far overstretch^. But, hark ! from the womb of yon dark thunder-cloud The voice of dread thunder bursts lengthen'd and loud ; Huge mountains, majestic, reverberate the roar. As if chaos approach'd, and creation were o'er ; While wild flashing lightning strikes dumb with amaze ; Through scenes dread and lurid incessant it plays ; The rains from their chambers in torrents dash prone ; Huge trees 'neath the force of fierce hurricanes groan ; Small brooks swoll'n to rivers, the rivers to seas, Sweep down all before them with promptness and ease j Death rides in the huriy triumphant, and keen Are the darts from his quiver that shoot through the scene. Next, hot-burriing fevers frail mortals inviide, By airs pestilential, ungenial convey'd. Oh ! where live the pleasures resulting from wealth, When lacking that treasure, the rose'-bloom tif health « 107 Ah ! Isle thus unblessM in the warm southern wave, Disease haunts thy shores, thou'rt the European's grave ; Thy sons oft, fair Britain, in sorrow declare Their hopes early blasted in friends that rest there. id ud; ze "5 ise ON VIEWING THE COAST OF NEWFOUNDLAND. Cheer up, my hearts, the gale descends ! Our bellying canvas stiiT is sleeping. Each tall top-gallant mast it bends. And like a line our course we're keeping. The wiah'd-for Gulph we'll shortly take. Of thwarting vvinds no more be thinking ; The famed St. Lawrence Biver make, Fresh water soon again be drinking. Cheer up, the look'd for land we near ! Newfoundland's heights aloft are peering, While merrily we shoreward bear^ The shrouding haze around us'clearing. We'll shortly turn from salted fare, We'll bid adieu to storms and tossing, And breathe far more congenial air Than that inhaled the Banks while crossing. A smile of joy lights every face. The long'd-for land thus gaily viewing, Those pleasures parted home efface. Awakening joys seem fresh renewing. v , The crowded port, the bustling street, Quebec, her novelties inviting, * Will be our lot ere long to meet. With inland charms yet more delighting. l^ l^r J 08 VERSES ON LEAVING SCOTLAND. . ** Gae bring lo me a pin* o' wrne" And I my harp will string, And bauld invoke the Tunefu' Nine To aid my tongue to sing ; For I am douf, and sad, and wae To leave the land sae lang I fondly cherish'd mony a day, Dear to my rustic sang. I mind the time whan Henry's* lays— The minstrel blind and auld — Enthusiastic dreams could raise 0' Wallace, wight and bauld, Wha dauntless strove,, nor fear'd mishaps To lend his country aid. And faemen sneggM like thistle taps, Aft vvi' his stalwart blade.t RousM by his single-handed feata And patriotic flame. The Scottish youth arose in leets, Their rallying word his name ; Foe dearly did they dree the pains Imposed by tyranny, Tlience vowM to break despotic chain* And shake their country free. ♦ Harry, the Minitrel, SirWilliam Wallaoe'i uowearied biog. rapher, t Wallace's iword i» still to b« aeon in Dumbarton Caatle. •'And the aword that aoeniM moot for archangel to wield. Wag light in his terrible hand."— CAMrsBLL. 109 • i, 3d biog. kitlc. wield. Wi* vengeance fired aboon controul, Like tigers fierce they fought, And gainM wi' roony a kindred soul, The liberties they sought. The names o* Wallace, Bruce, and Graham, Still sacred to ihe free. Live bright in Scotia's wreath o' fame, New energies to gie. These energies in modern times Repeatedly hae woke On Egypt's shore, in Indian climes Opposing ranks hae broke ; And at decisive Waterloo, Whan carnage floated wide, The soldier shouted — -death in view — His country's name wi' pride. For honour, lear, and virtue famed, And morals o' the best, Aft far remote is Scotia named, A paragon confest. fler instiUitions formed wi' mense, Tend high her sons to raise ; Her peasants boast intelligence, And chaunt their country's praise. Pepictcd weel in Allan's lays,* The Scottish peasant stands Superior stamp'd in Virtue's ways, And interest deep commands. And Burnsjf the pride o' Kyle and Nith, In Nature's sweetest tongue, ♦ Allan Ramsay's Gentle Shepherd. t See his Colter's Saturday Nij^tht, k2 no The rural train, wi' native pith, In artless strains has sung. Oh, bard ! wham genius fond revievvB, By simple nature fired,, To thrill the bosom, and amusey Sae happily inspired ; Wharever Scotland's sons may roam, Is heard thy tunefu' lay That binds the wanderer's heart to home,. And cheeca his devious way. The wind soughs drear wi'" blirty blast. It gar» miy heart turn wae ; I mind c^ scenes and moments past O' mony a happy day ; For shortly frae thir scenes, afar Out on the gurly sea, Pil thole the blads o' storm and jar, And mony chances dree. Whar far St. Lawrence, mighty flood Joins the Atlantic sea ; Whar Niagara roars like wud. And faems tumultuOusly ; "Whar spreads thevvildering forest dense,^ And boundless plains expand, I follow Fortune's freaks frae h^nce To seek a stranger land. Adieu! the Forth, the Tweed, the Tay, Fair Albin's classic streams, And Clyde, that flows by Glasgow gay, ^ot last in poets' dreams y Ill Your cracky carls and gaucie dames. Your heights that grandeur gie. Your sturdy