'llp{l"»li mK c? ■ft4^f »il»n 'iin^ ^lOSANCflfj> ^/iajAINIliWV )l §^ CO fin »^ ir'^^llli ir^^ili ^ ^ /XO.'t- . is-^-'^ t ' -f,>A*-V 0-- EGLINTON PARK MEETING, AND OTHER POEMS. By JOHN RAMSAY, Yet all beneath the unrivalled rose The lowly daisy sweetly blows ; Though large the forest's monarch throws His array shade, Yet green the juicy hawthorn grows Adown the glade. Burns. SIXTH EDITION. EDINBURGH: STIRLING, KENNEY & CO.; J. DUNCAN, LONDON; DAVID ROBERTSON, GLASGOW J H. CRAWFORD AND SON, KILMARNOCK. MDCCCXLIII. [Price I'hrce Shillings and Sixpence. J KILMARNOCK— PRINTED BY H.CRAWFORD AKD SON. INDEX TO POEMS. PAQB Adventure, An, 139 Agricultural Apprentices, On some ill-bred, . 247 Arran, from the Sea, . . . . . . 1 89 Auclians i\Iansion-House, On visiting, . . 193 Auchinleck-House, Written beside, . . . 233 Bard, The, 102 Battle of Killicrankie, 190 Cairntable, Written on a view of, . . . 243 Carpet Factory Subscx'iption Ball, Written on seeing a, 245 Chambers, Esq., Verses to Robert, . . . 191 Christ weeping over Jerusalem, ... 53 Clergyman going home intoxicated, On seeing a, . 147 Commercial Distress, Wiitten during, . . 219 Death and the Sexton, 1 13 Death of Hugh Adam, Student, On the, . . 168 Death of Mr. George Osborne, On the, . -. 160 Doou, Scene on the Banks of, . . . . 237 Dream, 123 Dundonald Castle, Address to, ... 38 Dundonald, Evening Meditations on the Heights of, 163 Eglinton Park Meeting, 9 Eliza, Lines to, 181 Epigram, 246 Epitaph on Mr. John Ingram, R.A., . . . 244 Epitaph on Peter Lucas, 249 Epitaph on C — rl — s L — k — t, .... 250 Epitaph on Johnny White, .... 249 Epistle to Mrs. Hamilton, of Parkhill, . • . 195 Epistle to Mr. Ilol)ert Brown, Kirkhill, . . 224 Epistle to John Stirling, Darvel, .... 177 Epistle to Eliza, 206 Excitement, Written in a moment of, . . . 242 Extempore, 245 i'asteu's-E'cn in l^ilraarnock, The Sports of, . 81 Father's Grave, Extempore by my, . . . 236 Formalist, The, 203 Fragment, 231 84.1634 IV INDEX. Fragment, 238 Fragment, 240 Fragment, 241 Hannah Hedgehog, 221 Happy Five, Tlie, 250 Hardie and Baird, On visiting the Grave of, . 199 Help's Elegy, 185 Hughie Spiers, or the Wonder of the Nineteenth Century, 108 Inch, On ISfr. J., 248 Jamie Allan, 246 Kilmarnock-House, Written near, . . . 208 Knox, On Mr. Patrick, 248 Landlady, To a portly, 248 Life of the Aiitdior, 5 Lines to my Eldest Son, 175 Lines for a Valentine, 201 Loudoim Campaign, The, 58 Loudoun Castle, On passing, .... 243 Loudoun Hill, , . 236 ]\Ielancholy, Written under the impression of, 242 Melrose Abbey, Written in, 219 Midnight Thoughts, 212 Musings by the Clj^de, 70 Nobleman's Gate, Written on a, . . . 247 Old Cumnock, On being Shaved in, . . . 202 On Mr. Lamb deceiving Jlr. Shejjherd, . . 249 Palmyra, The Ruins of, 229 Poet, What is most descriptive of a, . . 211 Redbreast shot, On seeing a, .... 183 Roman Camp, Written on a, . . . . 210 Sandy that wons in the Aird, .... 253 Summer Evening, 236 Tannahill, On reading the Life of, ... 49 The Temple of Fame, 151 Tombs of the Douglases, 135 Uncle's Grave, On visiting my, . , . 230 Vision of Jed, The, 213 Wandering Piper, The, 172 Winter Evening, . . . . . . .239 BRIEF SKETCH OF THE LIFE OE THE AUTHOR. John Ramsat was born in Kilmarnock in the year 1802. His education, like tkat of most indi\d(luals in his sphere of life, was limited. After leaving the jurisdiction of the "dominie," he resided for several years with an uncle, near the village of Dundonald. The ancient castle, and the romantic scenery in the neighbourhood, linked as they are with the stirring events of Scottish history, had no doubt an inspiring effect on the ardent mind of Ramsay. Hence it is that we often find him reverting, in his poems, to the enchanting spot, with all the buoyancy of youth ful enthusiasm. He was afterwards apprenticed, in his native place, as a carpet-weaver; and, amidst the din and disson- ance of the loom-shop, he occasionally essayed, in B VI LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. fancy's dream, to visit the poet's bower. A sub- scription paper for a ball was at one time handed through the carpet- work, bearing these lines — " Every good fellow who wishes to prance, Come, pray take the pencil and sign for a dance," — and which, as a matter of course, was submitted to Ramsay, who wrote the following impromptu on the back of it :— «' Old Plato once met Father Jove, And asked the Self-Existent, ' What was in earth, or heaven above. Of all most inconsistent ?' Jove heard the question, gave a nod — To heaven's high tow'rs advancing, Unveiled this world—' Now,' says the god, • D'ye see yon weavers dancing ?' " The satire, though it galled the more earnest pro- moters of the ball, was much appreciated; and Ramsay was induced to send the lines for insertion to the Edinburgh Literary Jotirnal, a clever periodi- cal, edited by Henry Glassford Bell, Esquire. The lines, trifling as they may appear,, were inserted in an early number. Emboldened by encouragement, Mr. Ramsay contributed another poem to the Jour- nal, entitled, "Lines to Eliza," which was also received, and highly recommended by the indulgent editor. LIFE OF THE AUTHOR. Yll When the late Marquis of Hastings visited Lou- doun Castle in 1823, after his return from India, the Kilmarnock Volunteers and the Ayrshire Yeomanry repaired thither to congratulate him on his arrival. The excitement created in Kilmarnock by the turn- out of the volunteers was considerable, and formed the engrossing subject of conversation for several weeks. Ramsay, whose