Skip to main content

Full text of "Poems"

See other formats 


This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project 
to make the world's books discoverable online. 

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject 
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books 
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover. 

Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the 
publisher to a library and finally to you. 

Usage guidelines 

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the 
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to 
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying. 

We also ask that you: 

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for 
personal, non-commercial purposes. 

+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine 
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the 
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help. 

+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find 
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it. 

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just 
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other 
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of 
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner 
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe. 

About Google Book Search 

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers 
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web 



at |http : //books . google . com/ 



^N.t 



V 



POEMS 

ALLAN RAMSAY. 



Let theni cenfure, nuhat care I? 
The Herd ofCritich 1 defy. 
No^ nOt the Fair^ the Gay^ the Toung 
Govern the Numbers of my Sorg i 
Alt that ihey a/ prove it fweet. 
And all is Senfe that ihey repeat. 

pR I o Mi from Anacrcon:* 



'j Printed k the Year, MDCCLX*.. 



Xv^^-^^2% 




THE 

PREFACE 

V I ^ I s none of the Icatt of ray diverGoos to fee one 
I part of the world laughing at the other, yet all 
JL> feeni fully fatisBed with their own opinions and 
abilities ; but I (hall never quarrel with any man who(c 
temper is the reverfe of mine, and enters not into the taftc 
of the fame pleafures. 'Tis as ridiculous for one to be 
difobliged at another's difl'crcnt way of thinking, as it is 
to challenge him for having a nofe not of a (hape with 
his. Every man is born with a particular bent, which 
will difcover itfelf in fpite of all oppoficion. Mine is obr 
Yiouf, which fince I knew, 1 never inclined to curb ; but 
rather encouraged myfdf in the purfuit, though many dif- 
ficulties by in my way. 

Whether poetry be the moft elevated, delightful and 
generous (ludy in the world, is more {ban I dare affirm ; 
but I think (o. Yet I am afraid^ when the following 
Mifcellany is examined, I {hall not be found to defervc 
the eminent charat^er that belongs to the Kpic Mafler, 
whofe fire and flegni is equally blended. • But Anacrten 
Horace vcA Walter were poets, and had their fouls warm- 
ed with true poetic flcf.ne, altho' cheir patience fell (hori 
of thofe who could beftow a number of years on the (i- 
niihing one heroic poem/ and juftly claim tlie pre-emii> 
nence. 

If 1 know any faults in my own productions, I am n«t 
fool enough to bla2c them : perhaps they may i>e over- 
looked by the indulgence of my befl friends, for whom I 

write. 'Tis not to be doubted that I have enemies ; 

yes, I have been honoured with three or four fatyrs but 
^uch wretched AufF, that feveral of my friends would al- 
Icdge upon me that I had wrote and publifhed ihem my- 
felf (none of the word Politicks, I own) to make the world 
believe I bad no foes but fools. Such pedants as con* 
f ne learning to the critical undcrdanding of the dead lan- 
guages, while they are ignorant of the beauties of their 
mother- toaguci do not view me with a fricfidfy eye : but 
a 2 Vtck 



Y T/^^ P R E F A C E. 

I'm even With them, when I tell them to their faces, with- 
out blufhlng, that I underftand Horace bat fniotly ia the 
original, atid yet can feafl on his beauttful thooghts drsia'd 
?h Britiflj J — and do not fee any great occafion for every 
man's being made capable to tranHate the ClaiHcks, when 
they are fb elegantly done to his hand. Kor do I value 
tho* Dr. Benifey heard this : and perhaps it had been no 
worft for the great Lyrick, that this fame Do<5lor had un- 
derfbod the Latin tongue as little as I. — If this para- 
graph chance to raife a ncft of wa/ps, let them read the 
next to blunt their fiings. 

My chcarful friends will pardon (a very eflential qua- 
Kfication of a poet) my vanity, when, in felf-defencc, I 
inform the ignorant, that many of the fineft fpirits, and' of 
the hightft quality and diflindtion, eminent for literature 
^nd knowledge of mankind, from an affability which ever 
accompanies great minds, tell roe, • They arc plcafed 

• with what I have done ; and add, That my fmall 

• knowledge of the dead or foreign languages, is nothing 

• to my difadvantage. King Davids. Homer and Virgit'^ 

• fay they, were more igfiorant of the Scots and Englijfj 

• toogie, than you are of Hebrenvy Greek and Latin z 

• parfue your own natural manner, and be an Original'.* 
One may very ealily imagine, that I hear this with abun- 
dance of fecret fatisfa<5lion and joy. The ladies too are 
«a my (Jde ; they grace my fong with the fwectnefs of 
their voices, conn over my Pailoral, and fmiJe at my ia* 
wxtnx merry tale. 

Thus Jhielded hy the Brave and Tair^ 
My foes tm^ envy^ but dejpair. 

That I have expreft my thoughts in my native diale^f, 
was not only inclination, but the deHre of my beft and wifcft 
friends ; and mod reafonable, fince good imagery, juft firai- 
)es, and all manner of ingenious thoughts, in a well laid dc- 
fign, difpofed into numbers, is poetry. — Then good poetry 
may be in any language — But fome nations fpeak rough. 
and their words are confounded with a multitude of hard 
confonants, which make the numbers unharmonious. Be- 
filkSy their kngu^ige is fcanty whicb makes adifagreeaUe 

re- 



r/tf P R E F A CE. ▼ 

Tepetitiob of the fame words.— -Theie are no icft&s in 
<Nirs ; the pronunciation is liquid and fonorous, and much 
.fuller than the Englijht of which we are maflers, by being 
taught it in our fchooJs, and daily reading it ; which being 
added to all our own native words, of eminent fignificancy. 
makes our tongue be ht the completeft : for in(hince, I can 
fay, an empty hwfe^ a town barrel^ a bofs head^ ^T^ahollamo 
heart — Many fuch examples might be given, but. let this 
one fufHcc. 

J cannot here omit a paragraph or two of a Preface, 
wrote by the learned Dr. Se^ely to a London edition of one 
of my Padorab, after he has faid, fome thbgs very hand- 
ibmely in my favour.- -In behalf of our language he ex* 
prcfe himfeif thus : The folhwlng Poem^ if I am mt 
miftaken (for I fet up fr no critic) is a true and jujl 
Paftorai^ abounding nvitb thofe beauties^ *which are either 
required^ or are to be found in the befi ejieefned Paflorals^ 
The Scoticifms, mihich perhaps may offend feme ever- nice 
ear 9 give nenv life and grace to the poetry^ and become their 
place as 'well as the Doric dialeil ^Theocritus, y& fnuch 
admired by the beft judges. Uthen I mention that tgnguTp 
J benvail my own httle knowledge of it^ fmce I tneet wth 
fo many words and phrafes fo exprejfwe of the ideas they 
are intended to represent, A fmall acquaintance with 
that language^ and our Englifli poets^ will convince arty 
Tnan^ that we fpend too much time in looking ahroadfor 
trifling delicacies ^ when we may be treated at home with. 
a morefubflantiaU as Bellas a more elegant entertainments 
There are feme of the following, which we commonly 
reckon Englijh poetry, fuch as the Morning Interview^ 
Content^ &c. but all their difference from the others is on- 
ly in the orthography of fome words ; fuch as from for 
frae, bold for bauld, and fome few names of things ; and 
in thofe, tho' the words be pure Englijl?^ the idiom or 
phrafeoiogy is flill Scots. 

Throughout the whole, I have only copied from na- 
ture ; and with all precaution have (ludied, as far as it 
came within the ken of my obfervacion and memory, not 
to repeat what has been already faid by others, tho' it be 
next to impofHble fonietimes to (land clear of them, e<* 
ipccially in the liule Lovc-plors of a fong» — TVvcit ^^e^ 
•* a 3 xo- 



-fi r^if PREFACE, 

towards the end of this Mifcellany, fire or fix imitations 
of Horace^ which any acquainted with that author will pre* 
feodyobferre.— — I have only fnatcbedat his thought and 
method tagrols, and drefs'd them up in Scoh^ without con^ 
finiflg myidf to no more or no lefs; fo that thefe arc 
•oly to be reckoned a following ofhis manner. 

This is all I think needful in defence of my bo^k^ and 
to-keep^it io countenance with a Preface. 



T^ 



<fU> 



to Mr* Allah Ram s a t« mi kit Pdeticd Woricr» 

HAIL northern bard ! thou f^v*rice of thcNoe, 
Bright, or as Horace did, or A7rp/ fluoe. 
In cT'ry part of what thou'ft dooc wc nod, 
How they, and great Apolto too, have joinect 
To furoifli thee with an uncommon Ikill, 
And with poetick fire thy bofom fill. 

Thy Morning Interview throughout it fraught 
With tuneful numbers and majedick thought : 
And Cciiay who her lover's fuic diiHain'd,. 
Is by all-powerful gold at length obtained. 

When winter's hoary a^^ makes the plains 
Uopleaiaot to the nymphs, and jovial fwains; 
Sweetly thou do*ft thy rural couples^ call 
To pleafures known within Edind't wall% 

When, Alian^ thou, for reafons thou know'ft beSv 
ODoom*d bufy Couper to eternal reft? 

What mortal could thine tVgy on him rea^ 
And not have fwom he was defun^ indeed .' 
Tet, that he might not lofe accudom'd duet. 
You rous*d him from the grave to open pews ; 
Such magicky worthy Aiiant hath thy mufe. 

The experienc'd bawd, in aptefl' (trains tfaoa'fi made 
Early inflruA her pupils in their trade ; 
Left when their hoat wrinkled are with age. 
They (hould not cullies as whes young engage^ 
But on our fex why art thou fo fevere. 
To wifh for pleafure we may pay fo dear : 
Sttpp<A that thou had'ft, after chearful juice^ 
Mrt with a ihx)Iliog harlot wondVous fpruccy 
And been by her prevail 'd: with to refort 
Where daret might be drunk^ or, if not, port> 
Seppofe,. I fay, that this thou granted had. 
And freedom took with, the enticing jade» 
Wpuld'ft thou not hope fome artid' might be found 
l^^earc, if ought yon. ail*d, the fmartiog wound ? 



triii On Mr. RamfiyV Poetical Works. 

When of the Caledonian garb you fing, 
(Which from Tartanaz diltant clime you bring,) 
With bow much force you recommend the plaid. 
To ev'ry jolly fwain, and lovely maid. 
But if, as fame reports, fome of thofe wights. 
Who canton'd are among the rugged heights, 
No breeks put on, (hould*(l thou not them advife^ 
(Excufe me, Ranifay^ if I am too nice) 
To take, as fitting 't'ls, fome fpcedy care 
That what (hould hidden be, appears not bare ; 
Led daipfels, yet unknowing, (hould by chaDce> 
Their nimble ogle t*wards the objcd glance : 
If this thou d6*(l, we, who the fouth poflefs. 
May teach our females how they ought to drefs » 
But chiefly let them undeiiland, 'tis meet 
They (hould their legs hide more, if not their fect» 
Too much by help of whale- bone now difplay'd, 
Ev'n from the dutchefs to the kitchen maid ; 
But with more reafon, thofe who give didude. 
When on their uncouth limbs our eyes we cad. 

Thy other fonnets in each (lanza (hew. 
What, when of love you think, thy mufe, can do. 
So movingly thou'il made the am'rous fwaip, 
Wi(h on the moor his la(s to meet agaioy 
That I, methinks, find an unufual pain. 
Nor had thou, ehearful bard, expred lefs fkill,^ 
When the briik lafs you fang of Patient mill ; 
Or Sufyy whom the lad with yellow hair, 
Thou'd made in foft and pleafing notes prefer 
To nymphs lefs handfome, condant, gay and fair. 

In lovely drains kind Nancy you addrcfs, 
And make fond Willy bis coy Jean ^q(M% : 
Which done, thou'd bled the lad in Nelly z arms. 
Who long bad abfcnt been 'niidd dice alarms. 
And artfully you've plac'd within the grove, 
Jammie to hear his midrefs own her love, 

A gentle cure you've found for Strephon% bread, 
By fcornful Betty long depriv'd of red. 



1 



And when the blifsful pain you thot htTecn)wo.*d« 

You'd have the glaft go merrily aroaod, 

To fliake ofFcare, and render fleep more ibood. 

Who e'er (hall fee, or hath already fecn, 
Thore bony tioes calJ'd Chrifis kirk ontbegreetf^ 
Mud own that thou haft» to thy lafling pratfey 
Deferv'd at well as royal James the bays. 
'Mong other things yon Ve painted to the life, ^ 

A fbt unadive lying by his wife, C 

Which oft 'twixt wedded folks maka woful (faife. 3 

When 'gainft the (cribbling Jcna?cs your pen you drew» 
How didA thou laHi the vile prefimsptaooi crew ! 
Not much fam*d Butler^ who bad gone before* 
£*er ridicol'd his knigbt or Rahh more ; 
^ well thoo*s done it, equal (mart they feel. 
As if rhou'd piercM their hearts with killing Aeel» 

Tliey thus febdu'd, you in pathetick ryhroe, 
A fubjca nndenook that's more foblime, 
By noble thoughts, and words difcreetly join'd, 
Thou*ft taught mc bow I may contentment find. 
And when to Addie\ fame you touch 'd the Iyre» 
Thou fang'ft like one of the feraphick choir, 
So frooothly flow thy natural rural ftrains, 
So fweetly too, yiMi'vc made the mournful fwaint 
Hu death lament, what mortal can forbear 
Shedding, like us, upon his tomb a tear. 

Go on fam'd bard, thou wonder oToardajrs, 
And crown thy head with never-fading bays ; 
While grateful Britons do thy linei revere. 
And faloe, as they ought, their Virgil here. 

J, BVRCirET» 



To the Author. 

AS ooce I view'd a rural fccne, 
With fummer's fwcets profufely wild; 
Such plcafure footh'd my giddy fcnfe, 
1 ravifh*d flood, while nature fmii*d. 



it To tBe Avr Hot,. 

Straight I refoWd and cbofe a field. 

Where all the fpring I might transfer ; 
There (iood the trees in equal rowB» 

Here Flora % pride in one parterre. 

The tafk was done, the fweets were fled. 
Each plant had bd its fprightly air. 

As if they grudg*d to be confined, 
Or to their will not matched were. 

The narrow fcene d.ifplcas'd my mind. 

Which daily (Kll more homely grew. 
At length I ded the loathed fight. 

And hy'd me to the fields a-new. 
Hpre nature wanton'd io her prime : 

My fancy ranged the boundlefs waffe : 
Each different fight pleas'd with furprife, 

I welcom'd back the pleafares paft» 

Thus fome who feel Jpollo*% rage. 

Would teach their mu(e her drefs and time, 
^Till hamner'd fo with rules of art, 

They (mother iquite the vital ilame. 

The daily chime, the fame dull tone. 
Their mufe no daring fallies grace. 

But aifly held wit^M an4 cvrb. 
Keeps heavy tr^f, the* cqaal pace. 

But who takes natiire for his rule. 
Shall by her gen'rons bounty (hinc ; 

His eafy mufe reveb at will. 

And (Irikcs new wonders every line. 

Keep then» my friend, your native guide* 
Never diflrud her plenteous (lore, 

NeVr lefs propitious will (he prove 
Than now ; hot, if (he caoj (KM m^rc. 



Ct. 



A 



(x5) 
To Mr. Allan Ramsat. 

TOO blindly partial to my native tongue* 
Fond of the fmoothneff of our Englijb foog ; 
' At firft thy numbers did uncouth appear^- 
And (hock'd the affc^ed niccnefs of the ear. 
Thro' prejudice's eye each page I fee ; 
Tho' all were beauties, none were fo to me. 
Yet fham'd at lad, whUft all thy genius own. 
To have that genius hid from me alone ; 
Refblv'd to find, for praife or cenfure» caufe. 
Whether to join with all, or all oppo(e> 
Careful I read thee o'er and o'er again : 
At length the ufeful fearch requites my pain ; 
My falfe diflade to indant pleaiures turn'd^ 
As much I envy as before I fcorn'd : 
And thus the error of my pride to clear, 
I (igQ my honeft recantation here. 

G. BECKtNOHAM, 



To Mr. Allan R a m s a y» on the PuUicatioH ^ 

his Poems. 

DEAR Allan t who that hears your (Imins, 
Can grudge that you fhould wear the bayt^ 
"When 'tis (b long Gnce ScoM% plains 
Could boaft of fuch melodious lays i 

What tho' the criticks, fnarling curs ! 

Cry out, your Pegafus wants reins ; 
Bid them provide themlelves of fpuri ; 

Such riders need not fear their brains* 

A rouie that's healthy, fair and found. 
With noble ardor fearlefs haftes 
' O'er hill and dale ; but carpet-ground 
Was ay for tender-footed beads. 

E'en let the fuflain coxcombs chafe. 
Their carpet-ground; but the green field 



zK To Mr, Ramfay on his Poems. 

Was held a walk for VirgiVz mufc,' 
And Virgil was an uaco* cbield 1 

Yoar iDufcy upon her native (lock 

SubfifliDg, raifes thence a name ; 
While they are forc'd to pick the lock 

Of other bards, and pilfer fame. 

Oft when I read your joyous lines* ^ 

So full of pleafant jells and wit. 
So bJyth and gay the humour Ihines* 

it gives me many a merry fit. ^ 

Then when I hear of Maggy's charms^ 

And ^^^r tholing f;ur^dain» 
The bony lafs my bofom warms. 

And micklc I bemoan the fwain. 

For who can hear the lad complain. 

And not participate and feel 
His ardefs undiflembled pain, 

Unlefs he has a heart of (leel. 

But Paiie's wiles and cunning arts 

Appeife th' imaginary grieif. 
Declare him well a clown of parts. 

And bring the wretclied wight relief. 

More might be (aid ; but in a fi-iend 

Encotbiamt feem bat dull and flat. 
The wife approve, but fools commend, 

A Pope's authority for that. 

£Ue certof 'twere in me umneet, 

To grudge the mu(e*s utmofl force, 
Or fpare in fuch a caufe my feet. 

To clinch at leaft n praiic of your's* 

JA. Arbucklc. 



ne 



THE 



CONTENTS 



TO the Critkk Taonter, a 
Fable, Page i 

The Morning Intenriew» % 
Maggy Jobnftoun'i £lcg]r> i o 
John Corwpa^i Elegy, x 3 

Lucky Wooft Elegy, \6 

Lucky Spenu^t laltadfice, 19 
Patty B^i ^gy^ 23 

The laft Spetch of a MUer, 17 
TheMoakandthcMmer'aWife, 

3* 

CmJ^% ICtrkoa the Green. Gia- 
tol. ^ 

Canto II. 4^ 

Canto HI. 53 

Tartaoa, or the Plu(^ tfo 

f^A^KT^i^i Addrcfi to the coun- 
try, 69 
On Mr. Bruci and: his Fellow 1 
DUfarefs, jt, 
TheScribkfala(b% ib. 
Content, 78 
Mkiy and <&m^ : On Mr jiddi- 
fin.' 9» 
79« Bunbett Ei^; to the Au- 
thor, 94 
Anfvrcr to the ^regoing, pi 
feren fan^lbr Epiftlei that 
pals'd between Lieut, ikmil- 
tOM and the Author, 96 
Wealth, or the Woody : A 
Pbem on the South-Sea^ 113 
Mdinburgb^g Salutation to the 
Mar<yiis of Qwnarvou, 1 1 8> 
ftofpc& of Plenty : A Poetn on 
the North-Sea^ . x»o 
Rife and Fall of Stocks: An 
^piftle to my Losd Kamfay^ 

i%r 
APrologpr, raj. 

Ofid thcowa kt« tke 5. *SVtf, 



The Satyr*« ProjeO, 134 

To the Muiick Club^ 1 36 

Wine and Mufjck, 137 

On the Edipfe, of the fnn, ^. 

prUtjis, 138 

The Gentleman's Qualifications 

debated, 139 

On Wit: The Tale of the 

mantiogLada 141 

On Friendfliip, 141 

Keitha: On the Goontefi of 

Tfigton, 149 

The Author's Addrefi to the 

Council ot EJmburgb^ 14^ 
On a Gold Tea pot, 147 

On a puhch4)o« f, 14^ 

The Author's Bill to tlie Wtwi- 

Bufi dub* a^. 

The Author's cemick De(crip- 

tion of WmGlf ; An Epipie . 

to 7. ^. 149 

To the Earl of DaXhonfie, 153 
Horace to Vir^^ 155 

Ode to Mr F.^ 15^ 

To the Pi&— . . Sing» to the 

Tune of, BiA bcr o*ar -with 

Strait 15 7 

To Mr j4ikmatt, 159 

To Sir Wtlliam StHfUt, ib. 

Spoke CO three young Ladies^ 
1^ 
To a friend at Fkrettci, 16% 
The RoTe-Tree, 1^3 

To R, H, B. X64 

Oydo^i Welcome to her Prince. 
16 i 
On the Marquis of Bowmont'w' 

cutting off his hair, 1 6 » 
To feme young Ladies. i49> 
ToMrMiVcH 170 

Spoke to two Lafics, 171 

The Poc(?s wiO), i^. 

* 1U 



TO^ C N T E N T S. 



Tht Ram and Bock, 17* 

Epigram to the C of ^. 174 
liealth, a Po«in. ib. 

A f ailor^l do Ms Prwr» 1 SLS 
Kpigram to Mr Pope, 189 

Epiftle to the L. Advocate, ib, 
llie Clock «nd Siui-dhl„ 1 9X 
Ode 00 Lady M. Jnflrutber, 

Elegy on Lord CdrnegU^ 195 
£legy on Lady Carries, ^gJS 
The bony LaA and the lookiog- 

gbff. ia» 

JvPitef'i Lottety. 199 

The Miler and Mf«oi, aoo 
The Age and the Leopard, or 

the Beau and the Wit, io» 
The Afs. and Brock, %st$ 

The Fox and Rat, 164 

The Caterpillar and Aot, aoi 
The twa Cats andtlieCbcde|i07 
TbCL Cameleoo, ao8 

Tilt twa Lisardf, ^09 

JAmury in Queft of Peace, »jli 
The SfHng and Sykc^ a 14 
The daf^ Bargain, ib. 

The twa CxkX-^gxrUt^. %MJ 
. Spiaie to Mr r<kr^, %%6 

'Tit for Tat. 2.10 

Spiftle from Mr Starrati iXJ 
AnTwer to the above, 113 
Ode oq the Earl; of JTeymfs'* 

Marriagfb a»4 

•d the Arcbers and' their 

Toadfi *U 

E^ram*wrotc^o Xl^ S.*$ 9oDg. 

Book, »a.< 

Tb^ ^ptiall; a Ma(^ on the 

Marriage of the Duke of 

On the Marndge of my totA 

Ode 00 tl^c Btrtb of the Mar- 
tfahof.Dnrmbnrh^. a4.» 
MfkJeioMrJwhGS;. a43 
^e to the Coantcfs 6f \<^<t 
- 00. her Marriage. a49 

EricMmonMrsM:^/^^' »47; 
0[M ihi^ rnvriae of Jr«^,. 



Lord Lyon, 
EptHle to Mr Burdet, 
The General miftake, 
The Phoenix and the Om 
Epinie to Baron Clerk, 

Death of hit Son, 
Oo Ur Alexander oe Bl 

On the Fair Aflembly, 
On chufing the duke of 
ton Captain-General 
Rpyai company of / 

On the Royjil Con 
marching in their pre 
bits. 

Ode on the BritiJfiAn^ 

Epigram on a Preient fi 

Marquif of Annandali 
Advice to Mr— -^on b 

riagf. 
Epigram to M% M, 

Painting,, 
The Lure. 
A Love-triok. 
Epigram to Mr "Drummo 
Addrcfs to the Council c 

hurghy 
Epigram 00 the duke of 

/M*c (booting an Eel, 
A PaHpral farewel to A 

man. 
To Mr Mallcch, on bis 

Scoiknd^ 
Epigram to, CaRJfa, 
Ipfcfiption for Mr Wt 

Tomb, 
Dd^ on the late Date 

Uanulton, 
Ode on Sir Ifaof. Nrwti 
Epinie to Mr. Somrvtl 
Epidlo from. Mr Somer% 
Anfwer to the above. 
Reasons for not: aniwti 

Hackney Enemies, 
t^W to Mr. DmaU i! 



Tie CONTENTS, 



H^anks to bin fov a Prtfent y>i, 
A hillaJ OD bony Kate, 303 
T« DrJ.C, who gpr tlie fore- 

lolng to ff^e »» the young 

Lady, 3^4 

Iralogue and EpUogno for the 

young Gendeinea of Had^ 

db^m School, ib» 

Irologae for Mr j^Jhtit 3P^ 
A Gbarider, 3<»7 

Ode to Mf Murray of Bru^bion 

on his Marriagik (3. 

OiMr»fbr^n» late Lady Nrw- 

kU, 30a 

€to the faltfa^ oF aiSlate on Mri 

M.iVf.1 Bread, 309 

To By Obic^uy-Singers^in Jre- 

M, 310 

The Gentle Sbephefd» ■ Pa(^ 

tend Comedy^. 31%. 

Hie hft Time I came o'er the 

Moor. 384 

T1)f hfi of Patie^^ Mill, 38^ 
€«» Sleevea, 3$^ 

TAH^hair'd Laddie. 387 

whnsiyai; 389 

lifi of litAigfimm^ 3Po 

Loie^Con, 3P> 

CMeonDrhikifi£> 3P» 

S£rtf and MarfGn^, i^. 
yong Urd aad Emburgh 
«J^. 393^ 

Hj^Mithet's ay g^nn o'er 



Spoke to Mni^. 39; 

Mary Scot, 9. 

O'er Bo^V, 39# 

O'er the Moor to M^^, 397 
111 never leave thee, j^. 

Poiivart, on the Green, 398 
70^11 Hay*i bonny Laflie, 39f 
Genty Ttibj and (ooijr ^W{f,40o 
Up in the Air, 401 

To Mrs ji, C. a Song^ 40^ 
To Mrs E^ C a Soog^ 403 
To Cidifta, a Song, 404 

LKhdber no morer ib* 

Lafs with a- Lump of Land, 4of 
To Mrfr IT. HL a Song, 40C 
in gar ye be fain tafoUow me^ 
407 
Well a' to J&^^ 40» 

The Widow, 409 

The Step-dang^ter, 15, 

The Soger-LiMdie, 410 

BonyC^;^^, 411 

The bony Scot, ' 4i» 

LoYe inviting Realbo, 413 
The BobofDMM^i^isr, 414. 
Throw the Wood Laddie, ^t 
Ann thon wert my ain thing, ih. 
There*! my Thumb I'll neVr 
begoile thee^ 416 

The Highland Laddie^ 411k 
The Coalier'i bony Lafiie, 4x8 
Cofin am) Girzy, 41^ 

The MiU, MUI-O, 4»o 

To L. L, in MoDnin|^. 4*x 
The Conclufioni ib. 

The Cloflafy^ ^^ 



TO THE 



CRITIC. 



STAND, Critic, and before yc read. 
Say, are ye free of party-fcad ; 
Or of a faal fae fcnmp aDd rude. 
To envy every thing that's good ? 
And if I (hould (perhaps by chance) 
Somcthbg that's new and fmart advance^ 
Refolve ye not with fcornful fnufF, 
To fay 'tis a' confounded ftuET; 
If that's the cafe, (ir, fpare your (pite, 
Fior, faith, 'tis not for you I write : 
Gae gte your cenfure higher fcope. 
And Coj^revetdxicKc, or Pope ; 
T0»isn^*8&tires, or iS^{/?'s merry fmile, 
Thm, thefe are writers worth your while. 
Oojne your talents wad be lo(l» 
And tho' you gain a Omple boaft ; 
I want a reader wha deals fair. 
And not ae ceal fault will fpare; 
Yet with good humour will allow 
Me praife, whene'er 'tis juftly due : 

Bleft be Cc readers but the reft 

That are with fpleen and fpite oppreft. 
May Bardj arife to gar them look divine ^ 

To death, with lays the maift divine, > 

For froa's the Ikailh they'll get by mine. J 

How many, and of various natures, 
Are on this globe the crowd of creatures ; 
In Mexfconian forefts fly 
Thoufands that never wing'd our iky 2 



a The MORNING INTERVIEW. 