sons that dress the plains, And lasses frank and free. " Gae bring to me a pint o' wine" — I'll drink before I gang, The land that's sacred to the Nine, The theme o' mony a sang ; For 1 am douf, and sad, and wao To leave my father's land, Whar I've been heartsome mony a day. Yet wha can fate command ! LINES TO MELANCHOLY. Sweet melancholy ; pensive maid, That loves beneath the spreading shade. While Cynthia glitters on the trees. To recline, and list at ease To the stream that ripples by. To the wandering night-wind's sigh. To the howlet's lonely hoot. To the love-lorn minstrel's flute. Who the silent listening plain Woos to hear his midnight strain ; Maiden of the pensive meii) When the eve-star glitters sheen In the dimpling streamlet nigh, Noted but by poet's eye. When Silence paces o'er the dew, Oft my court I've pay'd ta you*. 112 CANADIAN SUMMER EVENING. Mark how grand yon orb is shining, In the glorious west, declining, Scatler'd clouds of various dyes Beautify those placid skies; Lake -tinged islets fancy sees, Gvjnrd with groups of purple trees, To her vision others shew Tiny mountains clad with snow ; Glowing radiance softly falls On Toronto's flaky walls, While the splendid western rays Brightly on the windows blaze. Burnish'd gold in all its glare, With its lustre shuns compare^- Metal roofs that crown the street, Shew a molten silver sheet. Mark yon fanes j behold their spires Lit with glittering, dazzling fires. Gracing nnore earh charming view Shews the lake a mirror blue ; Here and there a snowy sail Vainly spread to catch the gale j Fragrant sweets the gardens yield, Clustering trees adorn the field. Cots and villas scalter'd round. Beautify the suburb ground ; Cow bell's-tinkle greets the ear As the homeward herds draw near j J13 Happy groups the ways are vvendlnff. After day their minds unbending f Charming calm, the closing day Of Canadian summer gay. f I PHRENOLOGY versus PHISIOGNOMT. Phrenology hath gain'd a wondrous name, Extoll'd and lauded by the trump of Fame ; Scanning of noddles now becomes the rage, While grasping profits occupies each sage More versed in flattery's arts than sterling skill, Forming vain minds exactly tb their will ; With human weakness prone the part to play, And while the sun shities make aright their hay. On Phisiognomy my faith rests more ; Some at a glance can character explore, And disposition of the person trace From mere expression of the outward face ; Blest with this gift, and in no smalt degree, J — ge H — r — n* undoubted seems to be ; The roan, in fact, with penetrating eye. Who can a rogue most accurate descry, And at a glance define his slippery soul,-—' Note his remarks on faithless C — p — I ; A clever sketch he ascertaining drew — Time and experience prove the portrait true. * Alluding to Bome very pertinent, judieioun, and prophetic obeervAtions made tome years ago in Court by this gentleman, ou a person of very questionable an J dubious veracity. iU 1:;- I 1.' ''£ THE FARMER'S MISCHANCE. Su( .ltd bridled He rode to the Fair, Braw was he dinked, Weel sorted his hair ; 'His cravat was tasteful He'd boots to his knee, His whip shod wi' -siller, Weel mounted was he ; His bonny wife after him Look'd frae the stair, And his worthy auld mither Frae door wicker chair ; And mony guid lessons He gat ere he gaed, And seemM as if £^' i^iuiioao b^ari he bad laid. He hecht them ere gloamin' Her mantle should spread, HeM snug be beside them, His horse i' the shed. The gloamin' o'er nature Her curtain loot fa', Nae horse wi' its rider Cam hoddin' ava. Night cam, the moon Glinted light on the lea, Toom hame cam the saddle, But back cam na \\^, ti6 Sair grat his wife, And his mither grat sair. Up gat hisbrither And sought him wi' care j Kan to ilk neighbour, But tidings gat nane, Dragged the fordf But grappled in vain. Sair passM the night, A' was dolor and care, Hope seemM extinguish'd, 'Twas close on despair, Till haply neist morn, Bairnies fand him I trow Ayont a dyke-side. Snoring, blind fou. Dear for his folly He had paid the kain, His wiitch had decamped. His purse too had gane» Ye fell rufal bodies. Whan ^e gang to town, Wi' wat cracky cronies Ye sudena sit down j For little ye wit 0' folks pining at hame, And the sair hearts ye gie Aft to mither and dame* :i i 116 ON THE LAMENTABLE ASSASSINATION OF CAPTAIN USHER. 'Mongst friends well able to repel The rush of ruffian band, Beneath his mansion roof he fell By base assassin's hand ; Alas ! the villain's ain proved true — The death-wingM bullet fatal flew. Whilst friends confounded at the sight Stood horror-struck and mute, Protected by the cloud of night The ivretches shunn'd pursuit ; Thus favorM in the dastard deed, These miscreants safety found in speed. Can there exist a human heart % But this foul deed abhors, And with resentment beats alert, And vengeance meet implores To overtake these villains vile, Who thus the name of men could soil. Such, Anarchy ! are all thy charms--^ The murderer's hand is bared — A licence given to vicious swarms, Worth, Virtue, thou ne'er spaied ; Who but thy march must execrate, And view thee with contempt and hate. 117 N OF SKETCH FHOM THE AUTHOIl*S JOtJRKAL ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. / Again the gale increasing stiff descends^ Each stately mast its potent pressure bends ; >;>.