forte certainly lies more in the satirical than the pathetic, selected "the march" of the volunteers as a legitimate subject for liis pen, and wrote an amusing poem, in which he did ample justice to some of the more eccentric characters in the "dandy corps." The poem, though only in manuscript, was widely known throughout "auld Killie," at that time ringing with " The great campaign. Which the brave Dandies did sustain." Mr. Ramsay continued to work at the carpets for a number of years; but he is now, and has been for a length of time, in business as a grocer in Kilmar- nock. He is married, and has a rising family. In 1836, after a sufficient number of subscribers had been obtained, he published the first edition of his poems, of which a thousand copies were printed. In 18.39, he was induced to publish a second edition, with emendations and improvements ; and now, we viii lilFE OF THE AUTHOR. uuderstand, a third edition of a thousand copies is in the press. The volume was favourably noticed in Chambers's Journal, and several local and other provincial newspapers. "The Eglinton Park Meeting," the leading poem in the second edition, is among the latest of his ^vritings; and, if we may judge from the strong poetical vein pervading it, his genius appears only to require cultivation to undertake a more daring flio-ht. Written in the strain of Tenant's " Anstcr a Fair," "The Eglinton Park Meeting" is a running commentary on every thing that came within the author's observation, and is a poem of undoubted merit. In the "Address to Dundonald Castle," he is no less felicitous in the selection of material than judi- cious in its arrangement. The ancient ruin, once the seat of Scottish royalty, is reverenced by the poet with an ardour, and described with a vigour, that touches and awakens the tender susceptibilities of the heart. We do not envy the man, who, after visiting the sylvan shades and shaggy hills of Dun- donald, does not recognise, in the glowing imagery of the poet, the reality and boldness of its repre- sentation.— fi^ro?» "The Contemporaries of Btirns, and the more recent Poets of Ayrshire." J POEMS. EGLINTON PARK MEETING. If Pindar sung horse-races, what should hinder Himself from being as pliable as Pindar ? By BON. I. In radiant majesty the source of light Arose, and walked the chambers of the east, And bade the seas and rivers sparkle bright, And cheered afar the lonely mountain's breast. Whose shaggy top was veiled in vapours white — Where soared, sublime, the eagle o'er her nest, By dreary cairn; — th' unconscious lamb and ewe -Grazed 'mong red heath, wild-thyme, and hairbell blue. II. And on a rock, coeval with the earth. Where time had toiled till with his toil turned grey, The shepherd sat, and eyed, in all her mirth. Nature rejoice along life's flowery way — b3 10 EGLIXTON PARK MEETING. From blossomed thorn the mavis warbled forth, Tlie linnet from the broom and birchen spray, The cushat mourned, and, as the bass to all, Loud thundered o'er the rock the mighty waterfall. III. Descending thence, along the misty plain. On rapid wing, the raptured muse surveyed Rich lawns, extending even to the main, And groves and vales in summer's pomp arrayed; And waving woods, now lost, and now again The broad bright river in his strength displayed. Proud aristocracy's bedazzling bower, The lone sad remnants of the feudal tower. IV. Far other features showed the city's face. Buildings on buildings piled unt« the sky, The vagrant curs about the market-place. The high slow-moving wain, the driver's cry, The bawling sweep, the tippler on the chase, Of stunted form, pale cheek, and heavy eye; Toil's various tribes unto their tasks repair. The drunkard to his den of frenzy and despair. EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 11 V. Heaven ! what means this vortex we behold Of human passions, human joys and woes, Of vast extremes, and much that is untold In life's retreats? For ever onward flows Time's tide, on which we rise but to be rolled As wrecks, with all our transports and our throes, Down to that deep impenetrable gloom That hangs o'er all that lies beyond the tomb. VI. But with that chap we have begun our song, That swept of old the lyre, and strung the bow. And dealt in pills, (if Ovid be not wrong,)* And played the devil 'mong the dames below; When he had farther sped the heavens along, Our streets, lanes, highways made a glorious show, With wains, carts, gigs, cars, studded with blythe faces, Still answ'ring to the query — "Are ye for the races?" • Mine is the invention of the charming lyre ; Sweet notes and heavenly numbers I inspire. — Sure is my bow, unerring is ray dart. But, ah ! more deadly his who pierced my heart. Med'cine is mine, what herbs and simples grow In fields and forests, all their powers I know ; And am the great physician called below. Drydbm's Otid. 12 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. VII. Behold how little moves the sons of verse ! I fast got breakfast, faster was arrayed — For Poets' garments, like their pounds, arc ecarce, And seldom are on that account mislaid: I cannot say that mine are the reverse, And, worse than that, not altogether paid; But by the toll-bar soon I took my station. Looking like one rebuked for fornication. VIII. A car instanter trundled into sight, Drawn by a donkey-looking creature vile, That in its youth had galloped with delight On the far hills of some bleak misty isle. A seat I found, and having sung — " AU's right," Sober began to measure the first mile — Seat did I say! — a