'Mangfl them there's anc of feathers fair. 

That in the muGc bears oae fkair. 

Only an imitatiDg ranter. 

For whilk he bears the name of tauntcr ; 

Soon as the fun fprings frae the eaO, 

Upon the branch he cocks his crefl, ^ 

Attentive, when frae bough and fpray 

The tunefu* throats falute the day : 

The brainlefs beau attacks them a*, 

Ko ane cfcapes him great or fma* ; 

Frae fome he takes the tone and manneo 

Frae this a bafs, frae that tenor, 

Turns love's faft plaint to a dull buflle. 

And fprightly airs to a vile whiftle ; 

Still labouring thus to counterfeit, 

He (haws the poornefs of his wit. 

Anes, when with echo loud the taunter 

Tret with contempt ilk native Chanter ^ 

Ane of them fays we own 'tis true, y 

Few praifes to our fangs are due ; y 

But pray, fir, let's have ane free you. j 



The MORNING INTERVIEW. 
Such killing Lookr^ fo thick the Arrows fly , 
That 'tis unfafe to he a StanJer-fy .• 
Poets approaching to defcribe the Fight 9 
Are by their Wounds inJiruSled how to write. 

Waller, 130. 

WHEN filcnt fliow'rs refrcfh the pregnant foil. 
And tender fallats cat with Tufcan oil. 
Harmonious mufic gladcns every grove. 
While bleating lambkins from their parents rove. 
And o'er the plain the anxious mothers dray, 5 

Calltng their tender care with hoarfer bae. 
Now cheerful Zephyr from the wcftern fkies 
With eafy flight o'er painted meadows flies. 
To kifs his Flora with a gentle air, 
Who yields to his embrace, and looks more fair. 10 

When from debauch with fp'ritoous juice oppreft, 
TJxe fons of Bacchus ftagger home to reft. 

With 



r/$if MORNING INTERVIEW. 3 
With tatted wigs, foul (hoes, and oncock*d hats* 
And all bedaub'd with foufF their loofe cravatt. 
The fun began to (ip the mombg dew, 15 

As Damon from his refUeis pillow flew. 

Him late from Cclia*$ cheek a patch'd did wound> 
A patch high feated oo the blufhing round. 
his painful thoughtjs all night forbid him reft* 
And he employ*d that night as one oppreft ; 20 

Mufjog revcDffe, and how to countermine 
The mongeft force, and evVy deep deCgn 
or patches, fans, of necklaces and rings, 
£v'n mufic't powV, when Ce/ia plays or Cngs. 

Fatigu'd with running errands all the day, 2 5 

Happy in want of thought his valet lay, 

Recruiting ftrength with deep His mafter calls, 

He ftarts with lock'd-up eyes, and beats the walls. 

A (econd thunder routes up the fot. 

He yawns and murmurs curies thro' his throat : 30 

Stockings awry, and brtcchet-knees unhc'd. 

And buttons do roiftake their holes for hafte. 

Hb mafter raves, — cries, Boger, make difpatch, 

Time flies apace. He frown'd, and looked his watch : 

Hafte, do my wig, ty*t with the carclefs knots, 35 

And run to Cwet\ let him fill my box. 

Go to my laundrefs, fee what makes her ftay> 

And can a coach and barber in your way. 

Thus orders juftle orders in a throng: 
Roger with laden mem*ry trots along. 40 

His errands done ; with brufhes next he muft 
Renew his toil amidft perfuming dull ; 
The yielding comb he leads with artful care, 
Through crookM meanders of the flaxen hair : 
E'er this performed he's almoft choak'd to death* 45 
The air is thicken'd, and hd pants for breath. 
The traveler thus in the Numidian plains, 
A conflict with the driving fands fuftains. 

Two hours are paft, and Damon is equipt, 
Pcofivc he ftalks, and meditates the fight : ^o 

A 2 Arm'd 



4 The MORNING INTERVIEW. 

Arm'd cap-a-tes^ in dreft in a killing beau, ^ 

Thrice vicw'd his glaft, and thrice rcfolv'd to go, C 

Flufti'd full of hope to overcome his foe. j 

His early pray'rs were all to Paphos fent. 

That Jcve^% fca- daughter wou'd give her confent : 55 

Cry'd, Send thy little fon unto my aid. 

Then took his hat, tript out, and no more faid. 

What lofty thoughts do fometimes pufh a man , 
Beyond the verge of his own native fpan ! 
Keep iow thy thoughts, frail cIay,nor boall thy pow'r 60 1 
Fate will be fate : And fince there's nothing fure, ' > 
• Vex not tbyfelf too much, but catch th' aufpicious hour, j 

The tow nng lark had thnce his mattins fung, 
And thrice were bells for pious fcrvice rung. 
In plaids wrapM up, prudes throng the facred dome, d^ 
And leave the ff ac ous petticoat at home : 
While fofteil dreams feal'd up fair Celiac eyes. 
She dreams of Damon^ and forgets to rife. 
A fportivc Sylph contrives the fubtile fcare. 
Sylphs know the charming baits which catch the fair ; 70 
She (hews him handfome, brawny, rich Ind young, 
Mith fnuff box, cane, and fword -knot finely hung, 
Well flvill'd in airs of dangle, tofs and rap, 
Thofe graces which the tender hearts entrap. 

Where j^ulus oft makes law for jufticc pafs, 75 

And CHAR LES's ftatue (lands in lafting brafs, 
AmidO a lofty fquare which Hrikes the (ight. 
With fpacious fabrics of Hupendous height ; 
Whofe fubliroe roofs in clouds advance fo high. 
They fecm the watch- towVs of the nether (ky ; 80 

Where once alas I where once the three eftatcs 
Of Scotland's parliament held free debates : 
Here Celia dwelt, and here did Damon move, 
Prefs'd by his rigid fate, and raging love. 

To her apartment (Iraight the daring fwain 8^ 

Approach'd, and foftly knocked, nor knocked in vain. 
The nymph new wak'd ftarts from the lazy down. 
And rolls her gentle limbs in morniog-gown : 
But half awake (he judges it mu(l be 
Frankalia come to take her morning-tea ; 90 

Cries, 



The MORNING INTERVIEW. 5 

Cries, welcome, coafln. But fhe foon begaa 
To change her vifage when (he faw a man : 
HerunfixM eyes with various turnings range. 
And pale furprize to ipodcft red exchange : 
Doubtful 'twixt modefty and love (he (lands, 95 

Then a(k'd the bold imperrinent*s demands. 
Her ftrokes are doubled, and the youth now found 
His pains increase, and open evVy wound. 
Who can defcribe the charms of loo(e attire I 
Who can reCft the flames with which they fire ? loa 
Ah, barbarous maid I he cries, fure native charms 
Are too too much : Why then fuch (lore of arms I 
Madam, I come, prompt by th* uneafy pains, 
Caus'd by a wound from you, and want revenge; 
A borrow'd pow'r was po(led on a charm : 105 

A patch, damn'd patch I can patches work fuch harm I 

He faid ; then threw a bomb, lay hid within 
Love's mortar-piece, the dimple of his chin : 
It mifs^d for once, (he lifted up her head, 
And blu(h*d a fmile, that almoA (Iruck him dead, 1 10 
Then cunningly rctir'd, but he purfu'd 
Near to the toilet, where the war renewed. 
Thus the great Fabius often gained the day 
O'er HannibaU by frequent giving way : 
Sowarlike Bruce and IVallace fometimcs deign'd 115 
To fecm defeat, yet certain conqucft gaio'd. 

Thus was he led in midft of Celia^% room, 
Speechlefs he (lood, and waited for his doom : 
Words were but vain, he (carce could ufc his breath. 
As round he view'd the implements of death. 1 20 

Her dreadful arms in carclefs heaps were laid 
Id gay diforder round her tumbled bed : 
He often to the foft retreat would ftarc. 
Still wi(hing he might give the battle there. 
Stuoo'd with the thought, his wand'ring looks did ftray ^ 
To where lac'd (hoes and her filk (lockings lay, V 

And garters which are never fcen by day. j 

His dazl'd eyes almofl defcrted light ; 
Ko man before had ever got the Hght, 
A lady's garters, earth ! their very name, i ^o 

Tho' yet ucfeeo^ fcts aiJ the foul on flame. 



6 rhe MORNING INTERVIEW. 
The royal Ned knew well their mighty charms, 
Elfc he'd ne'er hoopM one round the Englijh arms. 
Let barbVous honours crown the fword and lance, 
Thou next their King does Britijh knights advance, 
O Garter ! Honi foit qui mai ypenfe% 

O who can all thefe hidden turns relate* 
That do attend on a rafh lover's fate ! 
In deep didrefs the youth tum'd up his eyes, 
As if to aik aMance from the ikies. j 

The petticoat was hanging on a pin. 
Which the unlucky fwain ftar'd up within r 
His curious eyes too darmgly did rove, 
Around this oval conic vault of love : 
Himfelf alone can tell the pain he found, x. 

While his wild fight furvey'd forbidden ground. 
He view'd the ten fold fence, and gave a groan ; 
His trembling limbs befpoke his courage gone : 
Stupid and pale he flood, like (lalue dumb, 
The amber fnufF dropt from his carekfs thumb. j 
Be fjlent here, my Mufe, and fhun a plea 
May rife betwixt old BickerJiaffzTA mc ; 
For none may touch a petticoat but he. 

Damon thus foil*d, breath'd with a dying tone, 
j^jfijlt ye pv\3jn 'Of tc(ue^ elfe 1 am g one, i 

The ardent pray'r foon reach 'd the Cyprian grove. 
Heard and accepted by the queen of love. 
Kate was propitious too, her fon was by. 
Who *midfl his dread artillery did lie 
Of Flanders lace, and flraps of curious dye, 1 60 

On hidia muflin fhades the God did loll, ^ 

His head reciin'd upon a tinfy roll. 

The mother Goddefs thus her fon befpoke,. 
« Thou mufl, my boy, afTume the fhape of Shocks 
' And leap to Celta'^ lap ; whence thou may flip 1 1 
' Thy paw up to her breafl, and reach her lip : 
- * Strike deep thy charms, thy pow'rful art dlfplay, 
* To make young Damon conqueror to day. 

131. The Royal Ned.) Edward III. King of England, vi 
cAaUillicd the mofl hoigusablc Order of the Carter. 



Th 



rAfMORNiNG INTERVIEW. 7 

* Thoa need not blnfli to chaoge thy fliape» fiocc Jmte 

* Try*d mod of brutal forms to gain bb love ; 270 

* Who that he might hit loud Satumia gyll, 

* For &ir EuroptC% fake ioform'd a bull.' 

She fpoke— Not quicker does the lamp of day 
Dart on the mountain tops a gilded ray. 
Swifter than Itght'ning flies before the clap, 175 

From Cyprus ifle he reached Celidz lap : 
Now fawns, now wags his tail, and licks her arm ; 
She hugs him to her bread, nor dreads the harm. 
So in Afcanius* (hape, the God unfeen 
Of old deceived the Carthaginian queen. 180 

So now the fubtile pow'r his time e(pies. 
And threw two barbed darts in Celia^t ey6s : 
Many were broke before he cou'd fucceed ; 
But that of gold flew whizzing through her head : 
Thcfe were his laft refcrve.- -When others faU, 185 
Then the refulgent metal mud prevail. 
Pleafure produced by money now appears. 
Coaches and ^x run rattling in her ears. 
liv'ry-meo ! attendants \ houfliold plate ! 
Court pods and vifits ! pompous air and date I 190 
How can your fplendor eafy acccfs find, 
And gently captivate the fair one's mind? 
Succcfs attends, Cupid has play'd his part, 
VAnd funk the powerful venom to her heart. 
IBhe cou'd no more, die's catched in the (bare, 19^ 
ghing die fainted b her eafy chair. 

I more the fanguine dreams in blufhes glow, 
Bdi to fupport the heart all inward flow. 
Leaving the cheek as cold and white as fnow. ^ 

Thus Celia fell, or rather thus did rife : 200 

Thus DofMon made, or elfe was made a prize ; 
For both were conquerors, and both did yield, 
Fird die, now he, b mader of the field. 

Now he refumes frefli life, abandons fear, 
Jumps to his limbs, and does more gay appear. ^205 
Not gaming heir when his rich parent dies. 
Not zealot reading //i^^i/r^'s party- lies, 

N«t 



8 The MORNING INTERVIEW. 

Not foft fifteen on her feet-wafbing night; 

Not poet when hb roufe fublimes her flight, 

Not an old maid for fome young beauty's fail, 210 

Not the long tending Stibler at his call. 

Not hufbandman in drought when rain defcends, 

Not mifs when Umherham his purfe extends. 

E'er knew fuch raptures as this joyful fwain, 

When yielding, dying £>//tfcalm'd his pain. 21$ 

The rapid joys now in fuch torrents roul. 

That fcarce his organs can retain his foul. 

Vidor hc^s genVous, courts the fair's efteero. 
And takes a bs^on filPd with limpid flream. 
Then from his fingers form'd an artful rain, 220^ 
Which rouz'd the dormant fpirits of her brain, > 

And made the purple channels flow again. j 

She lives, he fings ; (he fmiles, and looks more tame : 
Now peace and friendfhip is the only theme. 

The mufe owns freely here (he does not know 225 ' 
If language pafs'd between the Belle and Beau^ 
Or if in courtfhip fuch ufe words or no. 
But, fure it is, there was a parley beat, 
And mutual love iinifh'd the proud debate. 
Then to complete the peace and feal the blifs, 230 

He for a diamond ring receiv'd a kifs 
Of her foft hand.— Next the afpiring youth, 
With eager tranfports prefs'd her glowing mouth. 
So by degrees the eagles teach their young 
To mount on high and flare upon the fun. 235 

A fumptuous entertainment crowns the war, 
Andlill rich requifites are brought from far. 
The table boads its being from Japan, 
Th' ingenious work of fome great artifan. 
China, where potters coarfeft mould refine, 240 

That rays through the traniparent veiTels ihine ; 

an. Stibler.) A probationer, 
a 13. Limbcrham.) A kind keeper. 

1x7. Ufe Words.) It being allcdged that the eloquerce of 
this fpccies iiei in the elegance of drels. 

The 



rU MORNING INTERVIEW. 9 

The coftly plates and diflies arc from dieoce» 

Aod Amazmla mod her Tweets difpeofe ; 

To her warm banks oor vefTeb cat the main, 

For the fweet produdt of her lufdoos cane. 945 

Here Scotia does no cofUy tribate bring. 

Only Ibme kettles fall of To^n (pring. 

Where Indus and the double Ganges flow. 
On odorif Vous plains the leaves do grow. 
Chief of the treat, a plant the boaft of fame, 250 

I Sometimes cali'd Green^ Bohea\ its greater nante. 
O happied of herbs ! Who would not be ^ 

I Pythagoriz'd into the form of thee, > 

I And with high tranfports ad the part of Tea ! j 

Ki^es on thee the haughty Belles beftow, 255 

While in thy (learns their coral lips do glow ; 
Thy virtues and thy flavour they commend. 
While men, even Beaux^ with parched lips attend. 

EPILOG U E. 

THE curtain* s draiun: nov) generous reader fay ^ 
Have ye not read nvorfe numbers in a play ? 260 
Sure here is plot^ place^ character and tinte^ 
Allfinoothly mjrought in good firm Britiflj rhime. 
I own 'tis but a /ample of my lays^ 
Which ajks the civil fatiOion of your praije. 
Beftonsft with freedom^ let your praife be ample, 265 
j4nd I myfelfwilljhow yougcod example. 
Keep up your faces alt bo' dull Critics fquint^ 
And cry^ with empty nod. There's nothing in't : 
They only mean therms nothing they can ufet 
Becaufe they find moji where there's mojl refufe. 2 JO 

X43. Amazonia.) A famoas river io South America, whence we 
have our (iigar. 

147. Todian fpring.) Tod's well, which fopplics the city with 
water. 

Elegy 



lo Lkgyon MAGGY JOHNSTON. 

Elegy on Maggy Johnston, nv&o died znno 171 1* 

A U LD I^eefyf iDourn in fabk hue, 
j\^ Let fouth of tears drccp like May dew. 
To Draw tippooy bid adieu, 
• Which we with greed 

Bended as faft as (he cou*d brew. 

But ah ! (he's dead. 6 

To tell the truth now Maggy dang, 
Of cuftomers (be had a bang ; 
For lairds and foutcrs a* did gang 

To drink bcdcen. 
The bam and yard was aft fae thrang, 

We took the green. 12 

And there by dizens we lay down. 
Syne fweetly ca'd the healths arown. 
To bonny laffes black or brown. 

As we Ioo*d bed ; 
In bumpers we dull cares did drown. 

And took our refl. j8 

"When in our poutch we fand fome cHnks, 
And took a turn o'er Bruntsfietd- Links, 
Aften in Maggfi at Hy- jinks. 

We guzl'd Scuds 

Wc 

Maggy JohnftoD lived about a mile fouthward of Edinburgh, 
kept a little farm, and had a particular art of brewing a fmali &rt 
of ale agreeable Co the taOe, very white, clear and tntoxicacing, 
which made people, who loved to have a good penny-worth for 
their noncy, be her frequent cuOomers. And mapy others of 
every (lation, (bmetimes fur diverfioo, thought it no afiroat to 
be feen in barn or yard. 

I. Auld Reeky.) A name the country people give Edinburgh 
from the cloud of (moak or reek that is always impending over it. 

3. To braw tippony.) She fold the Scots pint, which is near 
ttio quarts Engliih, for two-pence. 

7> Maggy dang.) He dings, or dang, is a phrafe which means 
to excel or get the better. 

ao.) Bruntsfield-Links.) Fields between Edirhurghand Mamt'*s 
wliere the citizens commonly play at the Gouffl 

a I. Hy -jinks ) A drunken game, or new projeft to drink 
be rich ; thus, ihc qucffor cup is filled lo the biim, then one 




/ 



VlcgfMMAGGY JOHNSTON. ii 

Till wt coa'd fcarce wi bale out drinks 

Caftaff our duds. 24 

We drank and drew, and filVd again, 
wow but we were blyth and fab ! 
When ony had their count mtftam» 
O it Was nice, 
^1 To hear us a' cry, pike yc'r bain 

And fpell yeV dice. 3Q 

Fou clofs we us*d to drink and rant. 
Until we did baith glow'r and gaunt, 
And pi(h and fpcw, and ye(k and mannt. 

Right fwafh I true; 
Then of auld (lories we did cant 

Whan we were fou. 36 

Whan we were weary'd at the gowfF, 
Then Maggy JobnftorCi was our howff; 
Now a' our gameftcrs may fit dowff, 

Wi' hearts like lead. 
Death wi' his rung rax'd her a yowff. 

And (ae (be died. 43 

the company takes a pair of dice, and Ifter crying Hy-jinki, he 
throws them oat : the namber he caftt op points out the peribn 
raad drink, he whothrew, beginning at himfelf nomber one, and 
lb roand till the number of tfw perfon agree with that of the dice, 
(which may fall upon him(e}f if the number be within twelve ;) 
then he lets the dice to him» or bids him take them : he on whom 
they* fall is obliged to drink, or pay a fmali forfeitore in money ; 
then throws, and fo 00 : but if he forgets to cry Hy-jinks he pays 
a forfeiture into the bank. Now he on whom it falls to drink, 
if there be any thing in bank worth drawing, gets it all if he 
dnoks. Thkn with a great deal of caution he empties his cup, 
fweeps up the money, and orders the cup xo be 6lled again, and 
then throws; for if he err in the articles, he k>/es tlie priTileg^of 
drawing the money. The articles are, (i) Drink,(ft} Draw, (3)Fill, 
(4( Cry Hy-jinks, (j) Count juft, (tf) Chuftyour doublet, man, 
viz. when two equal numbers of the dice is thrown, the per(bn 
whom you chufe mud pay a double of the common forfeiture, and 
mud you when the dice is in his hand. A rare projeA this, an4 
00 bubble I can aflure you ; for a covetous fellow may (ave money, 
and get himfelf as drunk as he can deiire in lelsthan an bouf'litime. 

ap. Pike yeV Bain,) Is a cant phrale, when one leaves s llulc 
in the cup, he is adviicd to pike his bone, L e. drink it dean out. 

41. Rix'd her a yowfT.) Reach'd her a blow. 



12 Elegy (?«, MAGGY JOHNSTON. 

Maun wc be forc'd thy fldll to tine ? 
For which wc will right fair repine ; 
Or haft thou left to bairns of thine 

The pauky knack 
Of brewing ale amaift like wine ? 

That gar'd us crack, 48 

Sae brawly did a peafe-fcon toafl 
Biz i* the quefF, and flie the froft ; 
There we gat fou wi* little coft, 

And muckle fpeed. 
Now wae worth death, our fports a' loft. 

Since Maggy^a dc^d. 54 

Ae (immer night I was fae fou, 
Amang the riggs I gecd to fpew ; 
Syne down on a green bawk, I trow 

I took a nap. 
And foucht a' night baliililow. 

As found's a tap. ^q 

And whan the dawn begoud to glow^ 
I hirfl'd up my dizzy pow» 
Frae 'roang the com like wirricow, 

Wi' bains fae fair, 
And ken'd nae mair than if a ew 

How I came there. (jg 

Some faid it was the pith of broom 
That (he ftow'd in her roaiking-loom. 
Which in our heads rais'd fie a foom, ' 
Or fome wild feed, 
"Which aft the chaping ftoup did toom. 

But filPd our head. 72 

^ But now iince 'tb fae that we muft 
Not in the beft ale put our truft, 

50. FKc the froft.) Or fright the froft or coldncfs out of it. 
55. Ae (immer night. &c.) The two following Oanzas are a 
true narrative. . 

On that (lid place where I 'maid brake my bains, 
To be a warning I (ct up twa (lains, 
That nane may venture there as I have done, 
Unlefs wi* froCicd nails he clinkM his (boon. 

But 



Hcgy tf« JOHN COW PER. 13 

Bat whan we're auld return to dud. 

Without remeady 
Why fhou'd we t«k it in difguft 

That Magg/t dead. ^t 

Of warldly comforts (he was rife, 
And liv'd a lang and hearty life, 
Right free of care, or toil, or (Irlfe, 

'Till (he was ftalc, 
Aod.ken*d to be a kaony wife 

At brewing ale. S4 

Then farewell, Maggy^ douce and fell. 
Of Brewers a' thou boor the bell ; 
Let a* thy goffies yelp and yell, 

And without feed, 
Gacfs whether ye're in heaven or hell, 

They're fure yeVe dead. 90 

EPITAPH. 
Rare Maggy Johnston. 



Elegy on John Cowper, Kirk-Treajurer's Man, 
anno 1714. 

IWairn ye a* to greet and drone, 
Jo6n Cawper's dead, Ohon I Ohon ! 
To £11 his poii alake there's none, 

That with fie (peed 

Tis neceflary for the illu'^ratirn of this Elrgy to (Irangcrs, to 
Jtl them a little into the hiflory of the Kirk- TrcaCurcr and hi« 
ipan; the trcafurer is chofcn every year, a dtlz-n refpe^ed for 
riches and honeHy ; he is vefled viith an abfolute power to (cise 
and imprilbn the )>i(ls that are too impatient to have on their 
green gown be'bre it be hem'J ; them he ftri^ly examines, but 
no liberty to be granted till a fair account be given of thcfe per- 
/ons they have obliged. It miift be Co : a lift is frequently given 
fometimes of a dozen or thereby of married or unmarried unfair 
traders whom they fecrctly affifted in tunning their goods ; theie 
bi» lordfhip makes pay to fome purpofe according to their ability, 
for the ufc of the poor: if the lads be obftrepcrous, the Kirk-Sc(l 
fions, and worft ot all. the ftool of repentance isthteatoedi a pa- 
O'lhment which few of any fpirit can bear. 

The trcafurer being changed every year, never comes to be 



T4 Elegy^«JOHN COWPER. 

Cou'd fa'r fculdudry out like John^ 

But now he's dead. gr 

He was right oacky in his way, 
And eydent baith be night and day. 
He wi* the lads his part cou*d play, 

When right fair fleed, 
Hcgartthem good bill-filJcr pay, 

But now he's dead* i^ 

Of whore-hunting he gat his fill. 
And made be't mony pint and gill : 
Of his braw pod he thought nae ill, 

Nor did nae need. 
Now they may mak a kirk and mill 

0*t, fince he's dead. 48 

Altho' he was nae man of weir. 
Yet mony a ane, wi quaking fear, 
Durft fcarce afore his face appear. 

But hide their head ; 
The wylie carle he gathered gear. 

And yet he's dead. 2 a 

Ay now to fome pan far awa, 
Alas he's gane and left it a' ! 
May be to fome fad whilliwha 

O* fremit blood, 
'Tis an ill wind that dis na blaw 

Some body good. 30 

Fy upon death, he was to blame 
To whirle poor John to his lang hamej 
perfectly acquainted with the affiir; but tbeir gciicful fcrvant 
continuing for a long time, is more expert at difcovcring Hich 
peribns, and the places of their reibrt, which makes him capable 
to do himfelf and cuftomers both a good or ill turn. John Cow-- 
per maintained this pod with a^vity and good liicccfs for feveral 
years. ' 

5. SaV fculdudry.) In allufion to a (cent-dog, Sa'r from Savour 
or Smell, Sculdudry a name commonly given to whoring. 

XI. Bill-filler.) BuU-filvcr. 

She law the Cow well fcrv'd, and took a Groat. Gay. 

17. Whilliwha o* fremit blood.) Whilliwha is a kind of an 
infinuating deceitful fellow, Fremit blood, not a-kin, bccaulc he 
hrfd then no Itgitimalc heirs of his own body. 

But 



Elegy on JOHN COWi>ER. is 

^Qt tho* his aife be caald, yet fame, 

Wi' tput of trumpet, 
SfaaJl tcU how Cooper's awfou name 

Cou'd flie a flrumpet. 36 

He ken'd the bawds and louns fou weJl^ 
iiod where they, us'd to rant and reel, 
He paukily on them cou'd flea). 

And fpoil their fport ; 
hh did they wi/h the muckle de'el 

Might take him for't. 42 

But ne'er a ane of them he fpar'd, 
E'en tho' there was a drunken laird 
To draw his fword, and make a faird 
In their defence^ 
John quietly put them in the guard 

To learn mair fenle. 48 

There maun they ly till fober grown. 
The lad neift day his fault maun own ; 
And to keep a' thbgs hu(h and low'n. 

He minds the poor. 
Sync after a' his, ready's fhown» 

He damns the whore. 54 

And (he, poor jade, withoutten din. 
Is fent to I^/7^-wyod-fit tofpin. 
With heavy heart and cleathing thin, 

And hungry wame» 
And ilky a month a well paid fkin. 

To mak her ume. 60 

But now they may fcoure up and down> 
And fafely gang their wakes arown, 
Spreading their daps throw a' the town. 

But fear or dread ; 
For that great kow to bawd and lown, 

John Convper*$ dead. < 66 

Shame law yeV chandler cbafts, O death> 

45 • Make a faird.) A bufUe like a bully. 
5*. He minds the poor.)ePays hufli money to the treaHH-cr. 
S<5. Lcith-wynd fiL) The houfc of corrc£lion at the foot of 
Lcith-wynd, (uch as Bridewell in London. 
6j, Chandler chaft5.^ Leao or meaner chcckc4» when iV\c\>onts 
J5 * a^^Cvfiv 



i6 Thgyon LUCKY WOOD. 