< ^^.^i - To strike top gallants is the master's care^ Quick at his word the seamen mount in air ; ■ ' i Reef top-sails next) while through the foam she flles) Deep grows the trough, more high the furrows rise, Loud snores the prow, while the huge wave it cleaves, And to the tops the drenching spray-shower heaves ; ^ Dark clouds descend, the gloomy skys o'crcast, h^u.n i Shrill through the tackling howls each bending blast ; Waves o'er the bulwarks sweeping, force their way. And night increasing, only add's dismay ^ m?» aftf><>'! Sore pitched and tossM, the passenger's again . :g ik) Are vexed with sickness and attendant pain } ^r«f!'iijH The timbers creak, which yields the weak affright^ The iron cargo rattles left and right ; Chests from their lashings through the night give way, From side to side uncheck'd they relling play. While children weep, fond mothers mournful sigh,' And groans of men at intervals reply. Thus pass'd the night, till woke the orient dawn, ^* ^^ When this rude turmoil was again withdrawn, '•""^^ By slow degrees the foaming billows fell, iV'^di^M The ship moves easier, and the sick grow well* -^*i ^'" * ... ..:•■. ' :.,)'.* 'jqm^ bu.;:j 3h1 ai la^lYf .i.1. '.•g;)?i v: . ., o ii^i'iimi oyiimih\ From the same. Muse ; sing the sorrows of a shepherd swain, l»n«Q> A Hit sad mischance narrate !d mournful strain, '^^^^^ ' ' 118 fh.*;;^ ■;f Thii sturdy shepherd from the galley bore A bowl of brose, fully rich, his breakfast store ; An envious billow high the vessel swung, To keep his feet the shepherd nimbly sprung, His equilibrium lost, which to regain, He struggling strove, but strove, alas! in vain. Flap on his back the luckless sinner fell. Crash went the bowl, and soused him wondrous well«' His clothes belaggerM with the reeking brose, Scalded to boot, whilst shouts of laughter rose ; • i E'en females too, more prone to sympathize, ouli Laugh at his plight, till tears bedim their eyes. .' '!')« 1 The loss of fortune makes some men complain, >i ili^,d?^ The loss of friends, and efforts used in vain, ^ s.v/a?*' These sympathy from spirits kind receive, I ?r'f; i^;>A Their griefs that lessen and their minds relieve; ''■'^'•^ But this poor shepherd, by that luckless fall, / V-^ No consolation found in friends at all. ; ^> » ^uj'- i* >in ^C;u."J U.r,t i>;'T f hiu Ir ii From the same. On deck each Sabbath was a sermon given, ., , j ^'t/M'!' Impressing duties that we owe (o heaven ; .; > o^.; yv Methink that scene imposing still, and fair^ ,^, ,,, _,, , j The passengers all congregated there ; Kespectful too the seamen take their stand. The sacred volume occupies each hand. Wrapt in his southland maud, the sober sage Attentive listens o'er the hallow'd page ; Around him group'd his family neat and cleto, In shewy tarKins too the gael is seen j ,., ... bm »;li I I* 119 LiJv.i HI 1 i .... I > Voung men and maids respectfully attired^ ' -'^ And with the service seemingly inspired, -* i *' ^^^'^' ^"^ Devoutly listening to the preacher's strain, " 8?i'^^'^> ^^f^ ; Even little children order good sustain; - ^'^^ ^^^ ^"'^ The poop our pulpit, and our roof the skies, '^ V-' ' While all around a boundless ocean lies ; -^i^^*^^^' BL)n-J.c Grateful the music swcot in simple lays, '"-^ ^j; ''.'"' '^'5 Rose hysins appropriate to our Maker's praise. * ''*' ' ' ' How interesting seemM this little band, '<^ • l -vw -« v Secluded, journeying to a distant land ; '" '*"^''^' ^^^''"^ Their praise united offering to that guide ^^^ '"^ ^^ ' ' '' Whose awful nod commands the raging tide,^'^''^'' *=• '^^'^ And whose dread presence is forevermore, " ' ' v^*" The same at sea, alike on every shore. ' '^ '*'^ ' JProm Me «afft«i 1.. 1 7/ Sure signs of land we now at length descry, Staves, lumber, grasses, float incessant by, Bushes with berries too of scarlet dye ; The land-bird's flight we mark distinct and clear, All striking tokens that the land is near ; Such signs Columbus ascertain'd of yore, ^ When western world drew near his daring prore, Allay'd the tremors of his stubborn crew, And cheer'd their spirits with fair prospects new — Made all allow they had been ill advised, And proud, caress their Chief, so late despised. All start alert the lookM-for scene to hail, False clouds for capes still oftentimes prevail ; 120 m m The land at length proclaims a joyful ahout^ n^ir. j^auf/f And land it proyf^ without a shade of doubt ; i •!;; .: l;nA The decks are crowded to survey the sights : ^iiuavolL The sick and heartless now deem all is right, nb},'! Riv'S Th^ lofty shore our bounding vessel nears — - o':^ o<;T Stands oflf again — the landward tempest fears ; : oliH W Thus some few days we toss about at sea, 'n-HBtO Till far Cape Ray erects its form to lee. ajv:' f;5dT As night's dark curtain o'er the scene is lowered, To guide the ship this pilot comes on board. Precarious all the navigation here, ". Storms, rocks and shoals the mariner must fear, , These skilful pilots, steady and alert, Are in their calling practised and expert. Thus, some lone traveller nighted and astray, ,| B^rf fr". In doubt, with caution gropes his devious way, ^^ \^.,^^^,,,q The quagmire dreading, or some pitfall steep, ^^^^j ,,|j. The wild wolf prowling, or the river's swecix— ;,r^,^j.,^ Meets, unexpected, with a friend and guide, ^ . j^^.,^ ^^^^^ Who all his terrors turns at onco aside, ,. , ^,.,^^ :,:>fP^/ Conducts him straightway in the path aright^ . . .jj ^. And all his doublings puts for good to flight, ; . , >(!