hanging on the door, For in the vehicle were already four. IX. One was a dominie, a wag most queer. As full of mirth's of matter is the egg — EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 13 Another was his daughter, and his dear Partner in care a third, whom called he Meg, Most unpolitely, odd it may appear; The fourth imagination out would drag, As that kind, good, disinterested man. Old Ireland's god and devil— honest Dan ! X. Little occurred worth noting on the way. Thronged with all kinds of creatures were the high- ways. Of every colour in the light of day, Crowds still came forth to join them from the bye- ways. In Dreghorn village took we a short stay, — For having got, as some say, "kin' o' dry- ways," — Dreghorn that line of houses, huts, or steadings — Geese, ducks, pigs, pigeons, dubs, and monstrous middens ! XI. But into Irvine by-and-by we got, Where swarms were casting fast, and others hiving, And others sweeping past as hard and hot As ]\Ionsicur Jehu was himscl them driving; 14 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. Waiters and ostlers drawing in the groat, Like bladders blowing were their purses thriving, Old Lethe's stream had swallowed up the ills Of life, crossed loves, wives, and dishonoured bills. XII. By Jupiter, it is a glorious thing That there are times when we forget our cares, Else to the grave they would our craniums bring, Long, long ere garnished by the hoary hairs Dan Jacob spake of;* but come, trim your wing. My muse, and mind more intimate affairs, For now the scene of action we are near. And best of company in front and rear. XIII. Through the deep ruts and fast fatiguing sand Strained little Charlie, though it was but slow, And sunk his hoof where Neptune did command The bounding waves a thousand years ago, When unexpectedly he made a stand — <'Broke down," was chanted round, "broke down, hallo." * Genesis, chap. xlii. 39. EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 15 Our dominie now from the car alighting, Leaped up into the air like cock afighting ! XIV. And did blaspheme with terrifying mien, And cursed each thing that ever went on wheel. Since the first day that chariot was seen Before which ran the prophet to Jezreel — AH horses, mules, and asses, that have been Since Balaam's donkey xuade her grand appeal — Each soul that ever vehicle hired a mile. Since chariots let were in the land of Nile. XV. To every heathen deity for aid He cried aloud; but suddenly detecting His error, next to all the saints he prayed — (Folks angry rare are given to reflecting,) All fiends of which e'er Milton mention made He next invoked, and, foresaid things collecting, With oath that never shall escape my tongue, Unto them, like a wisp, the whole concern he flung. 16 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. XVI. But oft when rudest storms have ceased to blow, Dame Nature will assume her sweetest face, And after heights arc hollows still, you know — Tliis with our dominie was just the case. Perhaps such impious lengths he did not go, For rhymers ever are a lying race; But on shanks-naigie, or the independent, We gained the racing-ground — a scene resplendent ! XVII. But here first. Nature, thou my goddess bright, Shall my song rise in all its power to thee — What transports of incflfablc delight Thy charms have given mc even in infancy ! Thy dewy wild-flowers, dawn, and dying light Of day far o'er the wide illumined sea — Thy hoary hills, grey rocks, and woodlands wild, Where parents often deemed were lost their child. XVIII. Behold the sandy plain here tells a tale Of earth's mutations, to the thinking mind. EGI-INTON PARK MEETING. 17 In words of tliunder; westward the wide vale Of mighty waters, rising to the wind, And glitt'ring in the sun, where the full sail Of Industry or Pleasure still we find, August Ben-Ghoil,*' where evening billows meet, And wash with songs the giant monarch's feet. XIX. 0, ho ! my little sentimental blue, You're at your woods, your hills, and streams again; I'd thank you more to turn and take a yigw Of titled Beauty, through the chariot pane. The world's wide continents their tributes due Have given to her shrine, and all in vain We seek for similies to describe the fair. For Nature's highest, brightest work is there. XX. And many a youth of fair and manly die, On charger of our isle's unrivalled breed. » Ben-Ghoil, the mountain of the winds, is generally known by its English and less poetical name of Goatficld.— 5co/<'s Lord of the Isles- It is the highest mountain in the romantic island of Arran. C 18 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. Swift as the simooms of the desert fly, Pricks o'er the plain the snorting fiery steed. What splendid equipages glitter by, With sober, stately pace, or graceful speed; — Homer! all chariots in thy Trojan scenes, Were mere wheelbarrows unto our machines. XXI. Now get your spectacles my good old dame, Some self-styled critics say you're short of sight — Nay, altogether stupid, blind, and lame; — It may be, — but we'll canter o'er a height. Whose very base would paralyze the same; And from one page of Nature's book of light Draw sweets their souls are strangers to: — away. What mastiff minds the messiu in his way? XXII. Well, what's next seen? The farmers, old and young, U pon their blacks, and browns, and lumbering greys; Though agricultural distress their song Has long been, they are like their meat and claes; And clergy, aye, their gowns and faces long, And other furniture of Sabbath days EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 19 Are off; and lawyers, beagles too — that's odd: — No! Satan once came 'mong the sons of God. XXIII. Here squeezes Jack his quid as in a vice, And sea-born phrases deals, and oaths wholesale; And there are men of garters, thimbles, dice. While others nuts and gingerbread retail: Another class, quite of the touch as nice As fairy's fingers, those who seldom fail To catch the purse, — why, there's no harm in't, They're only Dan's disciples taking "rint." XXIV. Besides, some average samples may be found Of the poor souls that sell their charms for gold — Descendants of the kittle lass that bound The scarlet line into her sash of old. By which she safely dropped unto the ground The spies of Joshua, as we are told — Or agents rather, canvassing that section Of Canaan, previous to the grand election. 20 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. XXV. Well, I do tliink, and almost too could swear, They're here from every land beneath the sun, And moon, and stars, and clouds — from each nook where The wind has blown, grass sprung, or water run. Where'er mankind have felt the thorns of care. Or loved, or hated, or seen that old 'un, Called Death, although I miss the Ashantees, And Cooke's old cronies of the southern seas. XXVI. And fore and aft, and right and left, they drive. And ride, and walk, and run, condense, and scatter, Thick as the little vagabonds that strive (Seen by the microscope) through drops of water; And on some principle beyond my dive, [matter,) They seem to've caught, (but how it makes no A small spark of the mutable devotion Of Harry Brougham — that true perpetual motion. XXVII. But to the tents away now wo must hie — Far up's the sun, and soon the race will start — EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 21 And all things look more brilliant to the eye, When folks have something got to keep the heart. To paint this panorama grand when I Attempt, as vain, as futile is my art, As 'twould be catching Garnock* in a riddle. Or playing on the tongs 'gainst Paganini's fiddle. XXVIII. With jostling, squeezing, driving, and what not, We reached those foci of the mirth and tipple. And took our seats among a merry lot. Driving the fun, and taking their bit sipple. O, Bacchus ! spite of all that has been wrote. And said, and sung, we drain thy deadly nipple, And oft yield part by part, till sinks the whole- Unnerved the system, and unmanned the soul. * Gamock, a small river in the district of Cunningham, Ayrshire, which rises from the foot of a very high hill in the moor called the Mistylaw, on the northern boundary of the county, parish of Largs, and runs shallow, clear, and beautiful, down the hill towards tlie south; it holds on its course through the parishes of Dairy and Kilwinning, en- larged as it flows by the addition of the Caaf and the Rye, till it falls into the tea at the harbour of Uvme.— Chambers's Gazetteer of Scotland. c3 22 EGLINTON PAKK MEETING* XXIX. And, yc gods ! of farces this was king — Such tearing, swearing, gormandizing, drinking; Such courting, jesting, laughing, everything, But common-sense, sobriety, and thinking. Solids in mountains fled a* on the wing. And fast as rain in sunburnt pastures sinking; Whole seas of liquids — meat and drink looked really To run a race, their winning-post — the belly. XXX. Religion, Honour, Pride, Love, Self-esteem, Et cetera, as timonecrs must guide. As circumstances bind, — whate'cr some dream, — Our bark o'er life's for-ever-troubled tide; But all that e'er has moved the breast did seem Here to ferment, and over it preside Old Satan, — yes, lay it on his back, To erring man an ever useful hack ! XXXI. But my poor Pegasus is off the course: No wonder, for he has a sorry rider; EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 23 Indeed, 'tis just such horseman and such horse, — The muse should run into a hole and hide her: To every one we pass we are a source Of shaking laughter — none e'er wandered wider From Phoebus' paths, o'er ditch and quagmire skelpin', The tailor unto Brentford, or John Gilpin. XXXII. Come, truce: — here, as Silenus drunk of old, Sits Kate M'Killop, erst of Sannox Glen,* Which modem avarice has turned a fold — Once the dear homes of happy Highlandmen, — Moulder the rent green walls — the hearths are cold — Where stood the cradle is the fox's den — And many of her sons have found a grave In that far world beyond the Atlantic wave. ** A beautiful glen in the north of the island of Arran, in the bosom of which a number of happy families had for centuries resided, till the year 1830, when they were expelled by the agent of the lord of the soil, and the grounds converted into sheep-walks— the greater part of the ancient tenants emigrated to North America. The name of M'Killop may still be traced on some of the rude stones that there mark the duet of men of long-forgotten dayi. 24 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. XXXIII. But when the midnight moon has climbed the heaven, And pale, cold, pure, shines each attendant star. To deep, deep vales a deeper tint is given, And meeting tides their murmur send afar, — The spirits of the forms of days, long driven Away upon the wheels of Time's swift car. Return, and o'er their joys and sorrows gone, Moan on the vdnd around the grey grave-stone. XXXIV. However, let's go back and see our Kate, Who, as the glass and hiccup will allow. Holding, with both hands, firmly by the seat. To neighbour spins this yarn, with beck and bow: — " Our ane an' me was here last year, and great " Was the galravagin and fun — ^hech-ho! — " Here's luck! — but there was ac race, sic ne'er seen *' Was in Guid's yirth by ony body's een.