For flapping of John C(nvper*s breath ; 
The Jois oT him his public fkaith : 

1 dare ^^fc\\ fay. 
To quat ihc grip he was right laith 

This mony a day. . 72 

POSTSCRIPT. 

OF umquhile Join to lie or bann, 
Shaws but ill wiil, and looks right (haOj 
But fome tell odd tales of the man, 

For fifty head 
Can gi*c their aiih they've fcen him gawn 

Since he v/as dead. 78 

Keck but up throw the Stwkingjlile^ 
On Sunday morning a wee while, 
At jhc kirk door out frae an ifle, 

It will appear; 
But tak good tenr ye dinna 61e 

Yc'r brecks for fear. 84 

For well we wat it is his ghaift, 
t\'ow, wad Ibme fouk that can do*t btft 
Speak liirt, and hear what it confeil; 

'Tis a good deed 
To fend a wand'ring faul to rclt 

Amang the dead. 90 



KIcgy Oft LvQViY VJoon intbe Canongaie, May 1717. 



o 



Canntgate! poor ciritch hole, 
V\ hat lofs, what croiTcs does thou thole ! 



spprar like rhc fidct or cori.crt of a candicftic, which in Scots we 
call a chandler. 

7 7 Seen him ^awn ) The common people when they tell their 
tales nf gholU appearing, they Uy^ he has been (cen gawn or 
Aalkin^. 

79. Siirktng flile.) Opprfite to this place is the door of the 
church which lie atrends btinp a beadle. 

86. Wow, wad fome fouk that can do»t befl ) * Fis another 
vul;gar notion, that 9 ghoO will not belaid to reH, till fon.e pried 
(peak to it, and get account wHa» diOurbs it. 

Lucky Wood kcpt^an alehoufe in the Canongate, was much 
refpcOcA for hoipitaiity, honcUy, and the ucamcfs bvth of her 
j-crfon aad houCc» 



'/ 



Elegy tf» L U G K Y W O O D. 17 

bndon and death gars thee look drole. 

And hing thy head ; 
Wow, but thou has e*en a cauld coal 

To blaw indeed. 6 

Hear me ye hills, aod every glen, 
Ilk craig, ilk cleugh, and hollow den, 
Aod echo fhrill, that a' may ken 

The waefou thud 
Be racklers death, wha came unfeon 

To Lucky Wood. 13 

She*s dead er true, (he s dead and gane. 
Left us and JVillie burd alane, 
To blcer and greet, to fob and mane, 

And rugg our hair, 
Bccaufc we'll ne'er fee her again 

For evcrmdir. 18 

She gae'd as fait as a new prin, 
And kept her houfie fnod and been ; 
Her peuthcr glanc'd upo' your cen 

Like filler plate ; 
She was a donGe wife and clean, 

Without debate. 34 

It did ane good to fee her fiools. 
Her boord, fire fide, and facing tools ; 
Rax, chandlers, tangs, and fire-(hools, 

Bafket wi* bread. 
Poor facers now may chew pea-hoois, 

since Luck/i dead. 30 

3. London and death.) The place of her rcfiience being the 
grvateft iliffcrer; by the lofs of our members ofpatliamcnc,\»htch 
London now enjo^'S^ many of them having their hoiifcs there, be- 
ing the fubuvb of Edinburgh nearcH the king*s pakcc; this with 
the death of Lucky Wood are fufficient to make the place ruinous. 

II. Came unlcnnj or unfent for; there's nothing extranrdi* 
nary in this, it being his common cuflom. except in iboac fiwia- 
(iaxicd of late Qnct the falling of the bubbles. 

14. Willie.) Her Husband William Wood. 

26. Facing tools.) Stoups (or pots) and sups, (u called from the 
Facers. Sec 1. a p. 
ig. rooK facers.). The facers were a ckb of fatr^(kvktt%'MVvo 
B 3 \a- 



i8 . Elegy (J/7LUCKY WOOD. 

She ne'er gac in a lawin faufe, 
Kor ftoups a froath aboon ihc haufe. 
Nor kept dow'd tip within her waws. 

But reaming fwats ; 
She ne'er ran four jute, bccaufe 

It gee*s the batts. 36 

She had the gate fae well to pleafe. 
With gra/is beef, dry fi(h, or cheefe ; 
Which kept our purfcs ay at eafc, 

And health in tift. 
And lent her freOi nine gallon trees 

A hearty lift. 42 

She ga'e us aft hail legs o' lamb^ 
And did nae hain her mutton ham ; 
Than ay at Tule, when e*er we came, 

A bra* goofe pye. 
And was na that good belly baum ? 

Na.ne dare deny. 48 

The writer lads fow well may mind her, 
Furthy was (he, her luck dcfign'd her 
Their common mither, fure banc kinder 

Ever brake bread ; 
$h'e has na left her make behind her. 

But now (he's dead. 54 

To the fma* hours we aft fat dill, 
Nick'd round our toafts and fniftiing mill ; 
Good cakes we wanted ne'er at will. 

The beft of bread, 
W^bich aften cod us mony a gill 

To Aikenbead^ 60 

inclined rather to fpcnd a (hilling on ale than two pence for meat; 
Ihcy had ihcir name from a rule which they obfervcd of obliging 
therofclves to throw all they left in the cwp in their own faces : 
wherefore to fave their face and cloaths, they prudently fuck VI 
the liquor clean out. 

31. She ne'er gae in, &c.) All this verfc is a fine pi^ureof an 
an honefl alc-lcUcr; a Rariry. 

Co, To Aikcnhcad ) The nether-bow porter, to whom Lucky's 
cuftomers were often obliged for opening tht port for ihtm, when 
they (laid out \'iJ^ the fm^t hours after midnight. 

Cou*d 



) 



B 



LUCKY SPENCEV UJl AMct. 19 

CoQ'd our fiiQt tears like Clyde down rio> 
Aod bad we cheeks like Corra^t Ha, 
That a< the warld might bear the din 
Rair ftae ilkliead ; 
She was the wale of a' her kin> 

But now (he's dead. 66 

Lucky Woody 'tis hard to bear 
The lofs ; bu( oh ! we maun forbear : 
Yet fall thy memory be dear 

Wliife blooms a tree, 
Aod after ages bairns will fpear 

'Bout thee and me. 

EPITAPH. 

Eneath this fid 
Ucf Lucky Wood, 
IVbom fl' men might put faith inj 
Wha nvas na/wger. 
While Jhe nninfCdberet 
To cramm our nuamesfor naithing. 

Lucky Spencb'/ loft Advice^ 

r I n HREE times the car line grained and rifted, 

I Then frae the cod her pov) Jhe iified, 
lnha*wdy policy luel I gifted ^ 

When Jhe now faun, , 
Thai death nae langer nuad hefhifted. 

She thm begem: ^ ' 

MY loving laflesj I maun leave ye. 
But dinna wi' your greeting grieve me> 
Nor wi* your draunts and droning dcave me. 
But bring's a gill ; 
tf*. Like Corrals lio.) A very high precipice nigh Lancrk, 
over which the river of Clyde falls, making a great noiJe, %hikh 
u beard fbme miles oC 

Lacky Spence, a famous bawd who fJonriflicd for (everal years 
abooC the beginoing of the eightecoth century ; (he had her Edg- 
ings near HoJyrood.houfc ; (he made many a benctxt-oight to her- 
leif, by patting a trade in the hands of yoang la(res that had a 
little pcnoefs, Srong pafllons, abundance of lazinci's. and no forc- 
tltooght. 

lot 



20 LtJCKY SPENCE'i loft Advice. 
For faith, my bairns, ye may believe me, 

*Tis 'gainft my will. 12 

- O blackey'd Befs and mim-mou'd Meg^ 
O'er good to work or yet to beg ; 
Lay funkots up for a fair leg. 

For when ye fail, 
Ye'r face will not be worth a \^^ 

Nor yet ye'r tail. 18 

Whan e'er ye meet a fool thatj| fow. 
That yeVe a maiden gar him trow. 
Seem nice, but flick to him like glew ; 

And whan fet down, 
DriTC at the Jango till he fpew, 

Syn he'll fleep foun. 24 

Whan he's afleep, then dive and catch 
His ready ca(h, his rings or watch ; 
And gin he likes to light his match 

At yoar fpunk-box. 
Ne'er (land to let the fumbling wretch 

E'en take the pox. 30 

Clcck a' ye can be hook or crook, 
Ryp ilky poutch frae nook to nook ; 
Be fure to truff his pocket-book, 

Saxiy pounds Scots 
Is nae deaf nits : in little bouk 

Lie great bank notes. 36 

To get amends of whindgiog fools. 
That's frighted for repeniing-ftools, 
Wha often, whan their metal cools, 
Turnfweer to pay, 

13. Mim-mou'J.) Expreflcsao aifcflcd modcfty, by a preclfc- 
nefi about the mouth. 

%1. Light his match, &c.) I could give a Urge annotation on 
this Icntcncc, but do not incline to explain every thing, left I diA 
oblige future critics, by leaving tl>eoi nothing to do. 

35. Is nae deaf nits,) or eirpty nuts; this is a negative manner 
of laying a thing is fubdanrial. 

37. To get amends.) To be revenged; ofwhinJging fools^ 
felloMS who Mear the wrorg lUc of their faies outn)o(>, prc(eiv> 
dcrs to Xia^lty, who love to be finuggling in a corner. 

Gar 



LUCKY SPfiNCE'i lajl Advice. 21 
€ kirk-boxie hale the dools 

Anitherday. * 4a 

dawt red coat»i and let tbem (coup, 
»r the fou of cutty fioup ; ' 
them up, ye need na hope 
E'er to do well : 
rive ye'r brats and kick your doup, 

And play the dcd. 48 

re's ae fair crofi attends the craft* 
irft corredlion-houfe, where aft 
Dgy's taz ye'r riggings faft 

Makes black and blae, 
to pit a body daft ; 

But what'Il ye fay. 54 

gathers gear withomten care, 
fure has of pain a /kare ; 
then they (hould tirle ye bare. 

And gar ye fike, 
irn to thole ; 'tis very fair 

Ye're nibour like. 60 

y, my Iqovcs, count upo' loflcs, 
Ik-white teeth and cheeks like rofcs, 
ct-black hair and brigs of nofet 

Faw down wi' dads 
> your hearts up 'neath fie crofTes, 

Set up for bawds. 66 

u^ell-cri(h'd loofs 1 hae been canty, 
:'er the lads wad fain ha'e faun t'ye ; 
the auld game Taunty Raunty. 

Like coofers keen, 
»ok advice of me your aunty. 

If ye were clean. 72 

ar the kirk-boxie hale the dooli.) Delate them to the 
brer. Hale the dooU is a phrafe ufed at foot^aJl, where 
that gains the goal or dool is faid to hall it or uin the 
d (6 draws the iTake. 

itty Aoup.) Little pot, i. e. a gill of brandy. 
iDgy's taz.) If they pciform not the talk aHigned them, 
whipt by the hangman. 

It what*ll ye lay.) The empbaGs of this p>hra(e» like 
ers, caonof he uaderQuod bat by a native. 



22 Elegy ^» PA TIE BIRNIE. 

Then up I took my filler ca' 
And whifU'd benn whiles ane, whiles twa ; 
Roun'd in hb lug, that there was a 

Poor country Kate^ 
As halefom u the wall of Spcm^ 

But unka blate. 78 

Sae whan e'er company came in. 
And were upo' a merry pin, 
I dade away wi^ little din, 

And rouckle menfc^ 
Left confcience judge, it was a' ane 

To Lucky Spence. 84 

My Bennifon come on good doers, 
Who fpend their ca(h on bawds and whores ; 
May they ne'er want the wale of cures 

For a fairfnout: 
Foul fa' the quacks wha that fire fmoorsy 

And putt oae out. 90 

My malifon light ilka day 
On them that drink and dinoa pay. 
But tak a fnack and rin away ; 

May't be their hap 
Never to want a GonorrtMuat 

Or rotten clap. 96 

Lafs gi'e us in anither gill, 
A mutchkcn, Jo, let's tak our fill ; 
Let death fyne regiftrate his bill 

Whanlwantfenic, 
ril flip away with better will. 

Quo' LucfySpffice. 102* 

^74. And whiAled benn.) Bot and Bcnn (jgnify different ends 
or rooms of a houfe ; to gang But and Benn is to go from one 
end of the hoiiH; to the other. 

75. Roua*d In his lug.) Whifper'd in his ear. 

83. Left conlcience judge.) It was her ufal way of vindicat- 
ing her(elf Co tell ye, When company came to her houfe, cou'd 
(he be (b uncivil as to turn them out > If they did any bad thing, 
iaid (he, between GOD and their confcience be't. 

88. Fire fmoors.) Such quacks as bind up the external fymp- 
toms of the pox, and drive it inward to the Ilroog hcids, whence 
it \i not To ealily expelled. 

Th 



ISicgjon PATIE BIRNIE. 23 

The Life and A6b of, or, an Elegy <?« Patie B1RNIE9 

The famous /idler ^Kioghoro ; 
Whogart the lieges gaiuff and gtrn ay^ 
Aft 'till the coik proclaimed the morn : 
Tbo' baith his ^tveeds andmirthnuere pirny. 
He roos'd thefe things nvere langefl 'worn, 

I The brown ale nuas his kirn ay. 

And faithfully he toom*d his horn. 
And then befides his valiant adls, 
i At bridals be wan roony plackt. 

I . Hab. Simpson* 

Y N fonnct flee the man I fing, 

jI His rare engine in rhyme ^ali ring, 

Wha flaid the (lick out o'er the firing 

With fie an art ; 
Wba fang fae fweetly to the ipring, 

And rais'd the heart* (^ 

A7«^^?r» may roe the ruefou day 
That lighted Patie to his clay, 
Wha gart the hearty billies flay, 

And fpend their eafh» 
To fee his fnowt, to hear him play, 

And gab fae gafli. xz 

When (Irangers landed, wow fae thrang 
Faffio and peghing he wa'd gang. 
And crave their pardon that fae lang 

He*d been a coming ; 
Syne bis bread w'lnner out he'd bang. 

And fa' to bumming. 18 

• Weeds and mirth were pirny.) "When a piece of (hiffis 
wrooght Qoequally, part coarfe and part fine, of yam of dilfer. 
ent colouff, we call it pirny, from the pirn, or little hollow reed 
which holds the yarn in the (huttle. 

23. When flrangers landed.) It was liiscudom to watch when 
(hangers went into a public houle, and attend tbem, pretending 
they had lent for him, and that be could not get away foooer 
froio other company. 



24 ^e9 ^ PATIE BIRNIE. 

Your honour*! father dead aod gane. 
For him he firft wa'd make bb maoe^ 
Bat (boo his face coa*d make ye fain. 

When be did fough, 
vnltUt nuiltu doU again ! 

And graio'd and leogh. 

This fang he made frae hb ain head. 
And eke the auld man's marejhe's dead^ 
Tho* peets and turfs and ds to lead^ 

O fy opon her ! 
A bonny auld thing this indeed, 

An't like ye'r honour. 

After ilk tune he took a fowp, 
And bann'd wi' birr the corky cowp, 
That to the papifts country fcowp, 

To lear ha, ba's, 
Frae chiels that fing hap, ftap and lowp, 

Waniin tlie B s. 

That beardlefs capons are na men. 
We by their fozie fprings might ken ; 
But ours, he faid, cou*d vigour len' 

To men o' weir, 
And gar them ftout to battle ften' 

Withoutten fear. 

How fird he pra^*d, ye (hall hear. 
The barn-pan ot an umquhile mare, 

ip. Your honour's father.) It wai hiJ firft compl'nicnt to 
(tho'be had perhaps never (een him, nor any of his predecd 
that well he kend Lit honoar's father, and been merry with 
and an excellent good-fellow he was. 

a I. Soon his face coo'd make ye fain.) Shewing a very par 
br comicala*(s in his looks and gedures, laughing and groa 
at the (ame time; he plays, fings, and breaks in with (bme q 
tale twice or thiice e'er be get through tlie tone, i-iis beard i 
fmall addition to thediveriion; 

23.0 Wiltu.) The name of a tune he play 'J upon all occafi 

»S- This iang he made.) He boaftcd of being poet as we. 
mtifician. 

3s. Bjon'd wi» birr the corky cowp. Sec.) CursM ftrongly 
liglit-headed fdlowi who mo to luly to Icaro foft mi fie. 



Elegy «« PA TIE BIRNIE. 25 

He firoog. and ftrak (bands faft and clear. 

Oat o' the pow. 
Which fir'd his (aol, and gart his ear 

With gladnefs glow. 48 

Sae fomc auld-gabbet |>oets tell, 
Jwii nimble Ton and leokie fncU 
Made the firft fiddle of a fhell. 

On which Apolh^ 

(With meikle pleafure play'd himfel 
Baich jig and folo, j4 

Johny Stocks^ what's come o' thee 
11^ fare thou'lt break thy heart and die ; 
Thy Birnie gane, thoaMi never be 
Nor biyth nor able 
To (hake thy (hort houghs merrily 

Upon a table. io 

How pleafant was*t to fee thee ^aidSc^ 
AM dance fae finely to his fiddle, 
Widi nofe forgainft a lafi^Vmiddkt 

And briikly brag. 
With cutty fteps to dbg their ftriddle. 

And gar them fag. ^ 

He catch'd a crifliy webfier loan 
At rankling o' his deary's gown, • 

And wi* a rung came o'er his crown. 

For being there ; 
Hot (lariixr thnims got Patie down 

And knooft him (air. 72 

Wae worth the d^ be maift had fell'd hiin^ 
^JBveagfu' Pafet aft green'd to geld him, 
He aw'd a mends, and that he tell'd him. 

And bann'd to do't. 
He took the tid, and fairly fcH'd him 

For a recruit. 73 

St. * Toque CcAikIo, reCmare (epfem 

* CalKda nervis.' Ho R A c c • 

SS. Johny Stocks) A man of low Oatore. bot very broad, « 
loving friend of liis, who uTcd tn dance to his mufic. 

C Pata 



26 Elegy Oft VATIE BIRNIE. 

Pate was a carle of canoy fcnfc, 
And wanted ne'er a right bein fpcncc. 
And laid up dollars in defence 

'Gaind eild and gout^ 
"Well judging gear in future tenfe 

Cou*d (land for wit. 

Yet prudent fowk may talc the pet : 
Ancs thrawart porter wadna let 
Him in while latter meat was hett, 

He gaw'd fou fair, 
Flang in his fiddle o*er the yett, 

WhiJk Dc'er did mair. 

But profit may arife frae lofs, 
Sae Pjie gat comfort by his crofs : 
Soon as he wan within the clofs. 

He doufly drew in 
Mair gear frae ilka gentle gofs 

Than bought a new ane. 

When lying bedfaft fick and fair, 
To parifti pried he prorais*d fair, 
He ne'er wad drink fou ony mair : 

But hale and tight. 
He prov'd the auld man to a hair, 
Strute ilka night. 

The haly dad with care eifays 
To wile him frae his wanton way?. 
And telPd him of his promife twice : 

Pate anfwer'd diver, 
' Wba cents what people raving fays 

• When in a fiver.' 

At Bothwell Brig he gade tp fight. 
But being wife as he was wight, 

^o. Bein fpencc.) Good (lore of provifion, the (pence 
a little aparttnent fur meal, flefh, &c. 

86. Ane$ tbrawdtt porter, &c.) This happened in the 
of Rothcs'i time ; his grace was giving an cntcttainment, 
Patrick b.ing dcnyM cniry by the (crvanrs, he citlu r ix^ 
cunning \'\cw of the lucky confetjuence, or in a (afliun, did w 
de.'cribcd. 

to^, Bodiwell brig.) Upoo Clyde, where the famous battli 



The loft Speech of a wretched Mifer. 27 

He thought it (haw'd a faul but flight, * 

Daftly to (land, 
hxA let gun-powder wrang his fighr. 

Or iiddle*hand . 1x4 

Right pawkily he left the plain* 
Nor o'er his (lioulder look'd again, 
But fcoar'd o*cr mofs and % moor amain. 

To Ricky firaight, 
Aod tald how mony whigs were flain 

Before they faught. 120 

Sac I've lamented Patie\ end ; 
Bat left your grief o*cr far extend, 
Come dight your cheeks, yeV brows unbend. 

And lift ye'r head. 
For to a' Britain be it keod 

He is not dead. 126 

January 25, 
1721. 



The laji Speech of a wretched Mifer. 

ODool ! aod am I forc'd to die, 
And nae mair my dear filler fee. 
That glanc'd fae fweetly in my eye ! 

It breaks my heart ; 
My gowd ! my bands ! alackanie ! 

That we fliou'd part. 

For you I laboured night and day. 
For you I did my friends betray. 
For you on (Unking caff I lay, 

And Uankets thin ; 
And for your fake fed mooy a flea 
Upon my fkin. 

Like Tantalus I lang have ftood 
Chin-deep into a filler flood ; 

fboght Anno' KJ79, for the determination of fbmc kittle poinrs. 
But I 4arc not aifctt that ic was religion carried my heroc to che 
field. 



28 The loft Speech of a wretched Mifcr. 

Yet De^er was able for my blood> 

But pain and flrife* 
To ware ae drap on daiths or food. 

To cheriOi fife. ^ 

Or like the wlflcn'd beardlcfs wights, 
"Wha herd the wives of eaftem knights, 
Yet oe*cr enjoy the faft delights 

Of laflcs bony ; 
Thus did 1 watch lang days and nights 

My lovely money. 

Altho' my annual rents cou*d feed 
Thrice foity fowk that ftood in need, 
] grudg'd myfcll my daily bread : 

And iffraehame. 
My pouch produced an ingan head. 

To pleafc my warae. 

To keep you cofie in a hoord, 
T his hunger I with cafe endur'd ; 
/^od never dought a doit afibrd 

To ane of Ikiil, 
Wha for a doller might bare cur'd 

Me of this ill. 

T never wore my claiths with bruniing, 
Nor wrong away my farks with wa(hiog \ 
Nor ever fat in taverns dafhiog 

Away my coin^ 
To find out wit or mirth by clafhing 

O'er dearthfu* wine. 

Abiet my pow was bald and bare, 
I wort nac frizzl'd limmer^s hair, 
A\ bich takes of flower to keep it fair 
Frae rceAiog free. 
As meikle as wad dine and mair 

The like of me. 

Nor kept I fervants, tales to icll. 
But toom'd my coodics a* my fell ; 
To hane in candle I had a fpell 

Baith dieap and biight, 
A fifh-head, when it 'gins to fmell, 

C ivcs curious li^ht . V^'hat 



Thi U^ Speecb of a wretdicd Mi(a^ ^ 

What rcs^oDcan I (haw, <}uo' ye. 
To &VC and (larrci to cheat and liCf 
To li?e a beggar, aod to die 

Sae rich in ccnn ? 
That*s niair than can be gt*cn by me, 

Tho' Belzie join. 

Some faid my looks were groffand fowr, 
Fretfa', drambly, dull and dowr : 
I own it was na in my power, 

My fears to d!og ; 
Wherefore I never cou'd endure 

To laugh or Gng* 

I ever hated booki(h reading. 
And mafical or dancing breeding, 
And what's m either face or deadlng. 
Of painted things ; 
I thought nae pidures worth the heeding. 
Except the king's. 

Now of a' them the card e'er bure, 
I never rhimers cou'd endure. 
They're iic a fneering pack, and poor, 
I hate to ken 'cm ; 
For 'gainft us thrifty fauis they're furc 
To fpit their vcnonu 

But wader wifes, the ward of a', 
Without a yeuk they gar ane claw. 
When wickedly they bid us draw 

Our (iller fpungs. 
For this and that, to make them braw, 
And lay- their tongues* 

SoHK loo the courts, feme loo the kirks. 
Some loo to keep their (kins frae lirks. 
Some loo to woo beneath the biiks 

Their Icmans bony; 
For me, I took them a' for dirks . 

That loo'd na money. 

They ca'd me Gave to ufiKy, 
Squeeze, cleave the hair, and peel the &e, 

Cj C\c>t, 



3© The I aft Speech of a wretched Mifcr. 

Clck> flae the flint, and oenury, 

And uulefs wretch ; ^ 

But that De*er fkaith'd or troubled me. 
Gin I grew rich. 

On profit a* thoughts were bent, 
And mony thoufands have 1 lent, 
But (ickcrly I took good tent, 

That double pawns 
^Vilh a cuJeigh, and ten per Ceni 

Lay ia my hands. 

When borrow Vs brak, the pawns were rug, 
Rings, beads of pearl, or filler jug, 
I fald them afF, ne'er fafli'd my Jug 

With girns or curfcs. 
The mair they whing'd, it gari roe hug 
My fwelling purfcs. 

Sometimes I'd figh, and ape a faint. 
And with a lang rat-rhime of cant. 
Wad make a mane for them in want ; 
But for ought mair, 
I never was the fool to grant 

Them ony fkair. 

I thought anc freely might pronounce 
That chicl a very filly dunce. 
That cou'd not honcfly renounce, 

With eafe and joys. 
At ony time, to win an ounce 

Of yellow boys. 

When young I fome rcmorfe did feel. 
And liv'd in tciTor of the decl, 
liis furnace, whips, and racking wheel ; 

But by degrees, 
My confcience grown as hard as (led, 
Gave me fome eafe. 

But fears of want and carking care 
To fave my (lock— and thirfl for mair, 
l^y night and day oppreft me fair, 

And turn'd my head ; 



neJaflSpeecto/avfreuhcdMifcT. 54 

'While friends appeared like barplcs gare. 
That wiih'd me dead. 

For fear of thieves I aft lay waking 
The live-lang night till day was breaking, 
SyDetbrou' my fleep, with heart fair aiking, 

I've aften parted, 
Tbinkiog I heard my windows cracking. 
When Ei/pa £ . 

gear ! I held ye lang thcgithcr ; 
For you I ft^rv'd my good auW mither^ 
And to yirginia fald my brither> 

And cruih'd my wife ; 
But now I'm gane I kenoa whither. 
To leave my life. 

My life ! my god ! my fpirit earns, 
Not on my kindred, wife or bairns. 
Sic are but very laigh concerns, 

Compar'd with thec ! 
When DOW this mortal rottle warns 
Me I maun die. 

. It to my heart gaes like a gun, 
To fee my kin and gracelefs fon, ^ 

Like rooks already are begun 

To thumb my gear, 
And cafh that has na ieen the fun 

Thb fifty year. 

Oh, oh ! that fpendchrift (on of mine, 
Wha can on roaded moor fowl dine. 
And like dub- water fkink the wine. 

And dance and (ing ; 
He'll (bon gar my dear darlingtdwine 

Down to nathing. - 

To thatTaroe place, where e'er I gang, 
O cou'd I bear my wealth alang ! 
Ns^ heir fhou'd e'er a farthing fang, 

That thus caroufes, • 
Tho' they fhou'd a' on woodtes hang, 
' For breaking houfes. 

Pcrditjoo / Sa/^/ is tbsit you 2 



31 The Monk and tbi Miller'/ Wife* 

I fiok I— am dizzy '-^Candle bloc. 
IVT that he never fnair plafdpenv^ 

Bui with a ratr, 
Awepf bit wretched fbirii Aw, 

It makfna where. 



The Monk and the MillcrV Wife. A Talc, 

NO W lend your lugi, ye benders fioe» 
Wba keo the benefit of wine ; 
And you wha laughing (cud brown ale^ 
Leare jinks a wee> and hear a tale. 