« ».i«/^ ■iv' '* i'/.-ihl i M:}ri W^'Ui--* ,' 1(1,11, :< ■! ,, nail) ; ;> . ♦ -. 4 ' r. 1 ' • t V7f:>t 121 From the same* Loud roars the stormy cheerless night, The heavens emit no ray of light, In torrents pours the lashing rain, Prone on the deck it sounds amain ; To furl the sails the seamen hie, .tn > ' Aloft they thundering flounce and fly. While labouring wild the vessel reels, 'Till dropt her anchor, round she wheels, Its ponderous claw the bottom held, Secure she rode, each rush repell'd» The morning breaks, the rains subside. And winds that chafed the rushing tide, .: On either side starts scenery new, - A% night-nursed vapours fleet withdrew, i And now the voyagers gain that shore, Grosse Isle, so many still deplore, Where late, spread fell contagion's breath, Shedding around disease and death ; Here many hearts were wrung with woe, For dearest friends laid ever low. Parents from helpless children torn, And husbands left their wives to mourn ; Fraternal feelings tortured sore. And hopes depress'd to rise no more, The willow in accordance waves . All mournful near their lowly graves. The agonizing tales we hear ... ;, Of woes domestic, sad, severe, ,,'.•! ,;, f;, Av/ake our sympathies sincere. . V^ . , Muse, quit the scene, the theme forego, fiot dwell fastidiously on woe. »*^ s »>> » - 1.2 i>\ mii^ ' Ki\ .•;or'> >\>'^V [rf.'.f) •) 122 The bonnet plumed, well pleased we view Our countrymen 'mid scenery new, As warders of the Isle, they stand, ' '«iifioi hmhi The Highlanders,?^ known to each land^v^od ^>UT ,' Where Britains distant thunders roar, ;' "i-no-^ioi nl America or India's shore ; .1) «o onoi*? - Alilieto them, at duty's call, -'^rw^ cif) hsA oT Each land on the terrestrial ball,^'>"f«^t^ ^^'i- ^^"^^ From temperate Caledonia's strand nhm^MlvU^Vf^ To Afric's parch'd and burning sand.' ^ ^'F^^*' ''^ * Soft breezes fan the river's breast, ' -^o^ix'-q «Jl Autumnal charms the woods invest, '^^^■'^ dii;-j?(« The cherries, clustering wild, survey, t'^K m oai Bright, shining on the pending spray tri^v^ i>nA While berries rare attract the eyo, v. i"">f-' 3 fii> Of pleasing zest and varied dye — • ::yfijn-jrf,!: u ah Pleasing transition from the staid C *^ &'?twon hnh Experienc'd by us all of late. y«^'^» ^^ ,'.)Ujl im-irQ . , ;. .* .From the saffie.^Jif.sn v^nr>m j^&H Soft steals the nightfall, the bright orb of day'* ' '^ To other scenes has vvheel'd his glorious way, '-'^ Fair in the boiom of the stilly stream ''^■^'<'»''' i*''^^ The stars inverted bright as diamonr';* beam, The woods on shore a gloomy grandeur cast, - "^• Hush'd every breeze, no wandering breath steals past, " Devotional the boatmen's vesp3rs wake, '""^ '-' And the attention oC the travellers take, ' "'^ ''' ^ Grateful their nnlhem to the ear of night, ' ■ ''' "^ The calm, soft scene, conducing to delight. ' '" '' * A parly of the TfdlU Highlanders wore doing duty ojv Grosso Islo at this periodv 123 ■u^^l V; RIPENING AUTUMN NOW IS GANE Ripening Autumn now is gane,:5Js.|.-jv.' j«t7)Sk; i. 1 Winler scowls alang the plain,. Silent is the lintie's strain "" That joinM the laverock*s lay. Cauld the nipping blast does blavv, Rustling leaves in clusters fa', *> ^ '^ '> ' >. *i ir.' On Pentland hills the wreathes o' snaw Mak' Nature's face look wae. , ,,■ » Nae mair the heartsome blackbird's lays Are warbled 'mang the leafy sprays That deck'd the wild romantic braea O' charming Hawthornden j .'-"vi-^? i'-Hlr^uo :jmo8 But whan the pale moon, floating high, ' f '^^t^-'W Keeks through the clouds that shade the sky, '5 *' Is heard the howlet's eldritch cry ' f-'-i'Viiarn} JaoM - Frae Roslin's lanely glen. ""'^^ <^<;! :'j " Fill out a tram to me 1" Straight to a shelf the grocer flew, • !" And from a greybeard forthwith drew What Donald wish'd to see. i ,!^ ^ # -, /rH .. r ... / He seiz'd the liquor, gulpM it o'er, V i-.. Paid down the cost, then sought the door^ And vanish'd like a ghost ; \}t)\U v.* It Few minutes scarcely had he gone, v ; Wii !k i When, starting with a grievous groani '^ >^'' V The grocer fled his post. .-a .A 125 j'tx- i:'} lit » •T . . ,./V A«id stamping, bawling in despair, '^rt>'- He smote his breast and tore his hairj Swearing he was undone ; « That highlander," ciries he, »« IVe killM— ^^^l^ 'Tis vitriol out for him I've fill'd, He's dead as sure's a gun. "Good Heaven!" the wretched man exclaim' J, , " For poisoning people I'll bo blam'd, And hang'd for aught I know," Then on the counter thump'd his head, And wished himself amongst the dead. So frantic was his woe. / I ^.v.