* » A race was run, in 1836, wilh ladies' ponies, the gentlemen riden being dressed in ladies' Leghorn bonnets. It was won for Mist Boswejl, of Aushinleck, by Mr. Campbell, Sornbcg. EGUNTON PARK MEETING. 25 XXXV. " I think there either was some aucht or nine " ladies, wi' their ponies, this race rade, "In tap-boots, breeks, sleeved waistcoats, bonnets fine, " Buskit wi' ribbons, feathers lang and braid. " Here's luck, man, Donald, baith to thee and thine ! " I ne'er leugh mair sin' ever I was made, " Nor I did at an eldren dame that wan it, " She leukt sae awfu' queer frae 'neath her bonnet. XXXVI. " Whether it was the ridin' brought the bluid " Into her face, or no, I canna say; " But every smitch o't was a kin' o' red, " Or rather something comin' near a blae; " And lang white whiskers on her face, some said — " My een's no what they ance were in a day — " Eigh,— but here's tae her! be her what she will, "She showed of horsemanship nae trifling skUl." XXXVII. With glass in hand, now o'er the form went Kate, Right in a box of pies and gingerbread — 26 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. O'erturned a vintner, near about the weight Of a prize ox; — like drowning people, glad To seize on any thing, he fastened straight Upon a gauntree's end, completely clad With casks, and down it came — the host grew pale, For 'neath it stood a gross of bottled ale! XXXVIII. The souls and bodies of the bottles were Sent to destruction, save a precious few, — As Calvin tells us human beings are, — Or like the " Highland Watch" at Waterloo: Ten women fainted — fifteen, some aver; — Perished of corset laces twenty-two; Who doubts the truth of what is written here, May find it all in the Dumfries Courier. XXXIX. And is it thus: — when will ye be wise! My muse, whene'er ye find your favourite regioni, Ye fly like Vulcan hurled from upper skies, Hume on the pensions, Boswell's* carrier-pigeon*; * Sir James Boswell, Baronet, of Aucbinleck. ECLINTON PAKK MEETING. 27 Nay, pray don't now affect the least surprise, — The race starts, sure as men of all religions Deem they are right, and 'tis a pretty omen — You stand here trifling 'bout a drunken woman. XL. But through the ever-tumbling human sea, — By Feeling's gales, by winds of Passion tossed, — • We've steered with pilot caution to the lee. And anchor dropt near harbour winning post. But hark ! lo, oflE' they to the contest be, Loud sound the hoofs upon the trembling coast, And each as anxious is to be the winner. As Satan watching o'er a dying sinner. XLI. And watch he does, they say, most warily; — Who sayl the clergy; — and 'tis therefore true; Now, what a great old blackguard he must be; But his attendance may be merely through A touch of kindness; — o'er their daily fee. Some farmers cart their weary reapers to Their homes; — so life's day ended, Nick a sail May give his slaves, or canter on his tail. 28 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. XLII. Enough of this — behold like thought or light They fly; but these are similics too bold; — To say that like the wind, were something trite, — And, by-the-bye, I think a little cold; — To say they fly, or unto distant sight Appear to fly, with critics even may hold, — Though I ne'er yet have learned of flying steed Save Pegasus, which ne'er was known to breed. XLIII. In ladies, lords, knights, gents of every grade, Clergy, physicians, lawyers, and cut purses. Men of each business, calling, craft, and trade, 'Tis pleasant to behold how high the force is Of the excitement, at this point displayed; Hung in suspense they're — though upon the course is None quite exact, like Absalom i' the oak. When fled his treach'rous mule, which was no joke. XLIV. As the competitors the goal draw nigh, — Eager as when no rcck'ning is to pay EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 29 Drmk Antiburghers; like unto the sigh Of dying storms in some rock-circled bay Rises a clamour, or more like the cry Of folks when in th' electioneering way; When thousands shout, approve, condemn, though heard Distinct, they've not one solitary word. XLV. Ho ! now they come — whatever head, or heart. Or hand, or heel can do, is deftly done; — See, see, 'tis past, — away the people start, Scorning each barrier, crying, " Boswell's won." 'Twere surely now a very foolish part, Should one course-guard attempt to stop the run, Though we each day see things more foolish still- As Owen's schemes— Sir Andrew Agnew's bill. XLVI. And now, most patient reader, if you please. We'll have a little soothing relaxation. When things arc at a kind of "stand at ease;" But hark ye first this scrap of conversation:— s 30 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. " Well, blow my eyes, since e'er I've cruised the seas, " If yet I've looked on better navigation: " And tliougli the Pilot came too late to port, '"Twas but by point of prow, and d— d good sport."* XLVII. Now, here some antic specimens we'll see Of various animals, both wild and tame. Fit to bring Wombwell's grand menagerie — Or even Captain Noah's — unto shame. Some making loves, bets, bargains, ardently Playing their parts in life's vain subtle game; Some spur the steed, and leave us, as his host Left Bonney, when o'ercome by Gcn'ral Frost. XLVIII. And some, again, where Justice keeps her shop, Kick up and hold a most oonfounded bustle; Men of six feet through crevices do pop. That hardly would admit my Lord John Russell. • Wednesday, April 26, 1837. Match, one hundred sovereigns, h. ft.. Sir James Boswell's ch. g.. Patriot, 4 years old, H stones 4 lbs., (Mr. Grant M'Dowall,) beat Lord Eglinton's b. g Pilot, aged, 12 stones 7 lbs, One mile. (A splendid race, and won by the nQSe.)