An honed Miller wond in Fife^ 
That had a young and wanton wife, 
%Vha fometimes thol'd the parifh-priefl 
To mak her man a twa-hom'd^ bead : 
He paid right mooy vifits till her ; 
And to keep in with Hab the miller. 
He endeavour*d aft to mak him happy; 
Where e*er he kend the ale wu nappy. 
Sic coodeicenfion in a pallor. 
Knit HalberCt lo7e to him the fafter ; 
And by his converfe, troth 'tis true. 
Hah leam*d to preach when he was fou. 
Tlins all the three were wonder pleas'd, 
The wife well ferv'd, tbe men well eas'd. 
This ground his corns, and that did cheri(h 
Himfell with dinins round the pariHi. 
Befs^ the gopd-wife, thought it nae fkaith, 
Since (he was fit, to fcrfc them baith. 

When equal b the night and day. 
And Ceret gives the fchoob the play, 
A youth fprung trae a gentle Pater ^ 
Bred at Samt Andrew^t Alma Mater ^ 
Ac day gawn hameward, it fell late. 
And him benighted by the gate : 
I'o lie without, pit*mtrk did (hore him ; 
/fccondoa fee bis thumb before htm ; 



The Mook and the MiJkrV Wife. ? J 

ick — chdc— dacky be heard a mill, 
led bim be the kigs theredli. 
the threcd of tale akmg« 
UI to Hdbert did belang, 
this note your notice e!atin», 
tolar's name was mafter James. 

s fintling mufe» the prelude paft, 
y rdate a tale (hall lad 
as ^i^/ and Grampian hSls, 
as wind or water^ls. 

tcr'd James i Hah faw and kcod biroi 
T'd kindly to befriend him 
; good cheer as he eoo'd make, 
r his ain and father's fake, 
olar thought himfeH right (ped, 
e him thanks in terms wefl-bred. 
lab^ I canna leare my mill 

but ftep ye weft the kill 

hot> and ye'll find my hame : 
m ye, and crack with our dame, 
t ^S the mill ; iyne we 

what Bejfy has to gi'e. 
n return, what's handfbme &i(}, 
; to tell ; and aff he gade. 
be houfe fbme light did (hme, 
;d him till'r as with a line : 
be knock'd ; for doors were (leekit ; 
throw a window Sejfy keekit, 
I, • Wha's that gi'cs fowk a fright 
mtimous time of night V 
ithgood humour, maifl difcroetly, 

his circumftaoce completely. 

ken ye, quoth the wife, 

and down the thieves are rife : 

my lane, I'm but a woman ; 
unbar my door to nae man, 
X 'tis very like mydow, 
1 ye're telling may be true, 
ere's a key, gang in your way 
neifl door, therc^s braw ait-ftrae ; 



\ 



34 72^ Monk and the MUlerV Wife. 

* Streek down upoo't, my lad, and Icam 

* They Vc no ill lodged that get a barn.' 
Thus after roeiklc clitter dattcr, 
James fand he coudoa mend the matter ; 
And iince it might na better be, 

AVith rcfignation took the key, 

Unlockt the barn clam up the mou. 

Where was an opening near the hou. 
Throw whilk he faw a glent of light. 
That gave divcrfion to his fight : 
By this he quickly cou*d difccrn 
A thin wa' fcparate houfe and bam, 
And throw this rive was in the wa', 
All done within the houfe he faw : 
He faw (what ought not to be fcen, 
And fcarce gave credit to his een) 
The parifh priefl of reverend fame 
In a^ive courtfhip with the dame«— — 
To lengthen out dcfcription here, 
Wou'd but offend tlie modcft car, 
And beet the lewder youthfu* flame. 
That we by fatirc ftrivc to tame. 
Suppofe the wicked adtion o'er. 
And James continuing dill to glowr ; 
Wha faw the wife, as fafl as able, 
Spread a clean fervite pn the table, 
And fyne, frac the b;i' ingle, bring ben 
A pyping-het young roafted hen. 
And twa good bottles (lout and clear, 
Ane of Hrong ale, and ane of beer. 

But wicked luck, joft as the prieft 
Shot in his fork in chucky*s bread, 
Th' unwelcome Miller ga'c a roar, 
Cry'd, Bejffyt hafie ye ope the door, ^^^^ 
With that the haly leicher fled, 
And darn'd himfell behind a bed ; 
While Beffy huddPd a' things by, 
That nought the cuckold might efpy ; 

Syne loot him in; but out of tunc, 

Speer'd why he left the mill fac foon^ 



Irbe Monk and the MillcrV Wife. 35 

Icmcy (aid he, as manners claims^ 
To crack and *wait on mafter Jame$> 
Wmijhou'ddo.tho'ne'erfaebijy: 
Ifent him here^ goodwife^ tuber e it be ? 
' Ycfcntbinibere f (qaoth Bejfy^ grcimblingiO 
' Kend I this Jama ! a chid came rumbling : 
' But how was I afTur'd, when dark, 
' That he had been nae thievifh fpark, 
' Or fome rude wencher, gotten a ^o{<Ci 
' That a weak wife cou*d iJl oppofe V 
And what came ofbim ? /peak nas langer, 
Crys Halbert in a highland anger. 
, ' Ifent him to the bam/ quoth (he z 
Gaeqmckly bring bim in, quoth he. 

James was brought in ;— the JVife was hawked ; 
The PrieJI flood clofe ;— the Milier cracked : — 
Then afk*d his funkan gloomy fpoufe. 
What fupper had (he in the houfe. 
That might be fuitable to gt'e 
Aoe of their lodger *s qualitic ? 
Quoth (he, *< Ye may well ken^^mati, 
' Your feaft comes frae the poMgepan : 

* The ftov'd or roaftcd we afford, 

* Arc aft great flrangers on our board.*" 
Poitagey quoth Hab, ye fenfelefs tavjfiel 
Think ye this youth's a gftiy-gawpy ; 

And that hi ^ gentle ftamock^ s majler 

Towprryupapint ofptaifter, . 

Like our mill knaves that lift the laiding^ 

Whafe kytes canflreek out like raw plaiding* 

Siuitb roajla be/i^ or fry fome chickens. 

And fend for ale frae Maggy Picken's. 

' Hout I, quoth (he, ye may well ken, 

' *Tis ill brought but tbat*s no there ben ; 
* When but la(l owk, nae farder gane, 
' The laird got a* to pay his kain.' 

Then James, wha had as good a guefs 
Of what was in the houfe as Befs, 
With pawky fmile, tiiis plea to end, 
Toplcafc bimfcUy aodeafe his friend. 

Tuft. 



3^ The Monk and the MillerV Wife. 

Firft open'd with a flee oration 

nil wondroos (kill in conjuration* 

Said be, by this fell art Toi able 

\ To whop aflPany great man's table 

« What e V I Jil^c to make a mail of» 

* Either in part, or yet the hail of; 

• And if ye pleale, Til fhaw my art. — 
Crys Haibert, Faithy nvith eC my heart ! 

Befs fain'd herfclf, cry'd. Lord, be here! 

And near hand fell a fwc^for fear. 
James leugh, and bade her nathing dread. 
Syne to his eon^oriffg went with (peed ; 

And firft he draws a circle round, 

Then utters mony a magic found 

Of words, part Latin^ Creek and Dutch^ 

Enow to fright a very witch : 

That done, he fays. Now, now V// come, 

And in the boalbejide the ium : 

Nvmfet the board: goodnuife, gae hen. 

Bring frae yon boal a roajiedhen. 

She wadna gang, but Haly ?entur'd ; 

And foon as he the ^akgfi enter'd. 

It imeird fae well, he flKt time (ought it, 

And, wondering, 'tweep his bands he brought it. 

He view'd it round, and thrice he fmcU'd it. 

Syne with a gentle touch he felt it. 

Thus ilka fcn(e he did conveen. 

Left glamour had bcguiPd hb een : 

They all, in an united body. 

Declared it a fine fat how-towdy. 

Nae mair ab&ut it, quoth the Miller, 

The fowl looks well, and weUlfa* till her. 

Sae be't fays Jawes ; and in a doup, 

They fbapt her up baith ftoup and roup. 

« Ncift, O ! crys Halbert, cou'd your /kill, 
< But help us to a waught of ale, 
« rd be oblig*d t' ye a* my life, 

* And offer to the dcel my wife, 

* To fee if he'll difcrcetcr mak her, 

* But that I'm fleed he winna tak her.' 



The .Monk and the Miller'/ Wife. 3 7 

Said James y Ye offer very fair ; 
The hargahi's hadden, fay nae viair^ 

Then thrice he (hook a willow- wand, 
^Viih kittle words thrice gave command ; 
That done, with look baith Iearn*d and grave, 
Said, No^ ye* II get 'what ye ivad ha-ce ; 
7W bottles of as nappy liquor 
As ever reanid in horn or bicquor^ 
Behind the ark that hads your meai^ 
"^e II find twa Jlanding cor kit nvelL 
He faid, and faft the Miller flew, 
And frae their neft the bottles drew ; 
Then firft the fcholar's health he toafled* 
Wbafe art had gart him itcd on roafted ; 

His father's neift, and a' the reft 

Of his good friends that wifh'd him hc% 
Wch were o'er langfome at the time, 
Oq a fhort tale to put in rhime. 

Thus while the Miller and the Touth^ 
Were blythly flockning of their drowth, 
Befi fretting fcarcely held frae greeting, 
The Priejl enclosed flood vcx*d and fvvcating. 

nvvw! faid Hub, ifane fuightfpeer. 
Dear mafter James, nsjha brought our cheer ? 
Sic laits appear to us fae at}Sfu\ 
We hardly think your learning lanxfu. 

* To bring your doubts to a concludoni 

* Says James i ken Tm a Roficrucian^ 

* Anc of the fet that never carries 

* On traffic with black deels or fairies ; 

* Tlicrc's mony a fpVit that's no a deel, 

* That conftanily around us wheel. 

* There was a fage call'd Albumazor^ 

* Whafc wit was gleg as ony razor. 

* Frae this great man we learn'd the fl^ill, 
' To bring ihcfe gentry to our will ; 

* And they appear when we've a mind, 
' In ooy (hape of human kind : 

' Now, if you'll drap your foolifh fear, 
' ril car my Pacolet appear.* 

^ ^ O Hat 



38 The Monk an^ the Miller'/ Wife. 

Hab iiJj;'J and leugh, his elbuck dew, 
Baith fcar'd and fond a fp'iit to view : 
Ax la(i his courage w.in the day, 
He to the fcholar's will gave way. 

Beffy be this began to fmcll 
A rat, but kept her mind toV fell : 
S!ie pray'd like howdy in her drink, 
B u mean time tipt young James a wink. 
Ja^nes frae hb eye an anfwer fcnt, 
Which made the wife right well content : 
Then turned to Hab^ and thus advis'd, 

* Whatever you fee, be nought furpriz'd ; 

* But for your faul move not your tongue, 

* And ready ftand with a great rung ; 

* S)*ne as the fpVit gangs marching our, 

* Be fure to lend him a found rout. 

* I bidna this by way of mocking ; 

' Fornought delytes him mair than knocking.* 

Hab got a kent,— flood by the hallan. 
And (Iraight the wild mifchievous callan. 
Cries, * Radainanthus Hu/ky Mingo, 

* Monk hornsr, Hipock^ Jifiko^ pf^g^* 

* Appear in likencfs of a Prieft, 

* No like a deel in fhape of bea(}, 

* With gaping chafts to fleg us a\ 

* Wauk forth ; the door (lands to the wa.' 

Then frae the hole where he was pent. 
The pricft approached right well content. 
With filent pace ftrade o'er the. floor, 
'Till he was drawing near the door ; 
Tlicn to efcape the cudgel, ran ; 
But was not mifs'd by the goodman, 
Wha lent him on the neck a lounder, 
That gart him o'er the ihrcfhold founder. 
Darknefs foon hid him frae their fight ; 
Ben flew ilic Miller in a fright: 
/ trow, quoth he, / //?/</ 'we/i on : 
Bit <vjQVi he's like our ain Aiefs John ! 



Chf 



( 



T 



Canto I, ChriflV Kirk cb the Greto. 59 

Christ'/ Kirk on the Green, in three Canto's. 

. C A N T O I. 

WA S ne'er in Scotlami heard or fccn 
Sic dancing and dcray ; 
Nowrhcr at Fakland on t4ie green. 
Nor Peebles at the play, - 4 

I As was of wooers, as 1 ween. 
At Chrijl's Kirk on a day ; 
There came our kitties walhcn clean. 
In new kirilcs of gray, 8 

Fou gay that day. 
To dance thefe damcfels them dight, 
Thir laflcs light of laits, 

Thts cdiibn of the firf) Canto it taken from an old manufcHf t . 
follfftiou of Scois Poems uriitcn 150 yc«rs ag •, u here it \% 
foond that James, the fir(l of that name, king of Scots, was liie 
luthor; thoa^ht to be wrote while that brave and learned piince 
»a onfortunately kept pri(bni.r in England by Henry \ I. about 
^t year 14 iz. BalWnden in his trantfitionof H. Bocce's hiito-» 
7. gives this character of him, * He was wcil Iclbit to fecht with 
' tlie (Word, to juft. to tarnay, to worlyl, to fy ng and dance, was 

* SD expert medicinar, richt crafty in playing baitb of l.ite and 

* harp, and findry othir ioftrumentis of niulik. He was expert in 

* grimer, oratiy and poetry, and maid lae Bowaod and lentcnti^ 
' Otis veriis appciit wJl be was aoc natural and borne poctc, lib. 

* itf. cap. itf. 

3. FAland.) In the (hire of Fife, where our kings fur fume time 
had their rcfidence, 

4. Peebles at the play.) Peebles one of our royal burrougt.s 
•here the gentlemen of the (hire fre<}uently meet tor the divc.fi- 
on of horlc-races and the like*. 

6. Chrifls's Kirk.) The place where our wedding held is cither 
It Leily (the church there bearing that njme) or a place (b named 
I little dirtant from Windlbr, where our King was the time of his 
Coftfioement. 

Them dight.) Made themfclves ready, 
light rflaiti) Li^hi or wanton in their maancti. 

T> 2 TVvdt 



40 ChrFft's Kirk on the Green. CantoX* 

Their gloves were of the rafFel right. 

Their fhoon were of the llraits, 12 

Thtir klrtles were of Lincojue Jight, 

Well prcfl with mony plaits. 
They were fo nice when men them nicht, 

They fquccrd like one gaits 16 

Fou loud that day. 
Of all thefe maidens mild as mead, 

Was nane fae jimp as6V//v, 
As ony rofe her rude was red, 

Her lire was like the lilly : 20 

Fou yellow, yellow was her head, 

But fhe of love was filly ; 
Tho* a' her kin had fworn her dead, 

She wald have but fw'eet li'illy 24 

Alanc that day. 
She fcomcd Jack, and fcraped at him, 

And murocon'd him with mocks ; 
lie wad have loo'd, (lie wad na let him, 

For a' his yellow locks. 28 

Hd chcriih*d her, fhe bad gac chat him. 

Counted him not twa clocks ; 
Sae fliamefully his fhort gown fcl him. 

His legs were like twa rocks, 32 

Or lungs that day. 
Tmn Lutter was their minftrel meet. 

Good lord how he cou*d lance, 
He p!ay*d fae (hill, and fang fac fwect. 

While Toujie took a trance ; 56 

Auld Llghtfoot there he did forlcet, 
And counterfeited France : 
13. Lincomc light.) StufTmadc at Lincoln. 
a6. Murgeon'd him.) Ridicui'd him, by a ludicrous manner 
of aping his gate or anions 

ap. Go chat him ) Shclxd l.im go hanghimfclf. 
30. Tjva clocks ) Reckon'd him not Wfrdi a couple of bcctlcl. 
3X. Twa rocks) Two diflaOs. This d.fciiprion of Gilly's 
love to Willy, and her defpifing Jack, liotviirhflanding hisafllaion 
to her, is drawn with an admirable couiic delicacy. 
33. MinHrcImcct) A mufician fit fortiicm. 
37. Auld Lightfoot there he did forltct, and countcifcitcd 
t'rance.) He forgot to play the good old Scots tunes like Auld 
Zi^hlfoot, and imitated ihe f rcnch, like our wodcrn minftrels, 



Cgfito L Cbrift J Kirk on the GrccOr 41 

lie us'd himfelf as man difcreet, 

And up the morice dance 40 

He took that day. 
Then Steen came (Icppand in with (lends, 

Nae rink might him arrcfl : 
Plaitfoot did bob with mony bends, 

For Maufe he made rcqucft ; 44 

He lap 'till he lay on his lends, 

But rifand was fae prcft, 
While that he hoftit at baith ends, 

For honour of the fead, 48 

And danc'd that day. 
Sync Robin Roy began to revel, 

And Dwwny to him rugged : 
Let be, quoth- y^ri, and ca'd himjevel. 

And by the tail him tugged; 5a 

The kenfie cleckit to a cavel, 

But lord as they twa lugged ; 
They parted manly on a nevel : 

Men fay that hair was rugged , 56 

Between them twa. 
Ancbent a bow, fie fturt did fleer him. 

Great fkaiih was't to have fcar'd him ; 
He chcfit a flune as did afFear him, 

Th' other faid Dirduin^ Darduiii : 6q 

Through baith the checks he thought to fliecr him. 

Or throw the arfe have char'd him ; 
Fane Akerbraid it came na neer Itim, 

I canna tell what marr'd him 64 

Sae wide that day. . 
With that a friend of his cry'd, fy. 

And up an arrow drew, 
He forged it fae furioufly, 

The bow in flinders flew : 68 

tl»al dare play nought but Italiano's, for fear ihcy fpoil their fid* 
dies. 

4%. Nac rink roi^^ht him arrcH.) The fwifteft courfc could not 
flop liim. 

59. He chcfit a flanc.) He chofc an arrow. 

60. Dirdum, Dardum.) A fiigliling manner of ff eaking. When 
one makes a boal) of Tome atnion wiiicli v\e thiuk but iKcaiily of^ 
V^c readily fay, A Dirdum of tl^at. 

D3 '^^% 



42 ' ChriflV Kirk on ike CrecQ. Ca9t9l» 

Sac was the will of god, trow I, 

Tor haJ ihc tree been true, 
Mjn faid, wha kend his archery, 

Ihat he had flaio anew, fi 

Bclyvc that day, 
A yap young man that need him ncif(, 

Loos'd aff a (hot with ire, 
lie etled the bairn in at the breads 

The bolt flew o'er the hire : 76 

Ane cry'd, fy, he has (lain a priefl> 

A mile beyond a mire ; 
Then bow and bag frac him he kieft, 

And fled as fierce as fire 80 

Frae flint that day. 
Ane hafty henfurc, called Harry^ 

Wha was ane archer, hynd 
Fit up a tackle withouiten tarry, 

That torment fae him tynd. 84 

I watna whither*s hand cou'd vary. 

Or the man was his friend ; 
For he efcap'd throw' mights of Mary^ 

As ane that nae ill mean'd, 8{ 

But good that day. 
Then Laurie like a lion lap, 

And foon a ilane can fcdder ; 
He hecht to pierce him at the pap, 

Thereon to wed a wedder : 9: 

- He hit him on the wame a wap^ 

\x bufTt like ony bladder ; 
J^ut fae his fortune ^as and hap, 

His doublet made of leather ^( 

Sav'd him that day. 

' 75- He etled the bai<^n.) He dcfigncd his arrow ^t the bd' 
krcalt 

76. TI1C boh flcrw c''<r the birr.) He cxprcflcs his mining him 
ly a metaphor of a iho'ndcr-bolt flying over the biro or cow-hou(< 

^3. Hynd 6t up a tackle, &c ) Immediately made ready hi 
ftiouing tackle. 

84. That torment fae him tynd.) His vexation made him angr^ 

90, A fine can fcdder ) Feathered an airow. 

ijx. Mr'cd a wedder.) He watered a wcddcr Iw Uould ptcrce hin 
St the pap. 

Tlu 



CtMto I. Chrifl*/ Kirk en the Green. ^ 

Tbe buff fae boidcroufly abaift him. 

He to the earth dufht down ; 
Tbe tidier man for dead there left him^ 
• And fled out of the town. joo 

Tbe wives came furth, and up they reft him^ 

And fand life io the lown ; 
Then with three rouis on*s arfe they raifcd him. 
And cur*d him out of fown, 104 

Frae hand that day. 
With forks and flails they lent great flaps. 

And flang together like frigs ; 
M'iih bougcrs of barns they beft blew caps. 

While they of bairns made brigs. 108 

The rierd raife rudely w.ih the raps, 

\\'hen rungs were laid on riggs ; 
The wives came furth wi* crys and claps. 
See where my liking liggs 112 

^\ Fou low this day ! 
They girned, and let gird with grains. 

Ilk goffip other grieved ; 
Some llrake with flings, fome gather'd ftains, 

Some fled and ill mifchievM. n^ 

The minflrel wan within twa wains, 

That day he wifely pricv'd ; 
For he came hame wi' unbruis'd bains. 
Where fighters were mifchiev'd 120 

Fou ill that day. 
Heich Uutcbon with a hifil rice. 

To red can throw them rummll ; 
He maw 'd them down like Ony mice, • ' 

^ He was nae baity bummil : }24 

Thd' be was wight, he was na wife, 

With (ic janglcurs to jummil ; 
For frae hb thumb they dang a (lice. 
While he cry'd, barlafumil. 128 

I'mflaio this day. 

107. Boogcrs.) Rafters/ 
' 11%. My liking liggs ) My fweel-heart lies on tbe ground. 

117. Wan within two wains.) Got beetweco iMa wains or 
*agioos, and hid bimfvlf. 
1x4. Baity bummil.) Or petty fumbler; an a^ionUTs fcUoAr, 
U8. fiarUfumil) Crv'd, i^ajicy, or, a Pailcfumi\, Tm U\\ck\. 



44 ChriftV Kirk I'/:; M<r Green. CmI$U 

When that hefaw his4>iood iac red. 

To fl?c might nac man let him ; 
He ween'd it had been for a'jld feed. 

He thought and bade have at him ; 13] ^ 

He gart his feet defend his head. 

The far fairer it fet him, 
While he was pad out of ali plead, ; 

He foud been fwifc that gat him, i;^ 

Throw fpccd that day. 

The town fouter in grief was bowdcn. 

His wife hang at his waifl. 
His body was with blood a browdcn, 

He grain'd like ony ghaift ; 14O 

Her glittering hair that was fae gowdeo. 

Sac hard in love him lac'd. 
That for her fake he was not yowdcn. 

While he a mile was chac'd, 144 ■ 

^ndmair that day. 
The miller was of manly make, 

To meet him was nae mows ; 
There durfl nae tenfome there him take, 

Sae noyted he their pows : 148 

The buflimcnt heal about him brake, 

And bicker'd him wi' bows ; 
Syne traitVoudy behind his back, 

They hew'd him on the hov/s, 152 

Behind that day. 
Twa that were hcadfmcn of the herd, 

On ither ran like rams. 
They foUow'd, fceming right unfear'd 

Beat on with barrow- trams : ) c^ 

But where their gabs they were ungeaf d. 

They gat upon the gams ; 

i2f. In grief was bow<!cn.) Was fnrn-Oj'd wiih abundance of 
£iicf. One who has enough of any tlnng. wc iay, he is well bodin* 

J If,. BIooJ a brovrdtn.) All bcfmcirM with Lbod. But br«w- 
Jco more commonly means forward or fond. 

145, Not yowdcn.) Not tired. 

151. Thry hew'd him on the hows- Threw Urn on his back 
hy iiMr"i l.im on liis bows, i. c. boug s. 

Wbtic 



ChriftV Kirk on the Green. 45.^ 

y barknM was their beards, 
lad worried lambs, 1 60 

Maid like that day. 
eift up a hideous yeJI, 
thefe yonkers yoked ; 
flags of fire-flaughts fell, 
the fields they flocked : 1 64 

'ith clubs did others quell 
i» while blood out-boaked ; 
ing the common bell, 
eileeple rocked 168 

For dread that day. 
Taylor was In's gear, 
t he heard the bell, 
louldmake all a (leer, 
came there himfcl : 172 

(ight in fie a fear, 
the ground he fell ; 
bat him on the ear, 
eat knocking mell, 176 

Feird him that day. 
lad blerd like baited bulls, 
•wood brynt in bails ; 
s meek as any mules ; 
git are with mails ; 180 

thae forfougfiten fools 
like flaughter'd fails ; 
me 10, and hal'd the dools, 
them down in dails, 1 84 

Bcdeen that day. 
done, Dick with an aix, 
fito/ellafiddir; 

Yoang fellows, 
iked ) Gu(h'd our. 
in-wood ) Being diftradted, or brain-fick. 

are with maiU.) Wearied aiid gall'd witli the!/ 

;rM fails ) Turf that the country people fl.*a for 

sufes. 

icdools.) See Lucky Spence, line 40. 

n dails, bcdeen.) In heaps a great deal of them. 

irth to fell a ^^der.) Cut down a fidder, ot W& 



46 ChriftV Kirk on the Green. Cafitc \t 

Quoth he, where arc yon hangft fmaiks. 

That wad have (lain my brithcr ? 188 

liis wife bad him gae ha me Gib Glakks^ 

And fac did Meg his mither ; 
He turn*d and gave them baith their paiks» 

For he durll ding nae ither, 192' 

But them that day. 



ChristV Kirk on the Green. C A N T O II. 

BU T there had been mair blood and fkailh, 
Sair harfhip and great fpulic, 
And mony a ane had gotten bid death 

By tliis unfonfie tooly : 
But that the bauld good- wife of Braith, 

Arm'd ui' a great kail gully, 
Came bellyflaughf, and loot an aith^ 

She'd gar th;;nj a' be hooly, 8 

Fou faft that day* 
Biyth to Win afF fae wi* hale banes, 

Tho* mony had clowVd pow« ; 
And dragi'd fae 'mang muck and ftanes. 

They look'd like wirrykows : 12 

Quoth fome, who 'maifl had tint their aynds. 

Let 8 fee how a* bowls rows : 

The king having painted the ruflic fquabble \»ith an oncomnoon 
rpirit, in a moO ludicrous manner, in a (lanza of verier the roofl 
d.fficult to keep the Icule complete, as he has done, without being 
forced to bring \a words for crambo's fake, wlierc they return io 
ffcqnently : 

/Ambitious to Imitate Co great an Original. I put a flop to the 
war ; called a congrefs, and made (hem fign a peace, that the 
world might have their pi^re in the more agreeable hours of 
drinking, dancing and finging. The following Canto'a were 
wrote, one in I7i5> the other in 1718. about 300 years after the ^ 
firll. Let no worthy poet defpair of immortality ; good fcnie «iU 
be always the fame in fpite of the revolution of words. 

7. Came bellyflaught ) Came in great hafte. as it were flying 
full upon them with her arms fpread, as a falcon with expanded 
win^s comes foufliog upon her prey. 

8. Behooly, fou faft.) Dcfift immediately. 

J4. Let's fee bow a' bowls rows ) A bowling-green phraft. 

eomr 



j CantoU. Chrift'i Kirk on the Green. 47 

Aod qaat their brulzicmeot at ancs, 

YoQ Gully is aae mowt^ 16 

Forfooth this cLiy. 
Quoth Hutchon^ T am well cootent, 

I think we may do war ; 
'Till this time touraond iTe indent 

Our claiths of dirt will faV : 20 

\Vi' nevcls Tm amaift fawn faint, 

My chafts are dung a char ; 
Then took his bonnet to the bent. 

And daddit 2S the glar^ 34 

Fou clean that day. 
7d7n Taylor^ wha in time of battle 

Lay as gin fome had fclKd him \ 
€at up now wi* an unco' rattle, 

As nane there durd a queird him ; 28 

Bauld Befs flew till him wi' a brattle. 

And (pite of his teeth held him 
Clefs by the craig, and with her fatal 

Knife fhorcd fhe would geld htm, 33 

For peace that day. 
Syne a' wI' ae confent (hook hand$> 

As they ftood in a ring ; 
'.Some red their hair, fome (et their bands. 