} r'i V, I:' rU Ir i The customers his griefs partook, Some with all speed the shop forsook And after Donald ran ; But fruitless prov'd the search, and vain, Yea every effort to regain The hapless poison'd man. '•'(• at i>'Ai.\/ ^ •JW.q •ll.l.'.J.v..' !l'i i ' Time, who the edge from all things takes The grocer's woe less pungent makes, Though many a dismal night He pass'd, 'mid scenes of horrid dread, While Btretch'd he lay upon his bed, Plagued by the dead man's sprite. At length comes Hallow Fair again, And many a cattle-driving swain, From hills benorth the Tay, The grocer, busy as before, Sees Donald pop within the door, And nearly swoons away. ■Ml t UiVi -i^ II 1 ii i ! ( ;' 1 i :' 1; , ■ i':' 126 Till close inspection told him plain, 'Twas Donald, flesh and blopd again, And bloonning like a rose, Not one whit worse, as will appear, . ,*. ' ^ From that hot dram he drank last year, — '• . ., That horrid vitriol doze. . , , * * r* " Goot lay, goot tay, auld frient !" quoth he, " Anoter tram fill out for me, ■ Ofi J *' rt osq ^ninof'.;o(j "lo'i ' And now, my man, pe shore \'' , . J > To tak It frae ta verra cann -? - >*^ Tat used upon the skelf to stan, Ta same she gat pefore. *' For never tram sin' she's peen porn, ' „• Frae lailand glass or heeland horn, „ , She's got like yours, I tell ye ! ' , ^ . -^ . t , ,, ' .* oCI -'.wtiJ £ tu\ jNone tit her e er sae muckle guid, , . ^, Or greed sae prawly \\v her pluid — Yon warms paith preast and pelly ! ' a^^v From this our tale, it seems right plain, , .rn To cope with highlandmen were vain, . ,«». In svvunng aquaviti : . h^ As Britain's foes on battle-field, , - , » * c» With as much ease they d cause to yield ' /. >, The topers of the city. , ^ ,. ^ -ta ,rv'y?iw; lii-'i v;ol!;/r( s^'^ino.v ifi^Uv;> j/^ ' /rfiT eJ.iihbojti sii:/! tocnl ,tooh ?jHj riid>j"W q'Kj SfSnoCI fct'v^ T" • .'f-^vHi snoo^^fci viijsn Lnf 127 ADIEU TO THEE QUEENSFERRY, !..;« :?T > ,1 n k •i ■Hit Adieu to thee Queensferry ! ..-,,. Endear'd by life's awakening day, No longer can I tarry, To distant lands I haste away ; With pensive gaze I ponder On scenes that never can return, RecallM ere yet we sunder, To memory by this short (sojourn. : ■ '. ^ .:5. ni a Companions of my childhood, Dispersed and dead, no more I see, Who roved with me the wildwood^ .* ^ . . And careless, nesting, climb'd the tree ; Yon castle shews a ruin, t ^^ j ,^,y^r^ ^^; 5^^ Delapidated and defaced, ., ., , ;,.,n^.v. ;| Change many scenes undoing, „,,j 1 „^ Methought stability eml?raQed,, ., ,~^^.y^^\ \^;y _ . , , , , . , , / "-'^^-j -Jon r.-.-r^ A I mark the homes that shielded . ., , .. Friends of my bosom, now no more. ^ -^j A k.j Who bustling life have yielded. Departed, passed, and gone before ; While those in manhood's vigour Have sunk into declining years. Or droop, neath Age's rigour. How alter'd all to me appears. Now fond regrets suppressing^ Awakened by these scenes In viewy , '..Oi}j>- ti X 128 •I 1 1 A tear my heart expressing, Starts, tribute to this long adieu ; Farewell to thee Queensferry ! Endear'd by life's awakening day. Why longer should I tarry Since former friends have passM away. '■■■'■ '■''■■■ |iipt{i;^t Jui Nae dance lor him this night. :^in Wives maned and sigh'd, men bore him afl', i He drooped sair his win^, ^^ ' -w^: A month thereafter and a half I saw his arm in sling, '' . I mind ae day. Some were sao menseless and sae rude As swear at his mischance, Wha on him bet were perfect wud, Some did wi' anger dance j While ithers warm did sympathise, Dissatisfaction hain'd. Expressing wonder and surprise The shepherd wasna baned Outright that day. no id* 135 Some said a boat-race was to start And for the Lang-craig bear, A bruit, I mind, that joyM my heart — I lo'ed the pastime dear j Hovve'er the rumour died awa', The cause I dinna ken, Fish Willie and Gilbraith, the tvva, Were markM as special men To book that day. Fair fi' their hearts, wha were sae leal As ccft the muckle cheese, Amaist as big's a chaise fore wheel. To gie our sports a heeze j Up the sheep-park in thrangg they speed, A' bent on special fun, *" . Some shaw an unco heart o' greed. To tent the prize they run Fu' keen that day. [sli-J « The Judge exclaims, "I warn you a'. And let you hear, to wit, Wha grips this chese within his paw, For guid the same shall get j That is, before it reach the dyke Direct beneath the brae," fiU-{>A Sae affit wheels wi' little fyke, ,,^ ni To grip i,t a' essay . Fu* gleg that day. Yet safe us a', it was nae mows, Wi' sic a prize to padge. The bauldest heart its fury cows, What arm mot ken its gadgo ; Km 136 A half daft creature made a claucht, To grip it was his aim, He'd better bf=!en in bluidy faught, Sae sair it rackM his wame I trow that day. Jock Carr, a sturdy ploughman chlel, Frae Echland town came he, Although for that he coup'd the creel, Seized on it bodily ; But there were siccan rives and rugs Ere he could bear it aff, E'en pu'ing at ilk ither's lugs, Some ettled niove and staff In wrath that day. It was the fear o' mony folk That cracked pows had been, That