—/lt/r Observer. EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 31 Halloo ! what's up now, backward, forward, stop, — 'Tis, as my grandmotlier would say, a tussle; But who to see would not take treads and squeezes, Our great folks used as cadgers do their cheeses. XLIX. Others, before the tabernacle, or tent, Or what d'ye call't, where all grandees repair, Stand, shewing each expression that e'er went To form ill-breeding's most accomplished stare. Some do, what did the Whigs in Parliament, Which was just nothing — sure now most unfair; — Nay, by the gods ! say, what did either House, — The mountains laboured, and broughtforth — a mouse ! L. Four things I know not, Solomon hath said. Four things there are which I sincerely pity; But sympathy of bards to none brings aid, More than the ■^^'ind's sigh to a famished city; — They want the wherewithal, apt to parade What brings but small relief, their whole— a ditty; And like the cuckoo sing, their own affairs Meantime the object of another's cares. 32 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. LI. First, then, a bigot, whose beloved creed The world unprejudiced can plainly sec A bore, a bagatelle, nonsense; indeed. What i' the nature of things can never be; — Life spent in doing nought; — he who can plead The cause of doctrines, whose absurdity He knows full well; — young Beauty, else placed snugly, If wed to husband crabbed, old, and ugly. LII. But what connexion, you will doubtless say. Have aU the figures you've of late been tracing- Cuckoos, and clergy, statesmen, beasts of prey — Unto the subject you proposed — horse-racing. I know my muse is oft, like one next day After being drunk, some fancied meteor chasing: And that her brain as pregnant is with havers As is with scepticism a Paisley weaver's. LIII. For most my days in Killie have been passed. Where merit only dwells with moneyed men^ EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 33 And these are scarce enough became at last, A child might write them even without a pen; But hear, Phrenology ! and stand aghast; If that the purse is well developed, then They're clever, intellectual, "decent" gemmen, Tho' fools, or fit to jig it a-la-Haman. LIV. «0 ! Killie, Killie," said some hapless bard, (As all have been that ever touched the string,) " Thou art my native spot, by fortune hard « Compelled am I to distant wandering; " Farewell ! thy name I'll cease but to regard " When ceases life unto my heart to bring " Its flood; but ne'er shalt thou my ashes hide, « Thou sink of scandal, poverty, and pride." LV. Hist ! what, in the name of wonder, 's coming here? 'Tis a dog-chariot, forsooth, and three ! ' And there's a maniac sweep, who seems to fear Water nor wind, nor ought beside does he ! d3 34 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. His licatl, neck, feet, all want the usual gear, Yet wears the happiest visage I can see ! Nature such minds from care does kindly sever — He shouts " Sir James and Eglinton for ever." LVI. And, lo ! ranged ready at the starting post, Eight, the crack hunters of the day, appear — Enough to summon to this world the ghost Of mighty Nimrod; and he may be here Enjoying all, on aerial billows tossed; — You can't say no, I'm sure, my reader dear; — But to the race, (let him who doubts disprove it), 'Twas won by Cajitain Houstoun's horse, Cognovit.* * Wednesday, April 2G, 1837. The Trial Stakes of 5 Sovereigns each, p.p., vviUi £0 Sovereigns added by t)ic Club for Hunters. Half-a-mile. Five-year-olds, list. Ulb.; six do., 12st. 31b.; aged, 12st. 31b. Captain Houstoun's Cognovit, aged ; blue and pink sleeves (owner), 1 Mr. Kamsay's b. g. Taraworth, by Canteen, 6 years j straw-coloured body, green sleeves, and black cap, 2 Mr. A. Carnpbell's Guess, by Champignon, aged; blue body, orange sleeves, and black cap, . . . . . . . • , 3 Earl of Eglinton's Pilot, aged ; tartan and yellow, . , . * . Sir James Boswell's JLa!ona, by Juniper, a years ; white with black stripes, • • Mr. D. Davidson's Vint-un, aged ; blue Sir D. Baird's ch. g. The Bird, aged; black,. . . . ' . Mr. Kerr's The Kitten, aged ; green. .0 Mr. J. S. Hay nd Brown Stout, by Jack Spigot, aged ; bfue body, crimson sleeves, and cap, ;..•..,. dr Lord Watcrford's br. h. Champion, aged ; light blue, . . , dr —Ayr Observer. EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 35 LVII. But scenes so similar why dallying sing ? 