Some did their fark tails wring ; 36 

Then for a hap to (haw their brands. 

They did their minftrel bring, 
Where clever houghs like willi- wands. 

At ilka blythfome fpring, 40 

Lap high that day. 
QaudPeky was na very blatc. 

He (lood nae lang a drcigh ; 
For by the wame he gripped Kate^ 

And gar*d her gi*e a (kreigh : 44 

Had afF, quoth (he, ye (ilthy nate» 

Ye (link o* leeks, O (igh ! 

commonly ulcd whtn p.ople woulJ examiQe any afftir that's a lit- 
tle ravcl'd. 

17. Qpoth Hotchon.) Vide Cai»:o i. line 11 1. Hc*s brave, and 
the firil man for an honourable peace. 

i$.l*am Taylor.; Vide Canto i. line 169. He'sa coward, but 
I would afpear Vitliaat mUcm l.c tiuUs the felt in peace. 



48 ChriftV Kirk on the Greco. ( 

Let gae my hands, I fay, be quait ; 
And vow gin fhe was fkefgh. 

And mim that 
Now fcttrd go/Ties fat, and keen 

Did for frcfh bickers birlc ; 
A\'hilc the young fwankics on the green 

Took round a merry tirle : 
Meg Wallet wi' her pinky een, 

Cart Lawrie'i heart-ftrings diric, 
And fouk wad threcp, that (he did green 
For what wad gar her fkirle 

And fkreigh fome 
The manly Miller, hafFand haff, 
Flang by his mittens and his Ihff, 
Cry'd, gi'c me Pai/s- 31/11 ; 
lie lap bawk hight, and cry'd, had afF, 

They rus'd him that had /kill ; 
He wad do't better, quoth a cawf. 
Had he another gill 

Of ufquebae. 
Furih ftartcd neift a penfy blade, 

And out a maiden took, 
They faid that he was Falkland bred, 

And danced by the book ; 
A fouplc taylor to his trade, 

And when their hands he flicok, 
Ga*e them what he got frae his dad, 
Videlicet^ the yuke. 

To claw that day. 
Whan a' cry'd out he did fae wccl, 

He Meg and Befs did call up ; 
The laflcs bab'd about the reel, 
Car*d a their hurdies wallop. 
And fwat like pownies when they fpeel 
V"^ braes, or when they gallop, 

50. Did for frcfl) bickeri birlc.) Contributed for frc(h I 

5 7. Haft' and halK) Half fuddled. 

Ci. He lap bavik.hight ) ic high as hi& bead could Hri 
iof'r, or jcming of ihc couplci. 

tf7. Falkland bred.) Been a journcy-man \o the king's 
and bod lien court daocing. 



Canto IT. ChHftV Kirk on the Greco. 49 

But 2 thrawD knublock hit his hed. 
And wives had him to haul up, 80 

HafffcUM that day. 
^ mony a pauky look and talc 
• Gacd rouod whan gtowming housed them. 
The odlcr wife brought ben good ale, 

Aod bad the ia/Tes rouze them ; 84 

tJp wi* them lads, and iTe be bail 

They'll loo ye and ye touze them : 
Quoth gawflie, this will never fail 
Wi' them that this gate woes them, 88 

On flc a day. 
Djoe (tools and furms were drawn aHde* 

And op raifc IVilly Dadle^ 
A (hort bought man, but fou o* pride. 

He faid the fidler plaid ill ; 9^ 

Lct*s hae the pipes, quoth he, befide ; 

Quoth a', that is nae faid ill ; 
He fiis the floor fyne wi* the bride 

To Cuttymun and TreeladUy 96 

Thick, thick that day! 
In the mean time in came the laird. 

And by fome right did claim. 
To kifs and dance wi* Matifie Alrd^ 

A dink and dortie dame : XOO 

fiat O poor Maufc was afF her guard. 

For back gate frac her wame, 
Bcckia fhc loot a feairfa' raird. 
That gart her think great fhame, 104 

And blufh that day. 
Auld Steen led out Maggy Forfyth, 
. He was her ain good brither ; 
And ilka ane was unco' blyth. 

To fee auld fouk fae clever. ' 1 08 

I Qnoth Jock, wi* laughing like to rive, 
I What think ye o' my mither ? 

I Were my dad dead, let me ne'er thrive 
Bot (he wad get anithcr 1 1 3 

Goodman this day. 
I 8i. Glowming housM them.) Twilight brought them iototht 

Ii ftf. CoXiymm, ^c.) A tooe that go€s very w'oick. 

f E Tarn 



50 ChridV Kirk on the Creeo. Cmt9 D 

Tarn Littler had a muckie dUHi^ 

And betwilht ilka tunc, 
He laid his lugs in't like a fiHi^ 

And fuckt till it was done ; ii 

His bags were liquor'd to his wirti. 

His face was like a rooon : 
3i2t he couM get nae place to pidi 

JOy but his aia twa flioon, I2 

For thran^ that daf • 
The latter gac of haly rhimc. 

Sat up at the board-head* 
And a' iie faid was thought a crime 

To contradi(5l indeed : 12 

For in clark-lear he was right prime. 

And cou'd baith write and read, 
^od drank fae firm *till ne*er a flyme 

He couM keck oo a bead, 12 

Or book that day. 
When he was ftrutc, twa fturdy chiels, 

Be*8 oxter and be"^ colLcr, 
Held up frae cowping o* the creels 

The liquid logic fcholar. IJ 

W^hen he came hame his wife did reel. 

And rampage in her choler, 
Tyith that he brake the fpinning-wheel^ 

That coll a good rix dollar, i: 

And mair fom^ (ay, 
Near bed- time now ilk weary wight 

Was gauoting for his reft ; 
For fome were like to tine their fight, 

Wi' fleep and drinking ftreft. r 

But ithers that were ftomach-tight, 

Cry*d out, it was nae beft 

1 1 8. His face was like a moon.) Routul, full and fhinii 
>Vhen one is Oaring full of drink, he's faid to have a fwzt lik 
full moon. 

ixi. The lattcr-gac of haly rbime ) The reader or cboi 
precentcr. who lets gOi i> c. gives out Che tune to be iiing by t 
rtft of the Congregation. 

1x6, Baith write and read.) A rarity in tho{e days. 

ii8. Keck on a bead.) Pray after the Roman Catholic rat 
her which was the rcl gion then in faftii.m. 

131. J-jac cowping of the creels.) from turning topfy turt 

T 



Chriff's Kirk on the Crccrr. 51 

fupper that was dight 
nies^ or a ghaid^ « 144 

To eat 6t day, 
tubs lay twa lang dails^ 
(lood mony a goan, 

vi* brachan, foroc wi* kai^, 143 

het frac^thc loan, 
they had rduth and wale> 
they were right fon ; 
wad gae down but ate 
\x^ Donald Don x^l 

The finlth that day. 
ught bannocks in a heap, 
;ood juints of beef, 
d fore fpaul of a flieep^ 
iileifi-ae ilk (heath : 156* 

their beards did dreep; 
iipit with their teeth ; 
yo that 'maid cou'd creeps 
at OD the (heaf, t6o 

In (k>us that day. 
/as BOW laid in her bed, 
g ho was flung ; 
' Gib was fidgen gladi 

: hit Jean Gun : 164' 

Jo, and aft had faid; 
^/>, had your tongue, 
et me to be your bride ; 
f d her mind whep bung, I'M 

Tkat very day. 

ownles.) Many wblmrical ftorici are handed down 
omen of thefe Brojvnies: they ttll us they were a 
drud^'mg fpirits, who appeared in (hape of rough 
)ave ^en famiiiiriy by the fire all night, (hreflien 
>rought a midwife at a time, and done many fuch 
3ut none of them have been feen in Scotland finco' 
)n, as faith the wife John Broun, 
bbuck (yn that 'maiQ cou'3 creep its. lane pat on the 
sft full of crawling mites crownM the feaf>. 
eft leg ho was flung.) The practice of throwing the 
r the bride's Hocking when they are going to bed, is- 
the perfon who it lights on is to ,be next married 
iiy. 



jft ChrlftV Kirk ^« Mtf Green. Cafftcll, 

Tchcc, quoih Touzie, when (he faw 

The caihel coming bcB, 
It pypin het gac*d round them a'» 

The bride (he made a fen, 172. 

To fit in wyiicoat fae braw, 

Upon her nciher en ; 
Her lad hke ony cock did craw^ 

That meets a clockin hen, 176 

And biyth were they. 
The foutcr, miller, fmlth and Did^ 

Lanvrie and Hutchon bauld, 
Carles that keep nae very ftrifl 

Be hours, the* thev were auld ; 180 

Nor cou'd they e'er feavc aflPthat trick, 

Hut whare good ale was fald, 
Ti)cy drank a' night, e'en tho' auld nick 

Should tempt their wives to fcald 1 84 

Them for't oeift d^y. 
Was nc*er 10 Scotland heard or fcen 

Sic banqueting and drinkio, 
Sic revelling and battles keen, 

Sic dancing, and fic jinkin, 288 

i^nd unko wark that fell at e'en. 

Whan lafTes were hafFwinkin, 
They loft the feet and baiih their ecn. 

And maidenheads gae 'd linkin 192 

Affa' that day. 

%B9, Tel tt.) An irferje£Uon df laughltr. 
%^6, Cloikin ben.) A hatching lico. 



ChristV 



^ QmtoTR. CbriaV Kirk 0X1 />S<f Green, fj 

Christ'/ Kirk on the Greeo. CANTO III. 

NO W (iac caft nook of Fi^ the dawn 
SpccFd weftiines up the lift, 
Carles whia heard the cock had craw o» 

Begoad to rax and rift : 4 

And greedy wlfes wi' ^troing thrawD^ 

Cry'd laflcs up to thrift ; 
Dogs barked> and the lads frae hagd 

Bang'd to their breeks like drift, ^ 8 

Be break of day. 
Bat fome wha had been fou yeftrecn, 

Sic as the letter-gae. 
Air up had nae will to be fcen, 

Grodgio their groat to pay. 1 2 

But what aft frifted^^' no forgeen, 

When fouk has nought to fay ; 
Yet fwecr were they to rake tbcir eci>. 

Sic dizzy heads had they, 16 

And iiet that day. 
Be that time it was fair foor days. 

As fou*s the houie cou'd pang, 
To fee the young fouk 'ere they raife, 

GoiEps canoe in ding dang, 20 

Curious to know ho^ my brida! folks would Io«k next day af^ 
let the marriage, I attempted jlhU third Caoto, which opens with 
1 delcriptioD of the morning. Then the friends come and prelent 
their gifts Co the new-married couple. A view is taken of one girl 
(KirHi) who bad come fahrly ofi^ and of Maufe who badftumtied 
vith tbe laird. Next a new £cene of drinking is reprcfented, and 
ibe yoong good-mao is creelM. Then the chara^ler of tbe fmltb*8 
Sl-Dfttared (brew is drawn, which leads in the defcription of riding 
the (tang. Next Maggy Murdy has an e)iemplary chara^er of » 
|ood wile nrfe. Deep drinking and bioodle(s^arreb,.4nakes an 
«id of an old talc. ^ -• 

I. £aft nook of Fife.) 'Where; day ypuA break upon my com>> 
|iny ; if, af I have obferved, the fcenc is at Lefly church. 

sa. Tbeir grott to pay.) Payment of the drunken groat i« ' 
very peremptorily demanded by the common people next, inorn- 
iag; bat if ihcy frankly confefs the debt due, they «re pjiJOcd ibt 
two pence. 

IS* Rake their epn.) Rub open their eyes^ 

27. Fail foor days) flroad da^'-J^bti 



54 . Chriff/ Kirk on the Creed, Canto B 

And wP a fofs aboon chc claiths, 

ilk ane their gifts down flang : 
Twall toop horn-fpoons down Maggy layi, ■ 

Baitb Oiuckle inow*d and lang, 2 

For kale or whey. 
Her annt a pair of tangs A}fh in, 

Right bauld (he fpake and fpruce, 
Cin your goodman (haH make a din> 

And gabble like a goofe, 
Shorin whan fou to (kelp ye^rc fkin> 

Thir tangs may be of ufe ; 
Lay ihem enlnng his pow or fhin, 

Wba wins fyn may make roofe. 

Between you twa* 
Auld Befie in her red cosit braw. 

Came wi* her ain oe Naimy^ 
An odd like wife, they feid that faw^ 

A moupin runcklcd granny, 
She f1ey*d the kimmers ane and a\ 

Word gae'd ihe was na kanny ; 
Nor wad tftey let Lucky awa, 

'Till (he was wi' branny, 

Like mooy mac* 
Suen frefli and faflin 'mang the reft 

Came in to get his morning, 
Speer'd gb the bride had tane the te(H 

And how (he loo*d her coming \ < 

Slie kugh as (he had fun a neft, 

Said, let a be ye'r fcorning^ 
Quoth Roger, fegs Tve done my be(l» 

To gccc a charge of horning^ 

As welPe I may. 

At. Aliooii the claiths.) They coinmonly throw their g'Tcs 
VoclhoU furuiture above the bcd-doatbs where the young fo 
are lying. 

38. Word gaed (he was na kanny.) It was reported- (be wa 

43. Had tanc ihr teft.) I do not mean an oath of that oai 
We aOttavclieardoC 

4B. Charge of h<}rninj! } Is a writ charging to make payme 
tikelaring the debtor a rebel N. B. It na^ he left in the lb< 
kok ftbedoonbdhilt. 



dnio lit. CfiiriTtV Kirk on th Creed; yj 

Kiod Kirjh was there, a kanty lafs, 

Black ey'd, black-hair'd, and bonny ; 
Ri^ht well red up and jimp (he was^. 
- And wooers had fow roony: r^ 

I wat na haw it came to pafs. 

She cutled in wi' Jonnie^ 
And tumbling wi*^ him on the gcafs, 

Dang a' her cockernoony c 5 

A jcc that day;. 
But Maufe begrutten was and bleer'd. 

Look 'd thowlels, dowf and (leepy; ^ 

Auld Maggy kend the wyt, and fneer'dy. 

Caw'd her a poor daft hecpy t (5a 

Ix*s a wile wife that kens her weird,. 

What tho* ye mount the creepy % 
Tbere a good lefTon may be lear'd, 

Aod what the war will ye be. (^ 

To Hand a da]s* 
Or bairns can read, they firft maun (pell» 

I learn'd this fme my mammy, 
Aod cood a legen-git-th my fell,. 

Lang or I married Tammie :. ^2 

rfe warrand ye have a' heard tell. 

Of bonny Andrew Lammy^ 
StifSy io loove wi* roe he fell. 

As foon as e'er he &w me : ^2 

That was a day. 
Bet drink, fre(h buttered caiks and checfe,, 

That held their hearts aboon, 
Wi' clafhes mingled aft wi' lies, 

Drave afF the hale forenoon :. ^a 

Bill after diooer an ye pleafe. 

To weacy not o*er foon, 
We down to eluog edge wi* ea(e 

Shall bup, and lee what's done 9a 

rdiedoupo'tfacday, " 
ISow what the friends wad fain been at. 
They that were right trac blue;. 

<o. Moanr the creepy.) The ftool of repentaocei 

iS7. Cooft a Ic^en-^th.) like ^ tub th«t loicsonc of its^t« 



. s6 Chrifl'i KiVk o» the Crcca. CtmH \l% 

Was c*cn to get their wyfons wai, 

And fill younger Roger fou : 84 

But the bauld billy took his maut, 

Aod was right ilifF to bow ; 
He fairly ga*e them tit for tat, 

Acd fcour'd aflP healths anew, 88 

Clean out that day» 
A creel bout fow of muckle Rains 

They clinked on his back, 
To try the pith o*s rigg and reins» 

They gart him cadge this pack. 92 

Now as a Hgn he had tane pains. 

His young wife was na Hack, 
To rin and eafe his (houlder-bains^ 

And foeg'd the raips fow faack, 96 

We V knife that day. 
Syne the blyth carles, tooth and nail. 

Fell keenly to the wark ; 
To eafe the gantrees of the a]e> 

And try wha was maid ftark ; lOOi 

'Till boord and floor, and a' did fail^ 

. Wi'fpiltalei'thedark; 
Ciirt Jock\ fit Aide, he like a fail» 

Play*d dad> and dang the bark lOi]^ 

Aff's fliiss that day* 
The fouter, miller, fmith and Dkk^ 

Et cet^rOi clofs fat cockin, 
'Till wafted was baith caOi and tick» 

Sae ill were they to (locken ; xoft 

Cane out to pifh in gutters thick, 

Some fell, and fome gae'd rockie» 
iinuny hang fncering on his (lick, 

To iee bauld Hut ebon bockio 1 1 a 

Rainbows that day. 

- 14* rdl young Roger Ton ) 'Tis a cuHom for the firicods ta 
«odcavoar th« next day after the wedding to make the new married 
mab u drank as pofGblc. 

89. A creel, &c.) For merrymeDt, a creel or balket is bounds 

full of ftones, upon bis back ; and if he has a£)ed a manly part. 

his yoang wife with all imaginable ^d aits the cords, and veltevea 

him froD) the burthen. If Ihe does not, he's i allied for a fumbkr. 

-'ao|. Theibatar, £cc.} YidcCamo II. line 177. 

Tl* 



I 



I 

I 






CtHt9 Iir^ Chri(lV Kirk on t/;e Green. §j 

The frnith's wife her black deary fought. 

And fand hira (kin and birn : 
Qooth (he, this day's wark's be dear bought. 

He ban'd, and gae a giro ; 1 16 

Ca'd her a jade, ^nd faid (he mucht 

Gae hame and fcum her kirn : 
Whi(ht ladren, for gin ye fay ought 
Mair, iTc wind ye a pirn, X20 

To reel fomc day, 
Yc'Jl wind a pirn ! ye (illy fnool, 
Wae-worth yeV drunken faul. 
Quoth (he, and lap out o'er a ftool, 

And claught him be the fpaul : 134 

Htfliook her, and fware niuckle dool 

Yft'i thole for this, ye fcaul ; 
rfe rive frae afT ye*r hips the hool, 
And learn ye to be baul Z28 

On fie a day. 
Tour tSppanizing, fcant 0' grace, 

Q^oth (he, gars me gangduddy; 
Oar niboar Pate (in brcs^k o' day's 

Been thumpin at his (luddy, X33 

An It be true that fome fov'k fjiys, 

Ye'll gim yet in a woody ; 
Syne wi her nails (he rave his face, 
3f stde a' his black baird bloody, i j6 

Wi' fcarts that day. 
A gilpy that had feen the faught, 

I wat he was nae ian^, 
Till he had gather'd fevcn or aught 
. Wild hempies fldut and flrang ; 1 40 

Tbcy fiae a barn a kaber r^ught, 

Ane roonnted wi* a bang, 
Betwiflit twa*8 (houders, and fat draught 
,Ufon*t, and rade the ftang 144 

On her thjit day. 

114. Skin and birn.) The marks of a (hecp; the burn 00 the 
feoie, and the tar on the ikin, i. e. She was fure it was him, with 
d the marl^sof her dmnkcn husband about him. 

lao. Wind ys a pirn.) Is a thrratning exprcilion, ubcn one 
ic^gnt to coatri\'e (bmc malicious thing to vex you. 

144. Rade the Aang oa her.) The xiiiing of thcKlaog on a wo- 



58 . ChriffV Kirk on the Grcctt. Canto\ 

The wives and gytlings a* rpawD*d out 

0*er middings, aod o er dykes, 
^^'i* mony an unco (kirl and (hour, 

Like bumbcct frae their bykes ; 1 

Thro* thick and thin they fcour'd about, 

PbHiin thro' dubs and fykes, 
And Ijc a reird ran thro* the rout, 

Cart a* the hale town tykes , I 

Yamph loud that day. 
Butd*ye fee fou better bred 

Wasmenffou Maggy Murdy^ 
She her man like a lammy Jed 
' Ham'e, wi* a well waiPd wordy i I 

Faft frae the company he fled» 

As he had tane the (lurdy ; 
She fleech'd him fairly to hit bed| 

Wi* casing him her burdy, i 

Kindly that day. 
But Lamm he took out his nap 

Upon a mow of peafe, 
And Robin fpew'd in*8 ain wife's Tap ; 

' He faid it gae him eafe, : 

Hutchon wi* a tbree-Iugged cap, 

His head bizzin wi' bees. 
Hit Ceordy a miflufhios rap, 

And brak the brig o's neefe : 

Right fair that day* 
8yoe ilka thing gae'd arfe o*er head, 

Chanlcrs, boord, flooll and ftowpf, 
Fjcw thro* the houfe wi* muckle fpecd» 

And there was little hopes. 
But there had been fome ill done deed^ 

They gat He tl^rawart cowps ; 
But a* the fkaith that chaoc^cf indeed, 
' Was only on their dowps, ] 

^Vi' faws that day. 
tnvBL that hath best her husband, is as I have defcribed it, by i 
riding upon a (ling, or long piece of >»ood, can led by twoot 
on their Ounildcrs, where, like a herald, he proclaims ibe wom 
ii;iine, and (he manner of her unnatural a^ioo. 

i^B.. Tane the (turdy.) A difcafe amongil Hicep that makes tl 
giddy I aud'iuo offfton lAc roft «^ the had* 



dftto III. Chrift'j Ktrk on the Green. 59 

Sac whiles they toolied, whiles rhcy draolc. 

Till a' their fcnfc was fmoor'd ; 
Aod in their maws their was nae mank^ 

Upon the fiinns fome foor'd : igp 

Ithcrs frae aff the bunkers Tank, 

Wi* een4ike collops fcor*d : 
Some ram'd their noddles wi' a clank« 

E'en like a thick-rcdl^d lord, ig^ 

On poAs that day. 
The yoang good • man to bed did cHm^ 

His dear the door did lock in ; 
Crap down beyont him, and the rim 

0*er wame he clapt his dock on 188 

ibc faad her lad was not in trim. 

And be this fame good token, 
tlut ilka member, lith and limb. 

Was ibople like a doken^ . 192 

*Boat him that day, 

Kotwithtlanding all this my poblic (pirited paios« I am well 
ifTiitd there are a few heavy heads, who will bring down the 
thick of their cheeks to the iiJes of their moathsi and richly (hi- ' 
pid, alledge there's (bme things in \tf have a meaning. . Well, I 
own it ; and think it handiomer is a few lines to lay fomething, 
ti»Q talk a great deal, and mean nothing. . Pray, is there any 
cbng vicioas or unbecoming in laying, * Mens Liths and Umhi 
' are (bupb when intoxicated ?' Does it not (how, that exceflive 
drinking enervates and onhinges a man's conftitotipn, and makes 
biaa oncapabie of performing divine or natural duties. There is 
the moral. Aud believe mtf, I could rai(e many udful notes from 
Pitxy charaAer, which the ingenious v\ ill pre(cntly 6ndout 
-* Great wits (bmctimes may gtoriouily offend, 

* And rife to faults ttu; critics dare not mend; 

* From vulgar bounds with brave disorder part, 

* And fnatch a grace beyond the reach of art. Pope. 
Thus have I purHied thcie comical chara^ers, having gentle- 
men's health and plcafiire, and the good manners of the vulgar in 
view : the main dclign of comedy being to reprelcnt the foUies 
a^d mtdakes of k>w life In a juf) light, making them appear as ridi- 
cokms ts they really arc, that each whio is a fpe^lator, may evit« 
iiis being the objt€t of laughter. Any body that has a mind io 
iook ibarnpon it, may ufe their freedom. 

* Not laugh, beal 8 6(bes, fowls , nor reptiles can : 

* That's a peculiar happinefs of man : 

■ When govern^ with a prudent chearful grace, 

* ** ris one of the firCt beauties of the face. 



[ 6o ] 

r AKT AH A, oriif V LAID. 

YE Cahd^nian beauties, who have long 
Been both the mofc and fubjcd of my (aag» 
AfTid your bard, who in harmonious lays 
Defigns the glory of your PJaid to raife : 
How my fond bread with blazing ardour glows. 
When e'er my fong on you juft praifc bcftows* 

Phoebus and his imaginary nine, 
With me have lod the title of divine ; 
To no fuch (hadowi will I homage pay, 
Thefe to my real roufes (ball give way : 1 

My mufes, who on fmooth meand'ring Tnueed, 
Stray through the groves, or grace the clover mead ; 
iYc thefe who bathe themfelves where hzxx^Vj Clyde 
Does roaring o'er his lofty catVa^s ride ; 
Or you who on the banks of gentle Tay I 

Drainfrom the flowVs the early dews of Mcrf^ 
'To vami(h on your cheek the crimfon dy. 
Or make the white the falling fnow outvy : 
And you who on Edina's ftrcets difplay 
Millions of matchlefs beauties every day ; i 

][nfpir*d by you, what poet can dcfire 
To warm lus genius at a brighter 6rc ? 

I (In^ the Plaid, and fing with all my (kill. 
Mount then, O fancy, flandard to my will ; 
He ftrong each thought, run fbft each happy line, 25 " 
Thiit graccfulncfs and harmony may fliine, ( 

Adapted to the beautiful dcfign. I 

Great is the fubjcdl, vafl th* exalted theme, 
And Hiall (land fair in endlefs rolls fame. 

The Plaid*s antiquity comes firft in view, ' 3 
Precedence to antiquity is due : 
Antiquity contains a certain fpcll, 
To make cv*n things of little worth excel ; 
To fmallcd fubje^ gives a glaring dafh. 
Protecting high born idiots from the Ia(h : 3 

Much more *tis valued, when with merit plac'dy 
It graces merit, and by mcrit*s grac*d. 

0^\( 



TARTAN A, or the PLAID. 6t 

\ of garbs ! garment of happy fate ! 
employed, of fuch an antiaue date ; 
ck fomc thoqfaod years, till records fail« 40 
: themfclves in fome romantic tale, 
id oar godlike fathers nobly fcora'd 
fith any other drefs adorn*d ; 
afe foreign (afhions interwove, 
gaind their intVeft and their brav*ry drove, f 5 
hey could boaft their freedom with proud Rwnti 
i*d in fteel defpife the fenate's doom ; 
o*er the globe their eagle they difplay^d, 
Moer'd nations proftrate homage paid, 
ify, they uncooquer'd flood their ground, 50 
the mighty empire fixt the bound. 
:?e priooe who then fupply'd the tbrpne^ 
array'd naagnificcntly (hone : 
D*d his purple, or hb ermine lefii 
?er*d by the Caledonian drefs. ^^ 

tt court the thanes were gayly clad, 
is the (hepherds and the hinds were glad^ 
;he warrior wrapt his brawny arms, 
lis our beauteous mothers veil'd their charms ; 
;v'ry youth, and every lovely maid 60 

It a DeJhabiUe to want their Plaid. 
av*ns I how cfaaiig'd ? how little look their rac^ i 
oreign chains with foreign modes take place ; 
^aft and Wefiem- Indies mud combine 
ic the fop, and make the gewgaw fhlne. 65 

bile the Grecian troops in Perjia lay, 
m'd the habit to be foft and gay, 
ry eoerr'd, they loft they day. 
d Varell^ what foldicrs he thought bed ? 
rs he anfwer'd to my plain rcqueft ; 7Q 

I to lead batallions out to war, 
lop'd to triumph in the vi6lor*s car, 
in thj: loud applaufe of worthy fame« 
lolumns rais*d to eternize my name, 
loofc, had I my choice, that hardy race 7|; . 

fearlcfs can look terrors in the face ; 
*midft the fnows the bed of limbs can fQl4 
irtan Plaids> and fmile atch'dling cold ; 



62 TAUT AN A, or the PLAID. 

* No ufclefs trafh (hould paio my foldier's back« 
' No canvas- tents make loadcn axles crack ; 

* No rattling (ilks Td to my (landards bind, 

* But bright Tartana's waving in the wind : 

* The Plaid alone (hould all my enfigns be> 

* This army from fuch banners would not flie. 