man and man in strife Vfad yoke And strive in brulzie keen i For Ferry chaps, whan fairly het Were no that quietly quell'd, The Echland loons whan to't they set. Not easy were repell'd On ony day. Wi' veel-timed words, some sages wise, Stapt in to quell the fray, To peace and friendship did advise And turn'd fierce wrath away ; Yet coats were cuist, and grips were gi'en. Some ruffles gat a screed, Whilk wives wad tent wi' woefu e'en, Whan Sunday sarks they'd heed And dress some day, 137 Mild gloamin shades begin to draw, Day's far on the decline, The braid moon, fair, her face does shaw Aboon the glassy brine ; And silvery glenting on the trees In Antumn's earliest dress, Still tends assembled groups to please, Nor maks their pleasures less This gleesome night. Now as toward the town they hie, Occurs an ugly job, , .. ^ A colyshangie some descry 'Twixt ane and little Kob ; His rival, Davie Tod, insooth, A better flesh ne'er born. This comes, I fear, o' quenching drouth, They've surely toom'd the horn O'er free this night. Be't as it will, sic yerks were gi'en, As mony men amazed, I fear'd there wad been blinded e'en Sic deadly neives were raised ; They flew to ane anither's claucht And warslied wi' sic wraith. Some tailors leugh to see the faught, And tent some guid braid claith In shreds that night. *< Shame fa' sic wark !" a wife exclaim'd, " Fye', quell thir doings here, Twa lads for mischief nc/'er vet blamed. Respected far and near j" 138 " The mair the variorum, Sirs !" A waggish fellow cries, " Stick at it teughly ! shaw your birss !" Ilk warstler sturdier vies la wrath that night. E'en Humphry and Mendoza ne'er 'Mid deadly dunts did revel, As thir twa lads, in wrath severe. Ilk ither's sides did devel j Had folks no sunder'd them at last. The skaith 'twere ill to know, 'T^vvas said commencement o' the blast Were words anent a jo ' In spite that day. I . IMPROMPTU.* For Scotland's sake. Sir, If not for your own, Let such assertion Never more be known ! Or every real Scot, Sir, To be brief, Will be accounted Both a rogue and ih — f. ( ( * On hearinjr a very questionable person m.aintaining willi a provoking pertinacity that he waf» ^roal Scotchman. 139 AN AULD SCOTCH WIFE'S REFLECTIONS ON AMERICAN TEA-MAKING. Oh wad tho lasses in this land, To mask the tea right understand, And nnak it somewhat like the kind That Scotland aften brings to mind j Sic as a head that's pain'd can ease, The spirits raise, the palate please j What's mair, possess the happy knack 0' waukening up a social crack. The first cup here can jimply pass — The next ane comes, alas, alas ! But o' the third, what shall 1 say 1 Sae weak, sae watery, wearsh and blae j ' I dinna like to raise a clatter, But blashing, jauping up wi' water Is no the thing — it sudna be — And ill agrees wi' mair than me. It bangs the body fu' o' wind, And really disconcerts the mind ; It gars us sigh, and gape, and gaunt, As if we felt some unco want; And sude we grane, 'tis a' a sham, A hint to cure it wi' a dram. I'll baud my whiest, I'll say nae mair, Lest some sude tak my lecture sair ; Yet trust ilk sprig frae the auld stock Wi' thir strange fashions winna yoke. But mask sic tea to please thj wame, Just as their grannies preed at hame ; 140 iO 1 5Jft And baud in mind, 'tis maist genteel To sugar and to njilk it vvcel j '' ■ And on this rule especial rest, ■ The latest cup sude stand the test ; Ne'er hain the cost — folk may do worse — For tea like water is a curse : It really ruffles up my passion To meet sae aft this foreign fashion ; 'Mang folk wha sude ken better things This mony a sair reflection brings, Then shun this sensless innovation, Espouse it not, 'tis degredation, - And trust to those wha ken the matter, The stronger tea is mask'd the better j And frae the same I'll gie my aith. The bloom o' health will ns'er tak' skaith. While frae thnt warm, weak, blashy bree, E'en mony a pale-faced lass we see j And lads are aft, for stamach's sake, : , Corapell'd a settling dram to take. Which now a days ranks sair transgression. For which they maun mak due confession Or get their bitters,' as they say. In many a strange newfangled way ; The case wi' auld folk's yet mair shocking. They scarce can bide frae perfect bocking,- A' this is truth, awa' wi' joking j Now I shall whiest, and calm my sough, Maist fock may think I've said enough. X , I i- , Ciif, '-r^* * A boat sione lo le missi that 141 ' Aq 'it'lif}. 'it . ■ - ' ■■..-, ^ VERSES* .,*'. The woods ihat skirt the Ottawa, In Autumn's roles were seen, tjerii woH Contrasting with her curling waves . ,hn^ *- Of bright transparent green ; -twjw/r The Steamboat swiftly upward bore, And stemm'd the current strong, r_i,j^,;|^ A Lash'd to her side, our bateau, top, ;;. sJfjT Shot rapidly alon^, q'^.^q sd oj <9i(im«{oq ' A youth was on the gunwale seen. To leap on board design'd, The bound he made, a moment view'd. Next to the deep consign'd. (Again he to the surface mounts, -Tt^niTJi'^ / And buffets with the wave, Haste ! s,lop the engine, lower the boat, ^- Use every means to savq! ^.,; ^^^^ ^^-j .,„>. Now wide, wide spreads the space beUveen The hopeless victim left, ' • Haste ! boatmen, ply j'oui* bars, 'arid sav'e;'^ ' Ere vet of life bereft ! ■ ''■':• ^ - - «.