'Tis my opinion that the muse supposes All men are Jobs that listen to her string, Or meek 's the Jewish legislator — Moses, Of this, and that, and every other thing, She deals about such overpowering doses; But after this, which I'U be sworn you'll tire on, Just read for regimen a page of Byron. LVIII. For I have penned much nonsense in my time — Volumes in verse, and waggon loads in prose. The first the antipodes of all sublime, Beneath where even your proper critic throws His dart; and now about wrought out in rhyme. As miners say, a halt I should propose; For trash more trashy grows by repetition ;-:- See Lockhart's poems in the third edition. LIX. Now met we with a friend of life's young days — Some say each smith a spark has in his throaty 36 EGLINTON PARK MEETING. But if we'd judge of rhymers from their ways, Each has in his a young volcano got ! Retired we to a tent, and in the rays Of Friendship basked, and kicked old care to pot; And when the hound, Time, broke from us the cover, The fun was mostly, and the races, over. LX. Troop after troop was disappearing fast, Like the morn's shadows from the misty lea — The wave rose gently to the strength'ning blast, And the lone hills looked sullen on the sea— The birds sung sweetly — in the glowing west The sun, about into eternity To roll the day, rode glorious — his smile Lay sweet on cliffs of Arran's rocky isle ! LXI. Much yet remains might be detailed in song, Ere to their dwellings got the honest folk; For steeds stood at the doors of taverns long, And gigs and cars were, and commandments, broke; And some discussed a beverage so strong. Surprised next morn they in the ditch awoke, EGLINTON PARK MEETING. 37 And found their stomachs have unusual twitches, Which sometimes happens when we sleep in breeches ! LXII. We cannot sing, for we have never seen, How in great area of the lofty hall The feast was spread, and youths of noble mien And fairy figures mingled in the ball: My muse is in the dumps and jaded clean, Moreover, won't of dancing sing at all — And for this piece of indolence does plead She's steadfast Antiburgher in her creed. LXIII. But all must have an end — this day has had, The races, we must, and so must this rhyme; The world, sin too, of that I'm very glad, And think it is a doctrine most sublime, And wish how soon (of late I'm grown so bad) Betwixt sin and repentance all my time Is spent. But, reader, I must close this strain. Some other day perhaps we'll meet again. 38 ADDRESS TO DUNDONALD CASTLE.* t The roofless cot, decayed and rent. Will scarce delay the passer by ; The tower by war or tempest bent, ^ Where yet may frown one battlement. Demands and daunts the stranger's eye- Each ivied arch and pillar lone Pleads haughtily for glories gone. Byron. 0, ANCIENT pile ! fast basfning to decay, Around thy ruins, musing as I stray, How many mingling feelings do I find Pervade my breast and burst upon my mind. Long hast thou stood beneath the stroke of time, And all the rigours of a northern clime — The summer's sultry blaze — the winter's blast, Tremendous hurling from the dark north-west — * Dundonald Castle is a ruin of great celebrity, and occupies a com- raanding situation in the district of Kyle in Ayrshire. It was originally the property of Robert Stcuart, who, in right of his mother, Marjory Bruce, succeeded to the Scottish throne, under the title of Robert II.; and who here wooed and married his first wife, the beauteous Elizabeth Mure of Rowallan. Dr. Johnson, on being conducted to the place by Boswell, is said to have made the ruin ring witli laughter at the idea of a Scottish monarch being contented with the narrow accommodations of a slender tower of three stories, each story containing only one apart. ment.— Chambers's Gaxetleer of Scotland. DUNBONALD CASTLE. OJy And many generations hast thou seen Swept from the earth, as if they ne'er had been; To the lone land of dim oblivion hurled, Where clouds of ages veil the midnight world. Oft hast thou seen the morning sun arise. And spread his glories o'er the eastern skies — Shine round the world, rejoicing as he drave. Then sink sublime beyond the western wave; And oft his fading beams have cheered thy halls, And lingered sweetly on thy dark grey walls. Spring thou hast often seen, with gaudy train Of opening buds and blossoms, glad the plain: Along these hills the robes of summer shine, As oft, like all beneath the sun, decline; Their toils, their pleasures witnessed, numbers know^ That now, with all that moved the world, lie low. Autumn — rich autumn — hast thou seen unfold Her treasures vast of fading green and gold — Her bended branches, fields of waving corn — Her sultry noon, chill eve, and dewy morn — ■ 40 DUNDONALD CASTLE. Her wains returning with their precious boon, 'Neath the red glories of her ripening moon. How oft, perchance, some lovelorn swain has heard, Or wandering song-wrapt melancholy bard. As spirit sung, with harp unseen, his tale At midnight still, by woodland in the vale. Fast by the verge of yon sequestered wood. Where mourns the cushct for her captured brood, Methiuks an ancient reaper-band appears, Their graves now furrowed with an hundred years; Back to the world I see their forms return, Souls that now perfect in the empyrean burn; They stoop, they strain, mth careful hands they raise The scanty crop of long-forgotten days. Behind them stalks the venerable sire. Controls or counsels as their needs require; And, as the labour burns, his heart beats high, Joy beams triumphant in his aged eye — A well-worn bonnet on his hoary head. Long silver locks upon his shoulders spread — Bent with the blast of days, yet firm withal, Like yon grey oak that scorns the tempest's call — DUNBONALD CASTJLE. 