* Tliefc, chefe were they, who naked taught the wa 
< To fight with art, and boldly gain the day.' 
Ev'n great Guftavus ftood himfclf amaz*d, 

AVhile at iheir wondVous (kill and force he gaz'd. 
IVith fuch brave troops one might o*er Europe run, 
Make out what Rkblieu fram*d, and Le^'u had begun 

Degenerate Men ! now ladies pleafe to fit. 
That 1 the Plaid in all its airs may hit, 
^Vith all the powers of (bftnefs mixt with wit. 

While rcorching Tttan tawns the fhepfaerd's brov 
And whirling binds fweat lagging at the plow : 
The piercing beams Brucina can defy, 
>Kot fun burnt fhe's, nor dazzl'd is her eye. 
Ugly's the mafk, the fan's a trifling toy 
To ftill at church fome girl or reftlefs boy. 
Fix'd to one fpot's the pine ^nd myrtle (hades^ 
But on each motion wait th* umbrellian Plaids, 
Repelling dud when winds difturb the air. 
And give a check to every ilNbred flare. 

Light as the pinions of the airy fry, 
Of larks and linnets who traverfe the sky, 
Is the Tartanay fpun fo very fine. 
Its weight can never make the fair repine, 
By raifing ferments in her glowing blood. 
Which cannot be cfcap'd within the hood : 
Nor does it move beyond its proper fpherc. 
But lets the gown in all its (hape appear ; 
Nor is the (Iraightnefs of her wM deny'd 
To be by every ravifti'd eye furvey'd. 
For this the hoop may (land at largefl bend. 
It comes not high, nor can its weight offend. 

The Hood and Mantle make the tender faint j 
Tdi pain'd to fee them moving like a tcDt« 



' TART ANA, or the PLAID. <3 

By heather Jenm in her blanket drefl, 

Tlic Hood and Mant/e fully arc expreft; 

Which round her neck with rags is firmly bound; 120 

While heather befbois loud (he fcrtams around. 

Was goody Strode Co great 1 pattern, fay ? 

Are ye to follow when fuch lead the way ? 

Bat know each fair who fhall this Sur^tout nfr, 

YouVe bo naorc Scottf and ccafe to be my mufe. I ? f 

The fmoOtheft labours of the Perjian loom 
Lto'd in the Plaid, fet oflT the beauty *s bloom ; 
Fabt is the glofs, oor come the colours nigh, 
Tho' white as milk, or dipt in fcarletdy. 
The lily plockt by fair Pringella grieves, 1 JO 

Wbofc whiter hand outfhines its fnowy IcaYcl \ 
No wonder then white iilks in our eftecm, 
Mitch*d with her iairer facc« they fully'd feem. 

If fliiolng red Camphtlla'% checks adorn. 
Our fandef ffralght cooceive the bluihin^ mom \ \%% 
Beneath whole dawn the fun of beaut v lieif 
Nor need we light but from CamfhelUi eyci * 

If lin*d with green Situirta*% Plaid we f!ew» 
Or thine Ran^ftia cdg*d aroood with blue ( 
Ooe fliewi the (bring wb^o nature is molt kind, 140 

The other heav n, whofe fpanglei lift the mind. 

A garden-plot eoriehM with chofen flowcri, 
In fon beams basking after ? emal fliowers, 
Where lovely pinks in fweet confodon riiet 
And amaranths and egiiotines furprife ; 14; 

Hedg*d round witb fragrant brier and je(&mine» 
The rofie thorn and rariegated green % 
Tbefo gire not half that pleafure to the vieW| 
As when, Fergnjia^ mortals gaze 00 you ; 
You raife our wonder, and oar h>ve engage, i ;o 

Which makes us curfe, and yet admire the hedge ; 
The (ilk and tartan hedge, which doth confpirc 
Widi you to kindle lore's foft fpreading ^e. 
How many charms can every fair one boafl ! S 

How oft*s our fancy in the plenty lofl j I ^5 > 

Thefe more remote, thefe we admire the moA. ^ 

f 2 WhaVs 



64 TARTANA, er the PLAID. 

What*8 too familiar pftcn we defpifc^ 
But rarity makes (iill the value rife. 

If Sol\i\ttSc\^ fhould fhioe through all the day. 
We cloy, and lofe the pleafure of bis ray : 
But if behind fome marly cloud he (leal. 
Nor for fome time his radiant head reTcal, 
With brighter charms his abfeoce he repays* 
And every fun beam fcems a double blaze. 
So when the fair their dazzling luflres (hroud. 
And difappoint us with a tartan cloud, 
How fondly do we peep with wifhful eye, 
Tranfported when one lovely charm we fpy i 
Oh to our cofl, ah me ! we often find 
The power of love ftrikcs deep, tho* he be blind ; : 
Percii'd on a lip, a check, a chin, or fmile. 
Hits with furpriie, and throws young hearts in jail. 

From when the cock proclaims the rifiog day. 
And milk-maids Gng around fweet curds and whey ; 
*rill grey-ey'd twilight, harbinger of night, 
Purfues o*er (ilver mountains (inking light, 
) can unwearied from my cafements view 
The Plaid, with fomething ftill about it new. 
}low are we pleased, when witha handfome atr 
Wt fee Hepburna walk with eafy care ? 
One arm half-circles round her flender wai!^. 
The other like an ivory pillar placed. 
To hold her Plaid around her modeft face, 
W'hicli favcs her blufhes with the gayeft grace : 
If in white kids her taper fingers move, 
Or unconfin'd jet thro' the fable glove. 

With what a pretty a^ion Keitha holds 
Her Plaid, and varies oft its airy folds ; 
How docs that naked fpace the fpirits move. 
Between the ruffi*d lawn and envious glove I 
We by the fample, tho* no more be feeo, 
Imagine all that's fair within the skreeo. 

Thus belles in Plafds veil and difplay their charms. 
The lovc-fick youth thus bright Humea warms. 
And with her graceful mien her rivals all her alarms. 

s 76. Silv<;r ouHioiains.) Ochd hiiis. 

1 



TARTANA, or the PLAID. 6$ 

Plaid itfelf gives plcafure to the light, 
bow all its fctis imbibe the light ; 
\ ioCoc way, which even to me lies hid, 
black* bluCf yellow, purple, green and red. 
wion^t royal dub through prifms ilarc, 200 

y celedial dyes with curious care, 
fe mylel( nor (hall my fight afk aid 
iai gimcracks to furvey the Plaid. 

decent b the Plaid when in the pew, 

th* inchanting fair from ogler's view. 205 

id's oft aowded with illtim*d dedres, 

ymphs anvail'd approach the facred quires. 

lators who guard the common weal, 

tnds may rove;— Are mortals made of fteel ? 

(ht beaux darts up in all their airs. 

ch out beaudes more than mind their prayers. 

nfcot forty-fix's are perplext 

clips'd, fpite makes them drop the text. 

inger gaze at each fine thing they fee ; 

tor himfelf is fcarceiy. free. . 21^ 

who wou'd your piety exprcfs, 

d domes ne'er come in naked drefs. 

\/cx of modeily fhall dill prevail ; 

^otian virgins ufc your native vail. 

far young Cofmel read ; then flar'd and curf!, 
t me very gravely how I durft 221 

fuch praifes for a thing defpisM ? 
ig» fwore I had been ill advis'd. 

lu, faid I, perhaps this may feem true, 

ibers vaft, nor fools may Hde with you : 22; 

fhall my fentiments approve ; 

M^hat's not the butt of fcorn and love ? 

inklnd all agretd to think one way, 

>u'd divines and poets have to fay ? 

US wou'd on martial fields be fpread, 2"0 

•0/ Juris never wou'd be read : 

ed no councils, parliaments, nor kings, ' 

md learning wou'd turn filly things. 

my meaning fHll, I'm much afraid, 

104 have them always wear the Plaid.' 2 ; ^ 



66 TARTANA, or the PLAIP. 

Old Salent% royal fagc, of wits the prime, 
Ssud» For each thing there luas a proper thne. 
Night*! but Aurora % Plaid, that u*cii away« 
We lofe the pleafure of returning day ; 
£v*n tliro* the gloom, u ben ^-iew^d in (parkfing (kief^ 2 
Orbs fcarccly fecn, yet gratify our eyes : 
So through HaviUla\ opened Plaid, we may 
Behold her heavenly face, and heaving miUcy way, 
Spanijh rcfenrc, join'd with a Calik akf 
II managed well, becomes the Section fair, a 

Now you fay well, faid he ; but wheo's the time 
That they may drop the Plaid without a crime ? 

Then I, 
Left, O fair nymphs, yeflio*j'd our patieooe tire. 
And ftarch rcferve exiinguiih gcn'roos iie; 
Sbce beasreo your fofc vidorious charms de(ign*d 2 
To form a finoothncGi on the rougher mind : 
When from the bold and noble toils of war. 
The rural cares, or labours of the bar ; 
From thefe hard ftudies which are learnM and grave* 
And fome from dangerous riding o*er the wave ; 2 
The Caledonian manly yoath rdTort 
To their Edinay love's great mart and port* 
And crowd her theatres with all that grace 
Which is peculiar to the Scotian race ; 
At concert, bail, or fome ^r*s marriage-day, 2 

I) then with freedom all that's fweet difplay. 
When beauty's to be judg'd without a vail. 
And not its powers met out as by retail, 
h\>t wholefaie, all at once, to fill the mind 
With fentimcnts gay, foft, and frankly kind ; 2 

Throw by the Plaid, and like the lamp of day* 
When there's no cloud to intercept his ray. 
%i (hine Maxel/a, nor their cenfurc fear. 
Who, Haves to vapoun, dare not fo appear. 

On Ida*» heigljt, when to the royal fwain, 2 

To know wbo Siould the prize of beaoty gain* 
J^ove fent his two fair daughters and his wife. 
That he mi^ht be the judge to end the ftrifc : 



; TA1tTANA» er /& PLAID. i 

And chat thej ijpakc witfa air cfiriody frcc» 375 \ 

I Sa/p Paris, wkcS U fmrtfirfnt ikrec. ^ 

To jQce\ bigh qnceB, and the cdcflial maidi, 
E're he fnm'd pai6 hs fentcsce, cry'd, m PUddt. 
QakUy the goddcffcs obey'd bis calf. 
Id fimple oatere's drefs be viewed them aD, 260 \ 
Then CO Cyib>ea gate tbe golden ball. 

1 Greac cricioi hail ! oor dread» vholc lore or hace. 
Can with a frowo or fioilc, give Tcrfe ics &ce ; 
Anend, while o*cr chis field my fancy roanu» 
r?e (ofDCwhat more to (ay. and here ic comes. 285 

Wlico ▼inue was a crime, in TaKcreiTt rcigo, 
Thaewasaoohleyoadi whowou*d norde^ 
To own for fiyrereigD 00c a flare co ?ioe» 
Or Uot hn conlcieoce ac the b^hefi price ; 

I For which his death's devb*d with beliidr an» 390 

To tear from hb warm bread bis beating heart. 
Fame told the tragic news to all tbe fair, 
W'hoTe oum'rous ^hs and groans bound through the air : 
All mourn his fate, tears trickle from each eye, 
*Till hb kind filler threw the woman by ; 29; 

I She in his ftead a geo'roos ofT'riog (laid, 

I And he, tbe tyrant baa'k'd, bid in her PJaid. 

' So when Mneas with AchilUt ftro?c, *) 

The goddcfs mother hafted from abore, C 

Well fcen in f«ice, prompt by maternal lore, 300 3 

Wrapt him in mifl, and warded off the blow 
That was defign*d him by his valiant foe. 

I of tbe Plud could tell a hundred rales ; 
Then hear another, (mcc that drain prevails. 

The tale no records tell, it Is fo old, 305 

It happened in the eafy age of gold ; 
When am'rous Jwe^ chief of th' Olympian gods, 
PalPd with Satunuat came to our abodes, 

I A beauty -hunting; for in thefe foft days. 
Nor gods, nor men, delighted in a cbace 3 10 ( 

That won'd dcAroy, not propagate their race. 

IayS Homer. 
3i&. GlcDiMMT*! groves) A liigewoftlia thenoitU of ScoiWi. 



6t TAfcTANA, «r tbe PLAID. 

Beneath i fir*tree in GlenianarH groreSp 

Where, e'er gay fabrics rofe, fwaios fung their lovely 

Iris lay fleeping io the open air, 

A bright Tartana vaiPd the lovely fair ; 315 

The wounded god beheld her matchleft diarmt^ 

With earned eyes, and grafp'd her in his arms. 

Soon he made known to her, with gaining flciU^ 

His dignity, and import of hb will. 

Speak tky defirtt the divine monarch laid. 320 

M^ me agoddeff^ cry'd the ScolUn maid. 

Nor let bard fate bereave me offnjf Plaid. 

Be thou tbe hand-maid to n^ mighty queen^ 

Said Jove^ and to tbe world be often feen 

With the celeftlal hovj^ and thus appear 335 

Clad'wUb thefe radiant colours as thy wear. 

Now fay, my mufe, e're thou forfake the field. 
What profit does the Plaid to Scotia yield f 
Judly that claims our love, efteem and boaft. 
Which is produced within our native coaft. 330 

On our own mountains grows the goUen fieece. 
Richer than that which Ja/on brought to Greece: 
A beneficial branch of Albion s trade, 
And the firfl parent of the T trtan Plaid. 
Our fair ingenious ladies hands prepare 335 

The equal threads, and give the dyes with care : 
Thoufand of artifls fullco hours decoy 
On rattling looms, and view their webi with joy. 

May (he be curd to ftarve in Frogland Fens^ 
To wear a Vala ragg'd at both the ends, 3 40 

Groan Hill beneath an antiquated fuit^ 
And die a maid ztf/ly-Jive to boot ! 
May (lie turn quaggy Fat , or crcoked Dnvarf 
Be ridicuPd while primm'd up in her Scarf \ 
May Spleen and Spite dill keep her on the Fret^ 345 
And live till (he outlive her beauty's date ; 
May all this fall, and more than I have faid, 
Upon that tVench who difregards the Plaid. 

But with the fun let ev'ry joy arife, 
And from foA (lumbers lift her happy eyes; 350 

340. Ftla.) A little fquare cUwth wore by the Dutchwcmen. 

May 



EdbbarghV Addrep to theComtlJj. 69 

blooming yooth be fixt opon her face, 
(he hat fcco her fourth dercending race ; 
with a mate with whom flie caa agree, 
never want the fineft of Bohni : 
&e*er the Msftr\ fieara make her afraid* 35 ; 

I j(nos with me, with roe admires the Plaid. 
>right Twrtan^t henceforth ever fhine, 
Caledonian goddcfles cnflirioe. 

ir judges, to your cenfure I fubmit, 

u ailow this poem to have wit, 360 

H>k with (com apoo thcfe mu({y foolt , 

* only move by o^dworm eaten rulet. 

vich tb* ingenious if my labours take, 

h them ten times better for their fake ; 365 

» fhall cfteem this vain, are in the wrong ; 

rove the moral b podigious flrong : 

; to trifle, men fliould ad like men, 

for their country only draw their fword and pen. 



inbvrokV Addrrfi to the Country. Nov. 1718. 

R.O M me Edina, to the brave and fair. 
Health, ioy and love, and banifhment of care : 
much as bare fields and guriy (kics 
; rural fcenes ungrateful ro the eyes: 
n Hyperborean bUfls confound the plain, 
ngf by turns, light fnow and heavy rain ; 
fains and nymphs, forfake the withered grove, 
no damp colds may nip the buds of love ; 
winds and tempefls o*er the mountains ride, 
here where choice of pleafures do rcGde ; 
; to my tow'rs, and leave th' nnpleafant fcene, 
lecrful boibro (hall your warmth fuftain, 
I'd in my walls, you may bleak winter (hun, 
for a while, forget the diftant fun : 
lazing fires, bright lamps, and fparkling wine, 
nmcr-fun (hall warm, like him (hall (hine. 

f witty clubs of minds that move at large, 
every glafs can (bme great thought diTcbarge; 



70 EJioburgbV Addrsft to tht C-untfy. 

When from my fenate, and the toil:, of law, 
T ' unbend the mind from bus'nefs yoa withdraw, 
With fucb gay friends to laugh feme houis away. 
My winter eYcn fhall ding the fuiumer's day. 

My fchools of law produce a manly traia 
Of fluent oratorSy who right maintain, 
PratSis'd t' exprefs tbemfclTes a gracdul way. 
An eloquence (hinet forth in all they fay. 

Some Raphelf Ruhens^ or Vandikt admire, 
AVhoic bofoms glow, with fuch a godlike fire* 
Of my own race I have, who (hall c*rc long. 
Challenge a place amongfl the immortal throng* 

Others in fmoothed numbers are profbfc, 
And can in Mantuan dadyls lead the mufe : 
And others can with muiic make you gayt 
With fweetid founds CorreiiP% art difjday, 
^Vhile they aronod m (bfteft meafures (iflg, ' 
Or beat melodious Solo*% from the firing* 

What pleafure am exceed to koow wbat*s mat. 
The hinge of war, aod winding drau^ti of Iwte I 
l*hefe and • tboofand thinn th' afpinng youth 
May learn, with pleafure, from the ftges mouth % 
While they full-traughted judgments do mdoodt 
Relating to aiFatrs home uid abroad. 
The generous foul u fir'd with noble flsme. 
To emulate ?idorious Euginit fame. 
Who with freih glories iwk% tb' Imperial throne^ 
Making the bau^ty Ottoman empire groan. 
He'll learn when warlike Sweden and the Czar^ 
The Danet and PruJJians fliall demit the war ; 
T' obferve what mighty turns of fate may fpring 
Prom this new war rais'd by lbena*% king* 

Long ere the morn from eaflern feas arife, 
To fweep night-Hiades from oS the vaulted ikies. 
Oft Lwe or Ltnu in dreams your mind may tofs. 
And pufh the fluggifh fenfcs to tJieir poHs ; 
The Hautboys diilant notes ihall then oppofe 
Your phantom cares, and lull you to repofe. 

To Vijit and take Tm, the wcll-drefs'd fair 
May pais the crowd unruffled in her chair \ 



Edinburgh's Addrtp U theCowiiry. 7 1 

ift or mire her (hiniog foot (hall (huo, 
the horizontal hoop give pain. 
taux and Bellet no city can compare^ 
lew a Galaxy fb made, {o fair ; 
arsarecharm'd, and ravifh'd are the eyei, 
I at the concen my fair flan arife. 
poets of fiiSlitious beauties fiog, 
n bright order fill the dazzHog ring ; 
Venus ^ Paliast and the (poufe of Jwe^ 
d gain the prize» judged bv the god of love : 
fuo-bomt featuKS wou'd look dull, and fade, 
ar*d with my fiweet njahite and blujh'tng red. 
hahi^r of beauties fo divine, 
Dufe for want of words cannot define, 
lantiog ibol beholds with awful loi^tt 
Is'd 00 clay th* angelic forms above, 
e foftefi fmiles can pow'rfully impart 
res fiiblime, in dumb fhow, to the heart. 

le firength of all thefe charms, if ye defy, 
wt rfjujtice (hall make you comply, 
om^, my Sepm^ thou my bolbm warms, 
e three times welcome to thy mother's arms : . 
father long, rude man i has left my bed, 
*rt now my guard, and fupport of my trade ; 
rart yearns after thee with ftrong dciire, 
deareft image of thy antient fire ; 
d proud Augufta take thee from me too, 
mt a lofs wou'd make Edina bow ; 
ik beneath a weight I cou*d not bear, 
Q a heap of rubbilh difappear. 

.in are fuch fears ; 1*11 rear my head in (late, 
oding heart foretells a glorious fate : 
[lately (IruAures on new (Ireets (hall rife, 
lew built churches tow*ring to the (kies. 
utmod Thule to the Z>0t;rr-rock, 
in^% bcfl blood in crowds to me (hall fiock ; 
n'rous fleet (hall be my Fartha^t pride, 
e they in her calm roads at anchor ride : 
e from each coaft (hall bring what's great and rare, 
oimace the Bravet and pleafe the Fair. 

IVritlen 



Written htneath the hifiorica! Print of the nvwider/ul pre* 
fervation of Mr David Brace, and others his School* 
" fellows. 

St Andrews, Angoft 19, 1710. 

SI X timet the day with light and hope arofe. 
As oft the iMgbt her terrors did oppofe. 
While toTsM 00 roariog wares the tender erew 
Had nought b«it death and horror b their fiew : 
Pale famine, feas, bleak ccld at eqaal (hife, 
ConTpiring all agdnft their bloom of life : 
AVhilil like the lamp's laft flame, their t r cnhl iBg fimb 
Are 00 the wing to leare their mortal goab ; 
And death before them fbnds with frightful ffaffc. 
Their fpirio fpent, and (imk down to defpair. 

Behold th' iodolgcnt providential eye, 
"With watchfiil rays defcendiog from 00 high ; 
Ai^eb come poAnig down the divine beam 
To (ave the hclpkfi in their bit extreme : 
Unfccn the hea^nly guard about them flock. 
Some mle the winds, ibme lead them op the rock. 
While other two attEod the djing pair. 
To waft their yomig white falls thro' ncldi of air. 



The SCRIBBLERS I^V. 

Ts^i^zy-z^efinimcs! OJsJhJ aV, 

I4'ri:f e^jrmsj far cmtlf rs ; 
jVr^ ^sith th mmfiMfi ^-i-liefiammd 

B^t chasmher-waiit mKi bsllerM, 
L: fz:z^ vnr^J exfec dry ft'jcr, 

Jir #Afr/j^7«^ tsyjlcMS sat : 
Kcnxjhmii pemei thet h tit a»V, 

^tTzj Piodar ioti m hnau sat, 

T. Blows to T. DVuT. 

TH A T I ifafs pro^&ste BTcde 
C:i t^crtse lb l0«. c»T;ik( 
Wbes Ssiievirg aaotrrcs i^ail be ^j oo g h i on, 
W"hidi 2SS :j:s d'5^rt!- rr^ 3:OL-»b£ on. 

Vm 



rAf SCRIBBLERS Z^^V. 73 

1*01 czlVd in boaour to prote^ 5 

The £ur when treat with dilrcfycSl : 
Befidesy a zeal uanfports my ioiil. 
Which 00 cooftraint can e*er oontroul ; 
Iq fenrice of the gOTemment, 

To draw my pco» and fatyr vent, jq 

Againft vile mongrels of Parnaffut^ 
Who through iiqpuoity opprcls us. 
'ris to corred this fcnbbling crew» 
Who, as in former reigns, fo now 
Torment the world, and load our time x j 

With jargon cloth io wretched rhime, 
Diigrace of numbers 1 earth ! I hate them ! 
And as thej merit, fo Til treat them. 

And firft, ihefe ill-bred things I laib, 
That hated authors of the traili, j^\ 

lopablicfpreadwith little wk, 
Macb malice, rode and bootlefs fpit9, 
Againft the fcx, who have no arms 
Tofliield them firom infulting harms, 
Except the b'ght'ning o{ their eye, ^r 

Which none but fuch blind dolts defy. 

UngenVous war 1 t'attack the fair : 
Bat, ladies, fear not, ye'rc the care 
Of every wit of true defcent, 

At once their fong and ornament : "^0 

Thcyll ne'er neglc<5l the lovely crowd ; 
B'Jtfpite of all the multitude 
Of fcribbliog fops, a/Icrt your cau(c. 
And execute Apollo\ laws : 

<^/A9 who the bard infpire^ 3{ 

r With fofce/l thoughts anid divine fires ; 

ITfuu whom on all the earth there's no man 
More complaifaot to a fine woman* 
Socb veneration mixt with love, 
I Points out a poet from above: 49 

I But Zany% void of {cofe and merit. 

Lore, fire, or fancy, wit or fpirit : 
' Weak, frantic, dowoifh, and chagreen, 
Prctcodiflgx prompt by zealous fpTee0| 

Q V affrotkt. 



74 r^tf SCRIBBLERS Lajh'd. 

T' affront yourhend-drcfs, or your boQe-fcocCy 4 J 

Intake printers prcfTcs groau with nonfenfe. 

But while SoV% offspring lives, as fooa 

Shall they pull down his fiflcr moon. 

They with low incoherent fluff, 
Park fcnfe, or none, lines lame and rough ; 5O 

Without a thought, air or addrefs, 
All the whole loggerhead confcfs. 
From clouded notions in the brain, 
They fcribble in a cloudy flrain ; 
DtJire of vcrfe they reckon wit, 5J» 

And rhime without one grain of it. 
Then hurry forth in public town 
Their fcrawls, led they fhould be unknown. 
Rather than want a fame, they chufe 
The plague of an infamous mufc. fiCf* 

Unthinking, thus the fots afpirc, 
And raife their own reproach the highV : 
By meddling with the modes and fafhions 
Of women of politeft nations. 

Perhaps by this they'd have it told us, 65 

That in their fpirit (bmething bold is. 

To challenge thofe who have the (kill. 

By charms to fave, and frowns, to kill. 
If not ambition, then 'tis fpite, 

AVhich makes the puny infe<51s write. 76 

Like old and mouldy maids turn'd four. 

When dillant charms have loft their pow'r, 

Fly out in loud tranfports of pafHon, 

When ought that's new comes firft in fafhion ; 
••Till by degrees it creeps right fnodly 75 

On hips and head-drcfs of the g y. 

Thus they to pleafc the fighing fifters, 

Who often beet them in their midcrs. 

With their malicious breath fet fail. 

And write thefe (illy things they rail. So 

Pimps ! fuch as you can ne'er extend 

A flight of wit, wh'ch may amend 

Our morals ; that's a plot too nice 

For you to laugh folks out of vice. 

Sighing, 
fB* Beet them in thtiv midcts.") Otli^c them upon occmIiuxj. 



i 
I 



; The SCRIBBLERS LaJI^'d. 75 

Syiiog, oh hey! yc cry, afas ! 85 

This fardingale's a great diigrace ! 
And all indeed, becaufe an ancle, 
Or foot is fcen, might monarchs mancle ; 
Ami makes the wife, with face upright, 
Look op, and blefs heav'n for their fight. <^q 

In your opinion nothing matches, 
horrid fin ! the crime of patches ! 
'Tis falfe, ye clowns ; Til makc*t appear. 
The glorious fun does patches wear : 
Tea, run thro* all the frame of nature* 95 

Yoa'U find a patch for CY'ry creature : * 
Even you yourfelves, ye blackned wrctcheit 
To Heliconians are the patches. 

Bat grant that ladies modes were ills 
1'obereform*d ; your creeping fkills, 100 

Yc rhimers, never wou'd fuccecd, 
\^nio write what the polite ne'er read. 
To cure an error of the fair, 
Penands the nicefl prudent care ; 
Wit utter'd in a pleafing ftrain, 105 

A point fb delicate may gain : 
But that's a tafk at far above 
Your fhallow reach, as Tm from Jove. 

No more then lei the world be vexed 
With baggage empty and perplexed : no 

Bat learD to fpeak with due refped 
Of Peggie*% breafls and ivory neck. 
Such pi^rbliod eyes fts your*s, 'tis true, 
Shou'd ne'er fuch divine beauties view. 
it Nellie* % hoop be twice as wide* 1 15 

As her two pretty limbs can flride ; 
What then ? will any man of fenfe 
Take umbrage, or the, Icafl offence, 
At what even the mofl moded may 
Expofe to Phoebui * brighteft ray ? 1 2d 

Does not the handfome of our city. 
The pious, chafle, the kind and witty, 
Who can afford it, great and fmall, 
Hegard wcll-fhapeo ferdingale ? 