-![; x'o«''';'"»5T *o il"TR ! ;1<> * A melancholy accident that occurred on board a sloam. boat on the river i)tiawf», which the author witnessed, occa- sioned the folIowiii£ vcr»o«l. A iin? yoon^man in attempting: to leap from the steamboat to the. bateau in tow alon^oiuc, miFscd his footing, ar.d Ibougii a good ewimmor, from the titjus that elapsed ere the ciigino could be etofpedand & b&at lowered «nd manned, sunh to rise no more. q -,r.„t„ fr\ M Ut The borit is lowered, the oars applied. Applied, alas ! toQ \^te, All of him seen now- disappears. Decided is his fate* r >iui In hamely weed. .a^'ior^^ Oh ! for a spark o' Robbie's fire, To gar me eweep wr birr the lyre," -^.^ ^..^ no icad And splatter OR through dub and i»»rtf '*'('?'' .^"^i^**^^^ On auld Pegassus,. Mounting the braie aye high 9tn4 htghev 0' steep Parnassus. VI E'en then C ^fttfe you weel, Since you maun f^o^ Hiy ttotiettt aiue), Heaven help you mye Iffe'tt hMl to speei Wi' wean and wife, Anil send you ffiend*, bailfi kiwd and fctiS, To latest li(e. . C--- ^^ ^V - « ' ■'- Whether Ohk>*« banks you Blray^ .i <]<4I icY Of tak' to IlKnora the \tay, ^ . mh\p\ cT Or to Kentucky, let me say, ■■m gmiliv; otiT BlessM be your fa\ m mmmVV v> The mair the pity you «uiie ga*^ ' Frae here ava. . i • ..,■,', f. Had fortune ta^n oome plodding drone m ; 'J Guid miktVai gifts poSBesiniig Done, 'i.tiT Wi' heed o* JDud and lieart ©' jftnne^ ?h.i im A Sour and contracted^ For him the M^se AV«d miak nm nvoan, >r'ifi?. Nor droop dejected* .1 If sic a chield awa she'd ta^en, hmi iieri W As said, the Muse wad mak' mae mane, U Nor dowie seek the 6penee mUne v'''^ In dool and grief^ * /; * 'f'^ rrij; f.-tmuf To woo the bosom-wothing strain ^ ' * v>q:>:i i For mind's relief. , :;A To banithiment, hasle flatter}'^ gang^ xiW Deceit and fawning tak' alalig, My aith I'll gie, by «ny best «siti|, -nplmi 'sm\ It pains my heart, .T''-v!.'j .:tn,t.iit,>ijs_ c«»\^* . Wi' you C " *** '» kea*d Ma^ ki^ '^'^d utU hHiM This way to part. '« ^Ifev/ f # ^ 144 Life is a thorny road at best, „o({j au J Encounter^ on it mony a |)est, ..t uoy ^clii We aft are jostle J and hacas^'d*- . ;.! ftjjvcjU View prospects dreary, , f . 'iV| Sair gi'eti to pine \vi' cares distressed, . ' Aft worn and weary j .•.::. I :-jj;ui Yet Flope, the star that brilliant shines ADd'f* To lighten up the heart that pines, 7 'liiM vY The willing mind to help inclinoB j>ji" H oJ .O Through mony a strait, : ::;r- -^ t/iiio\ki , And dool and hardship aften lines . uom tMi'l Wi' wit the pate. . . ^ o:^jH a»r. i Upon these times I needna preach, jtnrA hnH That in these parts mak' mony a breacbj ii.u>.> And tak' a wide and sweeping stretch rl ^iW Athort the Ian', v l/ftc liiO'; Seeming discord and strife to teach t mid lur- 'Twix'tman and man. j^^b qooilj loH* ' "Whan party'Spirit dies awa', th c .>m'![ And swelling waves o' discord fa'— p Mo? s A Whan unity to ane and a' jjii >1'5:>« sivmb ;o5ff Comes linkin' back — i^im i>'«s loofj nl I hope to see you hither draw : i : di ria*// o i' And hear your crack. Ui(w a%nim :o'l Where'er you rest, where'er you vvend,.^3d ol To Prudence dictates aye attend,^! i».Ne h^o^iO Frae independence never bend, /^ fl'l .liis -^H Woo judgment clear, — ?iB9ij -rin mnGt^Ji Mind the best book to learn it men, :> wcv MVf The wale 0' lear. . lea o: .'sv/ sidT 1 ! 3 , i,l .V not ()fi!i ■ I :■ n;« Ik ■ > Hi «•"»'*/ r [1, .... £JC.V 'iV/ •IT 145 True love a' country nurse at hevt, ^Jl"^ However fate and distance part, . i Ne'er Jet affection dwine inert r,^«7/ While you're on yirth, , u';^T But cling toward that land alert That gae you birth. •»'»? '^^^ v'W^^i Whan you at yonder city ca', . ^jf^j 54, ^ ^,<7' Your pen I hope you furth will draw^ And send at least a line or twa 'X^t 'Ji tr )« To let tis ken What kind 0' place it is ava, - ** '' '<'*''~»''J' And how you fen.^'*'» ^ ''-"5'''»'» V^- Ti"^'>^3 Adieu, my honest chiel again ! Heaven spare you lang wi' wife and wean, Granting sound health to ilka ane, -^ i> -^ - Guid luck ne'er swervin' — ' ^ •• '^^^"^^ -'"'''^ My ardent wish, whilst I remain '''"*''^5'^' a^ Your failhfu' servan' ! , ,^ , ., PARAPHRASED FROM OSSIAN. On Morven's side, as roars the storm . ," By hundred whirlwinds driven, . ,,^^.,<.(t A^ streams rush from an hundred hill^^ .r As clouds shoot wild through heaven j, Or as dark ocean's waves assault f'sol {if. The sounding desart shore, cinaoe di&H So noisy, vast, and terrible, /umh i^'A yfl. The mingling armies roar, m b^fVtHi -loVi n2 146 The groani orivarri<»nl Bptaad aAir Like thuftder df itte ni^, When clouds o*er C^na burst around^ Torn in the temp3sl*8 migM. ' * Fingal, al! terrible, rusli'd rni. Its Trenmor's spirit dread, To see the children of his pride When on the whirlwind aped 5 The oaks high on their hilitt resound, . ; Before him rocks decay, ,. j^^,,,] jgjjv; Bloody my fauier's hand in war, f bf«/L ^ When fierce he hew'd his way. The battles of youth recur, <^ n^rv Impetuous wakes his foiK^e ; .uiiiixi Fire flash his eyes^tlie field ^Var \ i,iuO Is wasted in his couroe. 