41 Health, innocence, and peace around him play, And gild the hours of life's declining day. Now on the hills descend the shades of night, The twinkling stars shed down a feeble light; Homeward they go, and mark the inviting flame Dance on the window's sohtary frame; As perched the redbreast 'mong the yellow leaves. Sings to the wind, slow whisp' ring through the sheaves. Where are they now? soms spirit seems to say; Lost to the world, and mould'ring in the clay. In yonder spot, alike unknown they lie. Till the last morn shall dawn along the sky. Oft hast thou stood in night of awful storm. Seen whirlwinds wild sweet nature's face deform — The red swollen rivers with the ocean rage, And deep with deep tremendous warfare wage — And like to faith, from sad affliction born. Forth from the darkness come the smiling morn. While from thy ruined heights mine eyes survey Heaven's mighty arch and ocean's boundless way, n 42 BUNDONALD CASTLE» By fancy's aid I see the lightning fly, And the hoarse thunder roll along the sky; O'er the blue void behold impetuous sweep, On whirlwinds throned, the spirits of the deep; Wild, foaming, fierce, the crested billows rise, Like snow-capt mountains mingling mth the skies; Now roll afar with long tempestuous roar. Now awful burst upon the trembling shore. Pour gloomy clouds along the affrighted plains From their wide wombs the desolating rains. Hark! o'er the dread abyss the sea-bird screams — The rocks resound— again the lightning gleams! Again, harsh thunder rends its swaddling cloud — The forests crash — the rivers shriek aloud — Down the black hills, before the torrent's force, Roll shattered rocks, still gathering in their course; Groan, as beneath this 'whelming host is hurled, The adamantine pillars of the world. Lo ! far along the deep, the sport of tides And warring winds, a lonely vessel rides; Now on the billow's mighty convex tossed. Now in the 'whelming surge completely lost; DUNDONALD CASTLE. 43 The crew's frail remnant on the rigging spread, Long for a shore their feet shall never tread. Weak grows the bark, and shattered with her toil. As on she labours through the vast turmoil; Hope sighs farewell! they shriek — down, down she goes; The waves, deep thundering, o'er their victim close. Turn, my wild thoughts, nor dwell upon the scene, Too far in fancy's fairy land we've been; See ! calm the ocean spreads itself along, AVith mellowing murmur to the zephyr's song; Night's purple,.sky o'erhangs the mighty flood. Far weltering wide, in trembling waves of blood. How drear the prospect; yea, how wild the view, When from thy heights his glance the warder threw, Ere science bade her sun, with radiance free, Dawn on our distant island of the sea; Tall, towering forests sullen gloomed around, And flung their shadows o'er the vast profound. Haunts of the bounding deer, and bristly brood, And oft the scene of rapine, war, and blood; 44 DUNDONALD CASTLE. There howled the beast of prey to wikl-bird's wail, And sounds unearthly rode the rending gale; A semblance keen the sylvan country bore To the dark wilds that skirt Columbians shore. But cultivated now— till fades the eye, Unnumbered beauties ranged in order lie; The busy town, where smoke-pent crowds respire- The solemn church— the cloud-encircled spire— The splendid villa, and the lofty dome- Wealth's safe retreat, and pleasure's softest home- The verdant lawns, where greenwoods intervene— The twinkling rill— the lonely cot seiyne,— All— all combined, beam full upon the sight, One heavenly picture of refulgent light. Dire Persecution, with uplifted brand, Thou, too, hast seen marauding o'er the land; His blood-red standard streaming in the van, With bearings hostile to the rights of man; And all the woes a harassed nation feels, In ghastly order rampant at his heels. BUNDONALD CASTLE, 45 Yes; tliou repliest, with lengthened hollow groan, And would have wept, could tears have come from stone, To see mankind pursued like beasts of prey, Through pathless woods, and wilds without a way; The tender wife and helpless offspring driven Wide on the world, beneath the vault of heaven; Their hunted sire, for safety forced to hide In some lone cavern on the mountain's side; Or in the lab'rinths of some gloomy dell, There with his God and Solitude to dweH; Where the dark stream that slid the vale along, IMurmured responsive to the martyr's song. That rose at midnight, oft when all was still. And swept in heavenly strains the lonely hill; Looked down the wond'ring moon — the stars on high. In conscious silence, wheeled along the sky; The spirits gliding through the midnight air. Heard for his foes the wanderer's fervent prayer, ! may the monster ne'er again invade Our isle, nor here his triumphs be displayed, £3 46 DUNDONALD CASTLE. But sleep secure as ages roll away, With tilings long buried from the glance of clay. And, ! my muse, for present peace, adore The Power Supreme; and that great Power implore, That all oppressed and wronged of humankind May soon their rights and privileges find. From where the line's deep burning billows roll, Even to the dark dominions of the pole. The cloistered monk, the shrewd designing pMOSt, With all the trumpery of the Popish beast, Thoii hast beheld, when Superstition hoar Triumphant spread her wings from shore to shore; When banished Truth at intervals would come, And peep affrighted through the dismal gloom. Black was the scene, and horrible the sight, A jarring chaos, destitute of light; But like the sun forth bursting from a cloud, Dawned Reformation on the darkling crowd, Bade Learning rise, and Liberty expand Her cheering rays, and glad the weary land. Now art, now science on Britannia smile, And hand in hand dance round the stormy isle; DUNDONALD CASTLE. 47 No more to monkisli mummery is given The adoration due alone — to heaven; No more the host, to tyrants ever dear, Shall curb bright genius in her fierce career. Away ! away, blind leaders of the blind ! Curse to the earth, and ruin of mankind! When feudal bands engag'd, and fields were lost. Thou proved a shelter to the vanquished host; Oft have thy wa'ljs the fierce assault withstood, And thy green hill been dyed with hostile bk)0