C 2 hxA 



76 rh SCRIBBLERS Lajlid. 

And will you, Mag-pyes, makes a noife I 135 

Yoa grumble at the Jady's choice ! 

But Icav't to them, and mothers wife, 

'\\'ho watch their condud, mein and guifc« 

To fhape their weeds as fits their eafe ; 

Aod place their patches as they pleafe. 130 

Tfiis ihou'd he granted without grudging, 

§ince we all know they're heft at judging, 

\Vhat from mankind demands devotion. 

In geQure, garb, free airst and motion. 

But you ! unworthy of my pen ! 13^ 

Unworthy to be dafs'd with men ! 

Hafte to Caffar^ ye clumfy fot?, 

And there make love to HotUntots. 

i^nother fet with baUads wade 
Our paper, and debauch our taf!e X40 

With endlcfs *larums on the flreet, 
Where crowds of circling rabble meet. 
The vulgar judge of poclry, 
l^y what thefe hawkers fing and cry : 
Yea, fome who ckin) to wit amifs, 141^ . 

Cannot didinguifh That from This-. 
Hence poets are accounted now 
In Scotland z mean empty prew : 
\\ bofe heads are craz'd, who fpend their time 
In that poor wretched trade of rhime. 1 5^ 

Yet all the Icarn'd difceming part 
of mankind own the heavenly art 
Is as much diflant from fuch trafh, 
As lay'd Dutch coin from Sterlwgcafh* 

Others in lofty nonfenfe write ; 1 5f 

Incomprehenfiblc*s their flight ; 
Such magic pow*r is in their pen. 
They can beflow on worihlcfs men 
More virtue, merit and renown. 

Than ever they cou*d call their own. . 160 

They write with arbitrary power, 
And pity 'lis they fhould fall lower; 
Or (loop to truth, or yet to meddle 
With common fcnfe, for crambo diddle. 

But 



The SCRIB^BLERS laJI^L 17 

Bat none of all the rhiming herd 165 

Are more encoufag'd aod rever*d 
By heavy (buls to their 't ally*d, 
Vtask fach who tell who lately dy*d. 
- No foDDer is the fpirit flown, 
Ffom iti clay-cage, to lands unknown, 170 

Than fome ra(h hackney gets his name, 
And thro* the town laments the fame : 
An honed burgeft cannot die. 

Bat they mud weep in elegy ; 175 

Even when the virtuous foul is foaring 
Thro* middle air, he hears it roaring. 

Tbefe ills and many moreabufes 
Which plague mankind, and vex the mufet, 
On pain of poverty (hall ceafe. 

And all the fair (hall live in peace : i^o 

And every one (hall die contented, 
Happy when not by them lamented » 
For great Apollo \n his name, 
Rm order'd me thus to proclaim : 

' Forafmuch as a grov*ling crew, \%l 

' With narrow mind, and brazen brow, 
' Wou'd fain to poets tttle mount, 
' And with vile maggots rub alFront 
' On an old virtuofo nation, 
' Where our lov'd nine maintain their (lation ; ' 1 90 

* Wf Older flridl, that all refrain 

* To write, who learning want, and brain ; 

* Pedants, with Hebrew loots o\r- grown, 
' Learned in each language but their own. 

' Each fpiritlefs half-liarving (inner, 1^5 

* Who knows not how to get his dinner : 

' Dealers in fmall ware, clinks, whim- whams, 

* Acro(lic8, puns, and anagrams ; 

* And all who their produflions grudge, 

' To be canvaft by (kilful judge, 200 

* Who can find out indulgent trip, 

* Whild 'tis in harmlefs manii(cript. 

* But to all them who difobcy, 

' hsuS jog 00 ibUia tbeirowD way ; 

C 3 *^e:% 



73 CONTENT. 

' Bc't kend to all men that our will is, 20 5 

• Since all thtry write lo wretched ill u : 

• They muft difpatch their (hallow ghofts, 

• To P/w/^^s jakcs, and take their polls ; 

• There to attend, 'till Dis ihali deign 

• To ufe their works ; the ufe is plain.* 210 

Now know, ye fcoundrels, if ye (land 
To humph and ha ii this command, 
'I'he furies have prepared a haher, • 

To hang» or drive ye hciter flicker, 
Through bogs and nooors, like rats and micCy 215 

Purfu'd wiih hunger, rags and lice. 
If e'er yc dare again to croak, ^ 

And god of harnwny provoke. 
Wherefore purfue lonie craft for bread, 
\N here hands may better ferve than head ; 220 

Nor ever hope in vcrfc to (hinc, 
Or fliarc in Homer's fate or • 



i 



C ON TENT. ^PoEM. 

Content is *v:ealth^ the riches of the minds - 
j'hid h:ippy he ivho can that tteafure jind: 
But the bafe viiftrftarves arnidft his ft (/re ^ 
Broods on his gold, and gripping ftill for more^ 
iSits Jadiy pining , and believes he's poor. 

D K Y D E N. 

Virtue *was taught in verfe, and Xxhtta' glory rofe» 

Prior. 

WHEN genial beams wade thro* the dewy monoi 
And from the clod invke the fproufing corn ; 
%Vl)cn chc(]ucr*d green, wing*d mufic, new blown fcentrf^ 
Confpir'd to footh the mind, and pleafc each fcnfe : 
7'heh down a fliady haugh I took my way, 5 

Dt'lighted with each flower and budding fpray; " 
Mufmg on all that hurry, pain and firife, 
"Which flow from the fantaflic ills of life. 
Enlarged from fuch didrcfTcs of the mind, 
Due gratitude to hcav'Q mv (\iovitftv\& it^'A^ - Aq 



CONTENT. 7^ 

ide mc in the laughing fage's way, 
\CTC farce the murm'ring world CurTcy ; 
[ imagin'd maladies abound, 
d for OQc, which gives a real wound. 

like b he whom no faife fears annoy, j ^ 

ivcs content, and grafps the prefent joy; 

mind is not with wild convulfions rent 
le, and avarice, and difcontent : 

well-train'd paflions, with a pious awe, 

fubordinate to reafon's law : ^0 

booth content arifes like the day, 
akes each ragged phanton fly away, 
xft men (he gives a liberal (hare 
1 blifs ; fhc mitigates our care> 
ng joys, adminiflring health ; 25 

:h man's pleafure, and the poor man's wealth ; 

of comforts on her nod attend, 
her fway profits and honours bend. 

bleft content ! who art by hcav'n dcGgo'd 

af health and chcarfulncfs of mind; go 

:ontcnt (hall animate my fong, 

ke the immortal nuriibers fmooth and flrong. 

ms, thou whoie hoary beard and head 

:nce fpeak, and youth's attention plead ; 

hy gathered knowledge, and difclofc 3^ 

late of life enjoys the moft repofc. 

addrefl:— And thus the ancient bard ; 

no ftare of life fix thy regard, 
talrf may be happy, if they pleafe, 
i^'d with pain, nor lingering difeafe. ^o 

7/ the wretch, wrapt in his patched rags, 
npty paunch, fits brooding o'er his bags ; 
his look, bis mind in conOant fright, 
; but move his windows in tljc night ; 
Ihould bark, or but amoufe make din, ^^ 

Its and darts, and thinks the thief's got in : 
3 forfakes him 'till the dawn appears, 
;:very thing but fuch a caitiiF chears ; 

vghing fjge.) DemcKrUuh 

It 



So CONTENT. 

It gives him pain to buy a farthiog light, 
He jums at home in darkoefs all the night. 50 

AVhat makes him manage with fuch cautious pain i 
'Twould break a fum ; a farthing fpent Co vain ! 
. If e'er he's plcas'd, 'tis when fome needful maa 
Gives ten per Cent, with an infuring pawo ; 
Tho' he's provided in as much would ferve ^^ 

"Whole Nefiori years, he ever fears to ftarve. 
Tell him of alms ; alas 1 he'd rather chufe 
Damnation and the promis'd blifs refufe. 
'^And is there fuch a nuretch beneath the fun — / 
Yes, he retum'd, thoufands inftead of one, 60 { 

To whom content is utterly unknown. 

^re all the rich men fuch /'—He ahfwer'd, no ; 
Marcus hath wealth, and can his wealth beflow 
Upon himfelf, his friends, and on the poor, 
£njoys enough, and wifhes for no more. i^ 

Revcrfe of thefe, is he who braves the iky^ 
Curiiog his maker when he throws the die : 
Gods, devils» furies, hell, heaven, blood and woundsi 
Promiicuous fly in -burQs of tainted founds : 
He to perdition doth his (bul bequeath, yo 

Yet inly trembles when he thinks of death. 
Except at game, he ne 6r employs his thought 
'Till bifs'd and pointed at,— not worth a groat. 
The defp'rate remnant of a large eflate 
Goes at one throw, and poirits his gloomy fate ; 
He finds his folly now, but finds too late. 
Ill brooks my fondling mafter to be poor, 
Bred up to nought but botde, game, and whore* 
Hbw pitiful he looks without his rent ! 
They who- fly virtue, ever fly content. 8a 

Now I beheld the fage look'd lefs fevere, 
"Whilft pity join'd his old fatyric Icar, 
The weakly mind, faid he, is quickly torn, 
Men are not gods, fome fVailties mufl be bom : 
Heaven's bounteous hand all in their turn abufe, %^*\ 
The happicft men at times their fate rcfui'c, C 

Befool thcmfclvesi— and trump up an exoufe. j 



"^: 






CONTENT. f I 

Ts Luciut but a fubaitern of foot ? 
Hb equal Gallut is a coronet. 

Sterilla (huos a gofliping, and why ? ^e 

The tcemiDg mother fills her with envy. 
The pregnant matron's grief as much prevaifs, 
Some of the children always fomething ails : 
One boy is Hck, t'other has broke his head, 
And nurfe is blam'd when little mifs is dead. 95 

A dutchefs'on a velvet couch redin'd. 
Blabs her fair cheeks till (he is almoft blind ; 
Poor Pbili'% death the briny pearls demands. 
Who ceafes now to fnarl and lick her hands. 

The politicians, who in learn'd dcbateSi 
With penetration carve out kingdoms fates, 
Look four, drink cofiee, (hrug, and read gazettes : 
Deep funk in craft of (late their fouls are lo(l. 
And all their hopes depend upon the poll ; 
Each mail that's due they cat(e the contrair wind, 1 05 
Tts ftrange if this way men contentment find. 
Tho* old, their humours I am yet to learn, 
Who vex themfelves in what they've no concern. 

Ntnny the glaring fop, who always runs 109 

b tradefmen's books, which makes the careful duns 
CXten e'er ten' to break his (lumbering reft : 
Wbilft with their craving clamours he*s oppreft» 
He frames cxeufet till his cranny akes. 
Then thinks he juftly damns the curfed fneaks. 
The difappointed dun with as much ire, 115 

Both threats and curfcs till his brcaft's on fire ) 
Then home he goes, and pours it on bit houfe» 
Hisfervants fofFer oft, and oft hisfpoufc. 

Some groan thro' life amidft a heap of caves, 
To load with too much wealth their lazy heirs : 120 
The lazy heir turns all to ridicule, 
And all his life proclaims his father fool. 
He toils in fpeoding — Leaves a thread-bare fon> 
To (crap anew, as had his grandfire done. 

How ijthe fair Myrtilla'i bofom fir'd, 125 

If Lcdai fable locks arc more admir'd > 



te CONTENT. 

While Leda docs her fccrct fij^hs difcharge, 
Bccaufe her mouth*s a flraw- breadth, ah ! coo large* 

Thus fung the fire, and left me to evite 
The fcorchin ; beams in fomc cool green retreat ; 130 
XA'herc gentle H amber fciz'd my wcary^d brain, 
And mimick fancy op*d the following fcene. 

> rethought I Hood upon a rifing ground, 
A fplcndid landflvip opened all around, i}4 

Rocks, rivers, mcadoAi's, gardens, pai ks and woodii 
And domes which hid their turrets in the clouds ; 
*i'o me approached a nymph divinely fair, 
CeleHial virtne (lione through all her air: ; 

A nymph for grace, her wifdom more renown *d 
Adorned each grace, and both true valour crowned. 
Around her heav'nly fmiles a helmet blaz'd, 141 

And graceful as (he mov'd, a fpearfhe gently rais'd. 
My (jght at firfl the luflrc fcarcc cou'd bear, 
IJer dazzling glories fhonefo ilrong and clear: 
A majefly fubliroe, with all that's fwcet, 14; 

Did adoration claim, and love invite. 
I felt her wifdom's charm my thoughts infpire, 
Iler dauntlcfs courage fet my foul 00 fire. 
The maid, when thus I knew, I foon addre/^, 
My prefent wiHiful thoughts the theme fuggeft: 15O 

• Of all th' etherial powers thou nobleft maid, 

• To human wcakncfs lend*ft the readied aid : 

• To where content and her blcfl train refide, 

• Immortal Pallas deign to be my guide.' 154 
With my rcquefl well pleas'd, our courfc wc bent, 

.To find the habitation of content. 

Thro' fierce Bellona^z tents wc firft advanc'di 
Where cannons bounc'd, and nervous horfci praoc'd : 
Here Vi dr Amils fat with dreadful awe 
And daring front, to prop each nation's law ; x£o 

Attending fquadrons, on her motions wait, 
Array'd in deaths, and fcarlefs of their fate. 
Here chieftain fouls glow'd with as great a fire. 
As his who made the world but one empire. 
Even in low ranks brave fpirits might be found, 16 j 

Who wanted nought of monarchs bat a crown. 

Bat 



CONTENT. 83- 

mbitioa ftood a foe to peace^ 
e empty fob and ragged fleece ; 
Te more hideous to thefe Tons of war, 
idone, fmoak. and (lorma of bullets are. 1 70 
my guide, cootcnt is rarely foUod, 
x)d aod Qoify jars befet the ground. 

s weakby ware-houfe next fell in our way, 
great ba^ part of each nation lay, 
iTjh citron, and Hejpiridt oil, 175 

dft produA, and the Chinefe toil ; 
rneo^^ fpices, Arab\ fcented gum, 
Q} amber, and the Saxon mum, 
nt pearl, Holland'% lace aod toys, 
work, which the fair nun employs. i8o 

'/4 ivory, and the clouded cane, 
ineal from the (traits of MagtUoiu 
tdinavion rofin, hemp and tar, 
land furs, and Rujpa caviare, 
ic puncheon charged with ruby juice, 185; 

akes the hearts of gods and men rejoice. 
t here pours from her plenteous horn, 
ig mirrors, dock- work, clo'aths and corn. 
r. per Cents fat poring o*er their books, 
my (hew*d the bankrupts in their looks, 190 
mifmanagement their (lock had fpent, 
icfe hard times, and blam'd the governmcot. 
ve letter, and percmptor bill, 
them reil, and call'd forth all their (kill. 
\ credit bore the fee pier here, 195 

prime miniders were hope and fear, 
y chufs demanded what we fought, 
faid I, may (he with gold be bought ? 
I iaid one, then (lar*d and bit his thumb, 
tng aik'd, if I was worth a plum. 200 

8 fragrant fields, where milded weftem gales, 
with Iwccts, perfume the hills and dales -, 
onging lovers haunt the (Ireams and glaJcs, 
ling groves, whofc verdure never fades ; 
with joy and hafly (leps we ftrode, 20^ 

ire I thought our long*d for blifs abode. 



VoT\h a plum.) 100,000 Puunds. 



Wbom 



S4 CONTENT. 

Whom firfl we met on that enchaoted plaio^ 
Was a tall ycllow-hair'd young penfive Twain ; 
Him 1 addrcfl, ' O youth, what heavenly power 

* Coipmands and graces yon El^an bower? sio 

* Sure 'tis content, elfc much 1 am deceived.' 
The flicphcrd Hgh'd, and told me that I rav'd. 
Rare /he appears, unlefs on fome fine day 

She grace a nuptial, but foon haRes away : 

If her you feck, foon hence you muil remove, 2i{ 

Her prcfcnce is precarious in love. 

Thro* thcfe and other fhrincs wc wander'd long, 
Which merit no defcription in my fong : 
'Till at the lad, methought we caltour eye 
Upon an antique temple, fquare and high* 220 

Its area wide, its fpire did pierce the flcy ; 
On adanuntine Dorick pillars rear*d, 
Strong Cot hick work the ma/Ty pile appeared : 
Nothing fecmM litde, all was great deOgo'd, 
Which pleas'd the eye at once, and fill'd the mind. 32; 
Whilfl wonder did my curious thoughts engage. 
To us approach*d a (ludious revVendiage: 
hoih awe and kindnefs his grave afpcA bore. 
Which fpokc him rich with wifdom's finell flore. 

He alk*d our errand there, Straight I reply *d, 230 

' Content ; in thcfe high towers does ihe refidc I 

Not far fiom hence, faid he, her palace ftaodsi 

Ours (he regards, as wc do her demands ; 

Phiiofophy (iiflains her peaceful fway. 

And in return (lie feads us every day. 23 £ 

Then (Iraight an anticnt tclcfcope he brought, 

liy Socrates and Epinetus wrought, 

Iniprovcd (ince, made caGer to the fight, 

Lcngtlicn^d the tube, the glniTcs [ground more bright ; 

I'hrough this hedicw'd a hill, wiiufc lofty brow 34O 

F-njoy'd the fun, while vapours all below. 

In pitchy clouds, enciic'edit around. 

Where phantoms of nio(t horrid forms abound ; 

The ugly brood of lazy fpleen and fear, 

Frightful in fhapc, muli monftrous appear. 24; 

Then thus my guide, 

Your 



CONTENT. 85 

y lies through yoD gIoom» be not aghaft, 
ifldy 0O9 you'll jeft them when they're pad : 
pcy rpe^hes, hannlels as the air, 
nerit not your notice, lefs your care, 250' 

i'4 with her word* I thus addred 
: guide* and grateful joy expreft. 
:d wiCJom ! thine's the fource of light* 
nt thy blaze the world wou'd grope in night ; 
B and bliis thou only art the tcii, 25 ^ 

jd and truth before thee (land coofeft : 
[nak'il a double life : one nature gave» "^ 

thout thine, what is it mortals have ? C 

.thing motion grazing to the grave. j 

thro' the damps methougfat we boldly went. 
It all the grins of difconcent : 

puird: back, the riGog ground we gain'd» 
iward joy my weary'd limbs fuihin'd. 
he height, whoie top was large and plain, 
It appear'd foon recompens'd my pain, 365 ] 
whole beauty decked th* eoamerd fceoc. 
(I the glade the facred palace flood, 
hitedlure not fo fine as good ; 
np, nor goudy, regular and plain, 
re the columns which the roof fuftain : 270 

greatnefs in the whole was found, 
ill that nature wanted did abound. 

no beds a^^e fcreen'd with rich brocade, 
:l-Iogs in filvcr grates are laid : 
en CAina-bo^h didurb the joy 275 

ig handmaid, or the running boy ; 
ie cupboard heaps of plate are rang'dy 
nth each fplenetic falhion changed. 
atbq:-beatea (entry watcb*d the gate, 
er crofs, and pra6tis*d \a debate : 289 

:e acquaint with him, no enuy here, 
ave as Cae/ar^ or as Helen fair : 
igers fierce, but with familiars tame, 
ichjlone Difappointment was his name. 

fair infcripuon (hone above the gate, 285 

\e but kim 'wbofi will dirc^s tlyfate.* 



i 



M CONTENT. 

With fmile auftere he lifted up his head. 

Pointed the charadlers, and bid us readf 

We did, and flood refolv'd. The gates at laft 

Op*d of their own accord, and in we pad. 290 

Each day a herald, by the queen's commandj 
Was ordered on a mount to take his (land» 
And thence to all the earth this offer makes 

• Who are inclin'd her favours to partake* 

( Shall have them free, if they fmall rubs can bear 295 
( Of difappointment, fpleen and bug-bear fear.' 

Rsds'd on a throne within the outer-gate» 
The goddels fat, her votVies round her wait : 
The beautiful divinity difcios'd 
Sweetnefs fublime, which, rougheft cares compoi'd : 
Her looks fedate, yet joyful and ferene, 301 

Not rich her drefs, but fuitable and clean : 
Unfurrow'd was her brow, her cheeks were fmooth, 
Tho' old as time, enjoy*d immortal youth ; 
And all her accents fo harmonious flow'd, JOj 

That every lifl'ning ear with picafure glow'd. 
An olive garland on her head Qie wore. 
And her right hand a Cornucopia bore. 
Crofs Touchftone filPd a bench without the door, 
To try the Sterling of each Jiuman ore : 3 n 

Grim judge he was, and them away he fcnt. 
Unfit t*approach the fhrinc of calm content. 

To him a hoary dotard load with bags : 
Unwelldy load ! to one who hardly drags 

His being. More than feventy years, faid he, 3? 

I've fought this court, 'till now un found by me : 

Now let me rcfl. * Yes, if ye want no more ; '\ 

* Bat e'er the fun has made his annual tour, . 1 
« Know, grov'ling wrctdi, thy wealth's wiihout thy j 

pow'r,' J 

The thoughtt of death, and ceafing from his gaio. 
Brought on the old man's head ^o fharp a pain, 32 

Which dim'd his optic nerves, and with the light 
He loft the palace, and crawi'd back to night. 

Poor griping thing, how ufclefs is thy breath, 
\^'hile nothing's fo much long'd for as thy death; ? 3 - 

Ho 



CONTENT. 2J 

loly had thou (pent thy leafc of years ? 

poverty, to toils and fears ; 

3 vie with fome black rugged hill, 
ch contents millions of chells can fill. 

1 the greedy rock clings to the mine, 330 
lers. it 10 open day to (hinc, 

vers hew it from the fpar*s embrace, 

t drde, ftampt with Cae/ar& face ; 

lou hoard, and from thy prince purloin 

1 image, and thy country coin 335 

ing heirs have frec'd th' iniprifon'd ilive, 

» their comfort thou had filPd a grave. 

ext, who with a janty air approached, 
y youth, who thither had been coach 'd: 
re his Flanders mares, his iivVies £ne, 340 
tering gold his furniture did ihine. 
I methought may enter when they pleafe, 
e all thefc appearances of eafe. 
he march*d, nor any leave he crav'd, 
to pafs, but found hirofelf deceiv*d : 3^5 

hftone gave him on the breaft a box, 
)'d the iluices of ai latent pox; 
his equipage in hade depart, 
th looked at them with a ^inung heart ; > 
: he cou*d not walk, and bid them day, 350 
ee cramp oaths, moiuited and wheel- d away* 

ow*r exprefs'd herfelf thus with a fmile, 
changing Hiadows are not worth our while ; 
nalleit trifles oft their peace is torn, 
at night, they fcarcely wait the morn.* 355 

er beau as fine, but more vivace, 
Irs fat round him with an eafy grace, 
bred motion, came up to the gate, 
im much, and trembrd for his fate. 

ry broke his clouded cane he fmil'd, 360 

( in, and all our fears beguiPd. 

: was foon renewed which had been broke, 

\ the virtue to the circle fpoke; 

ling magt^iicent or gay we grant,. . . 

m who're capable to bear their want.* 3,6s 



88 CONTENT. 

Two handfbme toads came next ; them well I knew. 
Their lovely make the court's obfervance drew; 
Three waiting-maids attended in the rear. 
Each loaden with as much as (he cou'd bear : 
One mov^d beneath a load of filks and lace^ 370 

Another bore the offsets of the face ; 
But the moil bulkiy burden of the three. 
Was hcr's who bote the utenfils of Bobea. 
IMy mind indulgent in their favour pled. 
Hoping no oppofiiion would be made : 375 

i>o mannerly, fo fmooth, fo mild their eye, 
Lnough almofl to give content envy. 
r»ut fbon I found my error ; the bold judge, 
"Who a<f\cd as if prompted by fomc grudge, 
'\'\y:.m thus faluted with a hollow tone, 380 

' Voi/re none of my acquaintance, get you gone ; 

• Wiiat loads of trnmp'ry thcfc ?"ha, whcrc's my cro& \ 

• I'll try if thcfc be folid ware or bofs ;' 
The China felt the fury of his blow. 

And lofl a being, or for ufe or (how ; 385 

For ufe or (how no more*s each plate or cup. 

Hut all in ihcrds upon the thrediold drop. 

Now every charm which deck'd their face before, 

c;ivcs place to rage, and beauty is no more. 

The briny ilream their rofy checks bcfmear*d, 390 

Whiiii they in clouds of vapours difappear'd. 

A ruftic hind, attir*d in home fpun grey, 
With forked locks, and (lioes bedaub'd with day ; 
Talms (hod with horn, his front fredi brown and broad, 
With legs and (houldcrs fitted for a load ; 3^f 

iTe 'midii ten bawling children laugh'd and fang. 
While confort hobnails on the pavement rung : 
Up to the porter unconcerned he came. 
Forcing along his offspring and their dame. 
Oofs Touchjpone (Irove to (lop him, but the clowa 40a 
At handy- cuffs him matched, and threw him down. 
And fpite of him, into the palace went. 
Where he was kindly welcomed by Content. 

Two Bmbiart philofopht put in their claims, 
Camaiici and Critis were their names i 40; 

But' 



CONTENT. 89 

's they had our Britijh Homer fccn, 
% unruffl'd waiting on the queen, 
hacc their furly bofoms fir*d, 
lour changed/ they from the porch rctir'd : 
i they went, reflecting with much rage 4x0 
lad taftc and humour of the age, 
aid fi> much rcfpeA to- natVal parts, 
ey were (larving graduates of arts. 
deft fpU a laughing at the fools, 
them packing to their grammar -fchools ; 41^ 
ie garret elevate to dwell, 
th Sifyphian toil to teach young Beaus to fpcll. 

JI this while a gale ofeaftern wind, 

dy fkies oppreft the human mind ; 

I fet wed, backed with the radiant beams. 420 

ann'd the air, and danc'd upon the (freams, 

he ipleen, and footh'd a world of fouls, 

v^tA now the avenue in fhoals. 

in black, of widowers, relicts, heirs, 

ed lovers many handfome pairs ; 439 

ed from abroad, from camps and iejs ; 

It through fonie dangerous difeafc : 

' Belles adorn 'd with fomething new, 

of ancient prudes there were a few, 

e refrclh'd with fcandal and with tea, 430 

r a fpace fet them from vapours free, 

I their cups the lower fpccies flockt, 

» with bribes and cheating methods Hockr. 

»wV furveyM the troop, and gave comroaod 
jld no longer in the entry Hand, 43 ;. 

ivey'd into Chimera's tower, 
attend her pleaiure fur an hour. 

they CDter'd, apprchenfion (hook 

: fear was fikt 00 every look ; 
id poverty, difeaie, dif^ace, 440 

id grio, fkr'd full in every facci 
de them, trembling at their unknown fatc>, 
\t out by the Qoftcrn-gatc. 

ailed out their hour but only twQi. 
been, wedded fifteen years ago. 445 

U 3 1U 



#9 C O N T r N T. 

T -Ti' -li '.tin zz'iz'kz'jZ. i-i isx his inloJ; 

^rs :":■;-■*= .-i fr^tir— . bci*:.:"-! arc kiDd : 

r-zTi :-.:: "Vir c -h- '"Mi. zzr riartcn's :5ire: 

? zici::^. J ■: icT -. —rue * v r . i- i kri • :*!*i he » kS ihcffc 

N : - - J : :r t : . Mrs - J £:rr r. = v £-ir ^zidc 45C 

!— ? 1 TT^ J._ :-•■? =: cocicjd : 

I :'_a. re "J: J-,-: 1 :"--, ibc Irioocs £:Idj 

?-,:«.'-' / "'.ci. ^.^ i-" =;■" ti!j c iisrc : 

? : IS ~ :-zbmzttz fiajy ^ixjccri o'er 45 j 

Tr: -^"7: p-is- ci- bciu:« :"cca*d lorfc, 

T-r -i is T.CTt 5ii. sod 2L «2S pftbxd iki«. 