7 .{[\&i,ip, vM -I {'JO 'I Like Flash of fire went Hhino on, ' -A Dark is the brow of Gaul ; Fergus rush'd on with feet of wind, \^ Fillan like mist-wreatli tall.^,^ ..^ ^ ^ \. Myself like to a rock came down Exulting in the King, Destruction hurried from mine arm, '^^ '^ * Death round me spread his wing ; noK nf^ My locks were tken tnot grey wilii age,*-..! ^(^ Each scene mine eye wviild trace, dT My feet elastic owned command ; , <><^ '.-'. Nor failed roe io the ract. , . : .n :4T ■i . 147 ON VIEWING AN EMIORANT'S GRAVE IN THE BUSH. Far frae the land wbar his fai'berB Ug O'er the braid Atlantic sea, By his lanely bed the howfets big In the tqwering forest tree. Nae village bells their vespers ring Near his drear deserted grave,. jBut wailing winds his requiem sing And the tempests round him rave. The weary traveller wending by, Draws up at the eirie spot, He thinks, and the thought brings furth a ifigh, Like him he may lig forgot. He dreams o' the land he has left behind, Wi' a heart (c>rlor,n and wae, And he iangs wi' the sorrows o' life resigned, To mix wi' his kindred's clay. iS'^: SONG, Air—" What ails this lieart o* mine I loe thy artless smi^O) Sae open kind and free, I loe the rose bloom o' thy cheek And laughing hazel e'o ; Ah 148 Thy trusses that surpass , r^^yj ^^^ ^y y^,^^ The raven's wing in hue, Mair sweet the music o' thy voice Than music's sel' I (row. :di sf Fraeilka templing snare ,}^^„,j,ia .^f{ May's thou protected be,,^:,.,., ^^^, ^^ Not that I think there's ought that^s wrang ' Can tcmpng prove to thee, lij^j p^ •'^ Oh, woman 1 lovliest flower, .,. ' * „ Adorning Nature s field Wi' beauty, innocence, and truth Ilk charm to thee maun yield. ii L.iA. VERSES.* .'Tliit Thrice welcome hail the song of Spring, What choirestersare these that sing— Musicians strange they be 1 The tiny, briskj Canadian band, Piping aloud on every hand Their thrilling noles of glod. . Heralde unseen, to nature dear, Proclaiming Summer's presence near With renovated charms. Awakened from their wintry sleep, '••i^'f-ir. ••if: vni iCi i- In extacies to life they leap And pipe in countlQM.3VVArmB<,. . jq^cc^^ .» r , -»» .- * On hearing the musio&l pipings of that tiny chojr designa- ted the Canadian band. : ^ m To imitate the warj^Iinf t«rt,ajir'*:,M:» vinrjivca The tallest titeea ihey^ nQOiin^ aniAm >'j liiu^ snwti > i 'P Asserting bold their eli^iiUrr ? { mr': o -^ ' To cheer with song the ^004^304 boiyefs, J As harbingers of bees and flowers, Despite their humble name. '"^ f'nf.8c»ffw? t. i Yet how unlike the fe^therM thro\ng i wi« b'3:vc? hf. a That perch tl^ op^nin|; buds aj^ooj; ,.$ jn^f .^^i. , In Britain's happier clime, Pouring their sweet, melpdidus lays, ' v < '^^ ^'^-''i^ With warbling throats toWture'spraine," 'T' ' ; In energies sublime.^^ ^'^''<'^ ''^ /roili; mo>^ Still sweet the song that ushers spring, Though tiny toads presiding sing, Their music joy conveys, Such were his thoughts, when first the bard This merry vernal concert heard,; I '*? :>Hifiv i ' Enveloped in apf^ozj^.} jsj^H ni h'^m^rt V.iu-. J l»>vl From habit more he loves to greet .^ i" Their annual concert, turned a treat Their sharp shrill pipings clear ; . . « i Like Hope ihey si ng of better days; ,i. ,■,■'' a , , / ^ A song that tends the mind to raise, . ,... " ^ ,,,.,■•• . :,', 'h; n..i.W/ To elevate and cheer. , .f.3 b-L I N IJ S .' *'**^ tjviJS''JW 'Ai lA charm owns that table a pleasufe^ the hei^rihi^ lound which clubbM the circle of f^ie^i^ship andi|)irth ; JThough the smiles of the ftrmnger m^^y bright ,pn. us beam, lYet they bear not that cbarm ia faiir fiie0^|ry's dream. i( m 'l! Ill Some moments endearWii) itoOifft doun^fife^iitf/ ^''^' With home ttiH coillii»etfeA*Wfir fl«Mh tfft ^Iklit^,'')'^' And force from (he bosom li«>v(>(/W htni U>m^mi^ A throb ofiUfgK^MfiB fitti^ c^h Kmt 4ici«ye,i> • > <> ^ For times and for seasons, pbliviioujs th(^|)ft6t«. p,.,(| Obscured by life's jostlings aside may be cast/ And f&o^s, and fottfis, long faiinriliar dim -sbbw,^^^ -'£ To wake but to mei/nioryln m^rebrilfiaiitg^ow. ii)'.\ !T ;r [ Oh ! grant me, ye|MMii'ei:Si:y^ where verliiSiaii^t;^^; c>'[ The pro8|)eet afoip to r«v|«U my lionei Uh^^r r!li7/ As free from alloy, all those pleasuices Ip^haTOfM o ^I That morning and evening once waited me there. ,»i!ii" miiiM"n' BALLAD— SHAIINON AND CJHBSAPEAJi^E. Our gallant FrigiiteShtiDnof^ nom ^nil Still cruised in Boston. fiayv - '-^ b'jTwai 1^031 M^idkft,fi1Vftrfiv^,V":'^,"'^^'' ''" *' Wheft Wtfk6lhfcit Afitbrofttoel ' '^"' ^And sooft, loo liwft In «rtm»oi» hoe '^^''"'^ ''*^' • W#i tinee4 th^ bHiiy ii*^ '^ ^'-^i' *<»o -ic^xl voui i^. tm'. there. ■ fcii (iio'j'i \if, ibtlT. An o I Three dreadful broad^idef were cxclji^inged, [■ When crash on board. Ilieyi eante^if-' t T The rigging of each ship fest locked "* ^^ Did other warfare claim j n j Our brave Cammanaec gave the word,, • With ail despatch t» boafd,. : Wiien straightway on their (jtecks we rushM With boarding pib»aK J »>T0Pd, With blade in hand he \&d u