I :.5 i :".- i mfcil^, I vihi :bc mnaer ferae ; 

>■--;'-: i rttjra'c, iad e;s*i sac cf Qj paio. 

* 'iiir tre £0 « V. nicidc«3 ^Siiippear, 46c 

Ar J >■■ 5 i=i ^'^ '« ti<ir ibTciy :~.;zus:ts rcai ^ 

Thifr .-ik i^i r. and npLi p.tcts &>r. 

N:si :":c=2 :r.c risers ciiics xcza to grow. 

foTn^rr^c :rs £?«::^ :«-c I h^ forgot* 
1- b-f. ir.w.i~: cst:acc\i, ui b paatlS^^t 46: 

To ksov. i'r.c b'odcs cti:r2 : ::rji-ght &11 was fled, 
Ac J bo-r.iIe:s hciT*cs c i: boJcjJci oceaos fprcaJ; 
Ir-.piLirt I i^Viw.^ cy cob*; ir-^if, 
Rc\;^ ihls v.c2irjcs iicn:. ihc ''p:j'd. 

When jL.i chek h.:3ian &liks you n:!^'d« C 

Ar.ib.:".. n, Lx'ry, izj a cov*co::5 zirxd ; j 

Yci ;httk :;di ini; coocent can thus be boagjht, 
iLcic's \k\a3tiog iti:! « iraic of \:n::a;is thought. 

\\ hen n;c \c jr It^icr pn:ccstly yoQ dioic« 47 

Acd lit 1 u:;: to my cct'jnfcU did refufe 
Fant:u'.ic ^o\^, your toul uas thus picpv'd 
for II uc content ; and thus 1 do revvd 
Your gra rous i^i!. Oblcrre tba wood'cous dime ; 
Of lutarc's blei£cgs bcft aie hid the onme : 48 

Bui uiic and ¥-.ruo.:s ihocght in cooluDt coaTfe» 
Ma:>drau thclc beiutics from their hid ico foutce; 
The fmaUci't intermiil:oos «-ifl transform 
The ^cafafit fccoe, and fpoil each pci&d charai. 



CONTENT. 91 

y Tice will rob you of content, 485 

four view all hellifh woes prefent. 

igc the care b virtue you employ, 

efcnt toil will prove your future joy. 

dl'dfhe heav'oly fweet^ and parting faid, 

\ your virtuous mindi of nothing be afraid. 490 

He the cbsmniog voice fo fiJ]'d my ears» 
I th^ divine form no more appears. 
I confirm my yet undeady mind. 

lonely (hadow I rcclin'd, 

be virtues of the clime I (ought ; 49^ 

aight caird up a train of hideous thought, 

and blood, and peftilence appear, 
rieks and loud laments difturb mine ear; 
es and horrors did my fight alarm : 
i hate compos'd the wretched charm. 500 

as I faw, I dropt the hateful view, 
s I fought pad pleafures to renew, 
'nly hive my thoughts I next compole, 
lick as thou^t the following fights diiclofe : 
meadows, grotto's, groves, birds carroliing,505 
s, *and terop'rate warmth, and endlcfs fpring ; 
I tranfcript of thefe upper bowVs, 
Station of th' immortal pow*r8» 

to the palace ravifhed I went, 
i to refide with bled Content, ^10 

ill my (pecial friends met bought I met, 
'monglt the bed of mankind fet : 
with too much pleafure overcharged, 
»tiv*d fcnfes to their pofi enlarged : 
nine eyes 1 view'd declining day, 51^ 

Tom the green, and homeward bent my way, 
3g on that hurry, pain and (Irifc, 
fioW from faife m real ills of life. 



RlCHT 



- ' ^ C 9« I 

R I C H Y and S A n d y» a Palloral on the Dem 
Joseph Addison^ E/^s 

RIGHT. 

WHAT gars thee look fae dowf, dear Sandy ^ ; 
Chcar op, dull fallow, take thy reed and ^a 

My Apron Deary ^ or fome wanton cone : 

'Be naerry, lad. and keep thy heart abooo. 

Sand, Na, na, it wbna do ! leave me to mane. 
This aagbt days twice o*er tell'd 1*11 wht(ile naoe. 

Rich, Wow man, that's unco* fad^-^Is*! that ye*r 
Has ta'en the (Irunt ?— Or has fome bogle-bo 
Glowrin frae 'mang auld waws gt*en yc t fleg ? 
Or has fome dauted wedder broke bb leg ? 

Sand, Naithiog like that, fie troubles eitfa were bo 
'What's boglest wedders, or what Maufft bom I 
Owe lofs is meikle mair, and pafi remeed, 
Edie^ that pk/d, and ^g iac fweet, is dea^^ 

Rich, Dead, fa/ft thou; oh 1 had npmy heart, O / 
Ye gods; whatlaids ye lay on fecklefs maai 
Alake therefore, I canna wyt ye'r wae, 
ril bear ye company for year and day. 
A better lad ne'er lean'd out o'er a kent, 
Or hounded coly o'er the mofly bent ^ 
Biyth at the bought how aft ha' we three beeo^ 
Hcartfome on hiils, and gay upon the green. 

Sand, That's true indeed .' but now thae dajrs are gai 
And with him a' that's pkafant on the plain. 
A fummer-day \ never thought it lang j 

To bear him make a roondel or a fang* 
How fwcet he fong where vines and myrtles gfOV, 
Of wimpling waters which io Latium flow. 
Titry the Mantuan herd wha lapg finfync 
Beft fung on aeten reed the lever's pine. 
Had he been to the fore now in oor days» 
Wi' E£e he had frankly dealt hb hays^ 

Rtchy and Saiidy.) Sir RicharJ Srcd and Mr Aleauidcr^ 
a7- Uo« iarect.) His Doctic cpUUe from Inly to the fjrf 

A 



RICHY ^^SANDY. 93 

fs the warld (hall Amaryllis ken, 

^amond^^\ echo thro' the glen ; 

on burn banks the yellow go wan grows, 3^ 

id'ring lanibs rin bleeting after ews, 

ne (hall la(l : laft (hall his fang of weirs, 

Britijh bairns brag of their bauld forbears. 

neikle mi(s his biyth and witty jefl 

Ding time, or at our Lambrnaf feaft. 40 

hy^ but 'tis hard death ay reaves 

he bed fowk, and the ill anes leaves. 

own ye'r heads, ye hills, greet out yeV fpringSi 

e'r edge na mair the (hepherd (ings. 

h. Than he had ay a good advice to gi'e, 45 

nd my thoughts aroaili as well as me ; 

been thowlefs, vext, or oughtlins fow'r, ' 

d have made me biy th in hadP an hour. 

ofie ta'en the dorts, or had the tod 

'd my lamb, or were my feet ill*(hod« 50 

he'd laugh when fae he faw me dwine» 

Ilk of bappinefs like a divine. 

thing he had an uaco' (kill, 

d be moon-light how tides ebb and fill* 

id, what kend he no ? e'en to a hair 5^ 

:ll or night gin neid day wad be fair. 

hhrit ye mind, wha fang in kittle phra(ey 

le ill fp'rft did the firft mifchief raife ; 

I time beneath the auld birk tree, 

I bony in that fang he loot me fee. 60 

(Fes aft flang down their rakes and pails. 

Id their tongues,. O (Irange ! to hear his tales. 

/. Sound be his (leep, and faft his wak'niog be, 

a better cafe than thee oc me : 

; o'er good for us ; the gods hae ta*cn 6 j 

lin but back,«-he was a bbrrow'd len \ 

be good gin virtue be our drift, 

ire may yet forgether 'boon thp lift. 

s 

lofamond.) An opera wrocc by h;^. 

ing of weirs.) iiis campaign ; an bcroicvpoem. - 

lind John.) I1ie famof^ Mr NlUtoo, the author of.tlie ex ■ 

tfcm on Parutiic IfiEt^ was Wind. 



94 To Mr ALLAN RAMSAY. 

But fee the (heepare wyfing to the deugh ; 
Thomas has loosed his oufen frae the pleogh ; 
Maggy by this has bewk the fapper-fcoDCSy 
ADd,nuckIe kye (land rowting in the loans : 
Come, Richy^ let us trufe and hame o*er bend^ 
And make the beft of what we canna mend. 



To Mr Allan Ramsay, on bis Richy and Sandj 

By Mr Eurchet. 

WEUfare thee, A//an,y/hom mother, tongue 
So fwectly hath of breathlefs Jddy fung. 
His endle& fame thy natural genius fir'd. 
And thou hafl written as if he infpir'dw 
R/cfy and Sandy t who do him furvivc. 
Long as thy rural flanza's la(i, (hall live. 
The gratc^l fwains thou'd made, in tuneflrl verfe. 
Mourn fadly o'er their htc—loil patron's hearfe. 
Nor would the Maniuan bard, if living, blame 
Thy pious ze^I, or think thou'd hurt his fame» 
Since AddiJon^% inimitable lays f 

Give him an equal title to the bays. 
When he of armies fang, in lofty drains,. 
It feem'd astf he iathehodile plains 
Had prefent been. His pen hath to the life,. 
Traced every adtioD in the fanguine flrife. 
In council now fedate the chief appears. 
Then loudy thunders in Bavarian ears \ 
And dill purfuing thededru^ive theme. 
He pufhes them into the rapid dream. 
Thus beaten out ol BUnheim\ neighb'ring fields^ 
The Gallic gen'ral to the vi^r yields, 
"Who, as Britannia^ Virgil hath obTcrv'd^ 
From threatened fete all Europe then prcferv'd. 

Nor dod thou, Ram/ay » fightlefs Milton wrong. 
By ought contain 'd in thy melodious fong ; 
For none but Addy could his thoughts fublime 
So well unriddle, or his qiydic rhime. 

Ac 



r^^JOSIAH BURCHET, ^. 9j, 
:o he deign*d to let his fancy rove 
fun-burot (hepherds to the nymphs make love^ 
e*er told ia lofter notes the tales 
pleafures in the fpangled vales. 

jch» Oh Allan I I thy lines revere, 
leration to his netn'ry bear, 
lo longer eonld my thanks refrain 
it thou'ft fang of the hunented fwain. 



To Jo 81 AH BURCHET, Efq; 

irffing for fame, at the Pierian fpring 

The poet takes a waught then Teys to /log 

and with the tentied view to bit 

py fide with bauldeft turns of wit. 

(Hdein verfe, in vcrfe the moontaios rife, 5 

arth turns coom he rummages the fkies, 

op beyond them, paints the fields of reft, 

own to vifit ilka law-land ghaifl. 

me labour I wordy time and pabs, 

rae the beft, eCteem and friend/hip gains. 10 

ny luck, and let the greedy bike 

b the warld among them as they like. 

^th braid Sx:otj allow rae, fir, to (haw 

itude, but fieetching or a flaw. 

vtho' pleafures light upon ye laog, i^"^ 

the bleft Elyftan bow'rs ye gang ; C 

dapt my head fae brawly for my fang. J) 

lonour'd Burcket and his maikes are pleas'd 

y corn-pipe, up to the (lars Tm heez'd ; 

:far I glowr to the fag-end of time, 20 

IV the warld delighted wi* my rhiine. 

hen the prkle of fprafh new words are laid, 

e 6%f^^ authors (hall be read. 

mt, prood Czar^ 1 wadna niffer fame 

kee« for a' thy furs and paughty name, 2; 

at fleetching.) "But is fre^aent/y ufed for without. 1. e. 
aatc'rio^. 



yd FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 

If fie great fcrfies, fir, my male cao do. 
At Ipio a thrce-phit praBfc where it isdae, 
Frae me there's naoe defervcs it mair than yoa. 
Frae me ! frae tlky aloe ; for fure a bread 
Sae geo'roas k of a' that's good pofieft. 
'Till I can finrve ye mair, I'll wifli ye weell, 
Aod aft to fparkhag claret drink your heal : ^ 
Minding the mem'ry of the great and good 
Sweet Addijon^ the wale of human blood, 
Whafell^X^ Horace anes faid to his billy) 
Nuili JlMlior quam tibi VirgilL 

SIR, 
TQun, &c. 

Allan Ramsay 



Familiar Epijlles bcfiueen Ueuienant William 
MILTON anJAhLAii Ramsay. 

E P IS TIE I. 

GiLBERTFIILD, JunC 26th, 1 

OFamM and celebrated Allan ! 
Renowned Ramsay, canty callan. 
There's nowther highlandman nor lawlan. 

In poetrie. 
Bat may as fobn ding down Tamtallan 

As match wi' thee. 
For ten times ten, and that's a hunder, 
I ha'e been made to gaze and wonder, 
When frae Parnajfus thou didft thunder, 

Wi' wit and ikiU, 
Wherefore I'll foberly knock trader, 

And quat my quiU, 
^ Of poetry the hail quinteflcoce 
Thou has fuck'd up, left nae excreflcoce 
To petty poets, or fie mefTcns, 

Tho' round thy (tool, 

4. TamtalLin.) Ao old fortification upon the firth of Fun 
£a(l X^tliiao. 



FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 97 

f pick crumbs, and lear fomc Icflbns 1 2 

At RaM/a/s fchool. 
3en and Dryden of reoowo 
: alive la London town, 
;s coQtcndiog for a crown ; 

*Twad be a pmgic, 
jfoa three wad gar words foand x6 

Andbeft togingle. 
brm'd may I be to. a rat, 
my powV but Td create 
* fight the laureat 

Of this our age, 
1 may 'A fairly claim to that 20 

As thy juft wage, 
idem poets bear the blame 
rcfpedi not Ramfaf% name, 
1 can gar them greet for fhame. 

To their great lofs ; 
them a' right foeakirfg hame 24 

Be wccping-crofs. 
K>ords wi* thee had need be wary, 
wi' fkill thy thruft to parry, 
)u confults thy di^ooary 

Of ancient words, 
)me from thy poetic quarry, 2% 

'As (harp as fwords. 
bo* I (houldbaiUi reel and rottle, 
\ light as Arift'itle^ 
urgh we fall ha'e a bottle 

Of reaming claret, 
my haff-pay filler fhottlc ' 32 

Can fafely fpare it. 

.' Ben.) The ctlcbratcd Ben Johnfun. 

: Laureat.) 

Ram£iy prcfs'd bard, and (lurdily vaunted, 

fight for the laurel before he would './ant it : 

fic Apollo, and cry'd. Peace there, old (lUe, 

wit is obicure to one half of the ifle> 

B.Scrr.ofPoces. 
-pay.) He held his cofflmidion honourably in my Lord 
t regiment. 

d may thenars who (hine abooa 
honour notice /mJ uicrir, 

i Be 



9^ FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 

At crambo then well rack onr brain^ 
Drown ilk dull care and aiking pain, 
Whilk aften does our fpirits drain 

Of true content; 
Woy, woy ! but we*8 be wonder fain, 

When thns acquaint. 
Wi' wine we'll gargarize our craig, 
Then enter in a laRing league, 
Free of ill afped or loirigue, 

And gin you picafe it. 
Like princes when met at the Hagucy 

We'll (blemnize it. 
Accept of this and look upon it 
With favour, tho' poor I have done it ; 
Sae I conclude and end my fonnet, 

Who am raofl fully, 
While I do wear a hat or bonnet. 

Yours — wanton Willy. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

BY this my poftfcript I incline 
To let you ken my hail defign 
Of He a lang imperfed line. 

Lyes in this fentencc. 
To cultivate my dull ingine 

By your acquaintance. 
Your anfwer therefore I expedl, 
And to your friend you may direft. 
At GilbertJielddQ not neglcft 

When ye have Icifure, 
Which ril embrace with great refped 

And perfedl pleafure. 



' A N^W E R I. 

Edinburgh, J^ly lothi 

N S E fa me, witty, wanton Willy t 
I Gin blyth I was na as a fiily \ 

Be to my friend aulpicious (<;on» 
And cheri(h ay (ac fine a (pirit. 
.O'iibcrtficld,) Nigh Glafgow, 



FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 99 

Not a fow p:ot, nor ihort hoaghx giljy. 

Or wine that's better^ 
Coa*d pleale fae iqeikle, my dear B/Zfy^ ' 4 

As thy kind letter. 
Before a lord and cik a koight, 
lo gofly Z>^/i*s be candle-light. 
There iirft I faw*t» aod ca*d it right. 

And the niai(l feck 
Wba's Teen*! fiafyDe> tbcy ca'd as tight g 

As that on licci. 
Ha, heh ! thought I, I canna dy 
Bot 1 may cock my oofe the day, 
When Hautiiion the bauld and gay 

Lends roe a heezy, 
lo veric that Okies fae fmooth away, 1 2 

Well tcll'd and eafy. 
Sae roos'd by ane of well kend mettJe, 
Nae fma did my ambitioo pettle. 
My cankered critks it wiM nettle* 

And c*cn (ae bc't : 
This month I*m fure I winoa fettle, 16 

Sae proud Tm wi*t. 
Whin I begood firft to cua verfe, 
Aod cou'd your Ar^ Whliu rehearfe, 
Where Bomy Heck ran bSk and fierce. 

It warm'd my bread ; 
Tbcacomlatian did me pierce, 20 

. . Whilk fioce ne'er ceaft. 
Maj I be licket wi' a bitt]e» 
Gia of yoor numbers I thjak little, 
Ye're never mgget, (ban, nor kittle. 

But blyth and gabby. 
Aod hit the ^irit to a tittle, ^4 

' Offlandart /rtf%. 
Yell quat your quill \ that were ill-wiily, 
Yc*8 ^vD^g fome mair yet, nill ye will ye. 
O'er mcDdc haioiog wad but fpill ye. 

And gar ye four, 
18. Ardry Whins.) The lad word* of Bouny Heck of wliich 
be vas aoihor. 

14 Siandart Habby.) The clcpyon Habby Simpfon, piper of 
Kilbaxcbao, a finilb'J piece of i'^s kiod. 

I 2 T\xr. 



100 FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 

Then up and war them a* yet IVilly, 38 

Tb in your power, 
f To knit up dollars in a clout, 
Afid then to eard them round about. 
Syne to tcU up, they downa lout 

To lift the gear ; 
The malifoQ lights on that rout, ^ ' 33 

Is plain and clear. 
The chiels of London, Cam, and Ox^ 
Ha e rais'd up j;reat poetic (locks 
Of Rapes, of Buckets^ Sarks and Locks, 

While we negleA 
To /haw their betters. This provokes 36 

Me to refle<5t 
On the lear'd days ofCanun Dwtkell s 
Our country then a tale cou'd tell, 
Europe had nane marr fnack and (neil 

At verfeorprofe; 
Our kings were poets too thenifelJ, 49 

Banld and jocofe. 
To Edinburgh, fir, when e'er ye come, 
V\\ wait upon ye, there's my thumb, 
Wcrc't frae the gill bells to the drum. 

And tak a bout. 
And faith J hope we'll not fit dumb, 44 

Nor yet caft out. 

EPISTLE II. 

CiLBERTFlELD, Jufy 24tb, I719. 

Z)<f<7r Ramsay, 

WHE N I receiv'd thy kind epifile. 
It made me dance, and fing, and whiflle ; 
O fie a fyke, and fie a fi()le 

I had about it ! 

37* Gawn DunkcII.) Gawn Douglafs, brother to the earl of 
Angas, biOiop of Daokel), who, befidcs feveral original pocms^ 
bath left a mod exaA tranilation of Virgil's AcDeis. 
40. Oor kings) James the firil and fifth. 
43- Frae the gill-bells.) From half an hour before twelve at ' 
noon, when the muficbells begin to play, frequently call'd tho 
giJi-bclls, frcm peoples taking a whetting dram at that time. To 

the 



' FAMILIAR EPISTLES. lO! 

er wai kniglit of the Sects thiff le 4 

Sac fain, I doubted* 
bonny lines therein tiiou (em in'c> 
the ninei they did content me ; 
% (ae high to conapKnient me, 

Ye might derer*d ; 
ye but hafF well a kent nie, 8 

Some lefs wad fer'd. 
joybu heart beyond exprefltoD, 
iafely now in my poffeffioo : 
were a winter feffion. 

Near by thy lodging, 
attend thy new profefHon, 1 2 

Without e'er budging, 
:n down earned, tliere's but few 
/ith Ramfay dare avow, 
. for to gi'e thee thy due, 

And without (Icetching, 
>etter at that trade, 1 trow, 1 6 

Than fome*s at preaching. 
ly part, 'till I'm better Icart, 
e with thee I'd beft forbcar't ; 
the fouk of Edinburgh hcar't, 

They'll ca' mc dnft, 
>' irie and dirtfeart 20 

I mak wrang waft. 
^erfes nice as ever nicket, 
c as canty as a cricket ; 
> reply, leil I fHcket it. 

Syne like a coof 
)r ane whofc poutch is picket 2.) 

As barc's my loof* 

at ten a-clock at nlghr, when the J rum goes rout d to 
r folks tc.U for a bill. 

^ht of tbe Scots thiHle.) The anticnt and irofl no! Id 
iiigbtond, erected by k ng Achahis. The urdinury en. 
1 by the knights of the order, was a grc<n nUYa'hd. ro 
appended a chillle of goid crownM with an imprriat 
ihin a circle of gold, whh this motto, * Nemo me im< 
eflct.* 

an iomc^s at prcachipg.) This COippUmcnt i> ehtirdy 
: fulibmc hyperbole. 

i 3 UcH 



102 FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 

Hch winfom ! how thy faft fwect (lilc, 
And bonny auld words gar me fmilc ; 
Thou*8 travcli'd fure mony a mile 

\Vi* charge and coft. 
To Icarn them thus keep rank and file, 

And ken their poft. 
For I mauq tell thee honed j^Uie, 
I ufc the freedom fo to call thee, 
I think them a' fae brae and waKe» 

And in fie order^ 
I wad nae care to be thy vailie, 

Or thy recorder. 
Has thou with Rojtcruciam wandert ? 
Or thro* fome donctc defart dandert ? 
That with thy magic, town and landart, 

For ought I fee. 
Maun a' come truckle to thy ((andart 
Of poetrie. 
Do not miflake me, deared heart. 
As If I charged thee with black art ; 
'Tis thy good genius dill alert, 

That does infpire 
Thee with ilk thing that's quick and fmart. 
To thy dcfirc. 
F/en mony a bonny knacky tale. 
Bra to fct o'er a pint of ale : 
For fifty guineas Til find bail, 

Againd a bodle, 
That I wad quat ilk day a mail. 

For (ic a nodle. 
And on condition I were as gabby. 
As either thee, or honeQ Habby^ 
That I lin'd a thy daes wi' tabby, 

Or velvet plufh, 
And tlxD thou'd be fo far frae /habby, 

Thou'd look right fprufh. 
What tho* young empty airy fparks 
May have their critical remarks 

33. Roficrucians.) A people deeply learned in \hc ( 
fctciicef, who convtrfed wiih aerial bcing$. Gcnileniauhkc 
of iircxojsaoccrs, or ip. 



FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 103 

Oo thlr my biy tb diyertiog warks ; 

'Tirfroa prerumption 
To fay they're bat anlearocd darks, ^ ^ j 

Aod want the gumption. 
Let coxcomb critia get a tether 
To ty up a' their lang loofe lether ; 
If they and I chance to forgether, 

The tane may rue it. 
For an' they winna had their bJcther, ^ ^ 

They's get a flewct. 
To learn them for to peep and pry 
]n fccret drolls 't\vixt thct and I ; 
Fray dip thy pen in wrath, and cry, 

And ca' them /kel]ums> 
Vm fure thou needs let little by ^^ 

To bide their heliums. 
Wi' writing Vm fae bicirt and doited, 
That when I raife, in troth I doited ; 
I thought 1 ihou'd turn capemoited. 

For wi' a gird. 
Upon my bum I fairiy cloited £j 

On the cald card. 
Which did .oblige a little dumple . 
Upon mf doup, clofe by my rumple : 
But had ye feen how J did trample, 

Ye'd fplit your fide, 
Wi' mony a long and weary wimple, * (^3 

Like trough of Cfyde. 



j^ N S W E R II. 

Edinburgh, /%«/?, 4th, 1719. 

DEAR Hamilton, ye'll turn me dyver. 
My mufe fae bonny ye defcrivc her. 
Ye blaw her fae, Tm fear'd ye rive her. 
For wi* a whid. 
Gin ooy higher up ye drive her, a 

She'll rin red-wood. 

4. Rto red.wood. Rur di^trad^rd. ^ 



104 FAMILIAR EPISTLKS. 

Said I,—' Whiflit, quoth the vougy jadc« 

• William % a wife jadidous Jad, 

< Has havbs mair than e'er ye had» 

* lli-brcd bog-ftaker ; ^ 

< But me ye ne'er fae croufe had craw'd, ' 8 - 

« Ye poor fcull-ihackcr. ^ 

* It fets ye well indeed to gadgc ! *4 

« E*cr 1 1' Apollo did ye cadge, 5 

< And got ye on his honour's badge, 

* Uogratefou bea(l, 

^ A GlaJgonjD capon and a fadgc ix 'J 

« Ye thought a feaft. 
< Swith to Caftalius^ founuin -brink, j 

* Dad down a grouf, and take a drink, I 
' Syne whiik out paper, pen and ink, J 

* And do my bidding ; ? 
' ^ tbankfou, eUe Vk gar yc (Hnk i6 t 

* Yet on a midding.' I 
My miftreii dear, your fenrant humble, I 

Said 1, I (hou'd be laith to drumble 
Your pai&ons, or e'er gar ye grumble, 

*Ti8 ne'er be mc 
Shall icandafize, or Tay ye bumroil 20 ' 

Ye'r poetrie. ^ 

Fnc what iVe tell'd, my friend may Icarn | 

How fadly I ha'e been forfaim, 
I'd better been a yont (ide Kaim- 

amount t I trow ; 

7. ni-bred btfg-ftaker, bitt me, &c.) The mu(e not onrea/bn- 
ably aogry, pots me here in mitkl of the favours (be has docie» 
by brine me from Qalktng over bogs or wild marfhei, to lift my 
bead a little briikcr among the polite world, which couU never 
have been acquired by the- low movements of a mechanic. SculU 
thacker, i. e. thatcber of fcuifs. 

f .It fetf ye well indeed to gzdffi.) Ironically (be (ays, k beomiet 
me roiehty well to talk hau<>btily and aifront my beoefadreii 
by alledging io meanly, that it were pofHblc to prake her oot of 
her (blidity. 

11. A Gh(gow capon 8cc.) A herring. A fadge^ a coarie kind 
ef leaveo'd bread, ofed by the common people. 
24. Dad down a grouf.) Fall flat on your belly. 
»3. KauriHunoaot.) A nutedhiUin tbe north of totlanJ. - 

I've 



FAMILIAR EPISTLES. lO; 

the taz like a good bairn, 24 

Now, fir, to you. 
: your heart, gay couthy carle, 
ye beJp to toom a barrel ; 
»WD ay UDclowr'd m quarrel, 

. When thou inclines 
thrawo gabbed fompbs that fnarl 28 

At our frank lines. 
d chiel fays, Ye're well worth gowd, 
uieis 00 ye*8 well beftow'd, 
;ty Scots ye*r name's be row'd. 

Ne'er fame to tine ; 
&ed cliokersihall be cow'd, 3 a 

But ye (hall (hioe. 
the burnt fide of your (hb, 
m poets ts oae fin, 
le prize for which they rb, 

And fame's their jo ; 
blaws bell the horn (hall win : 36 

And wharefore no i 
f/ vocabit not yain glorious, 
ter (kill, than nudos tnores^ 
vagni men before us 

* Did ftamp and fwaggco 
eftt txemflum Horace 40 

Was a bauld bragger. 
.-t the doo&rts ftfh'd wi' fplecn, 
e wraog fide of their een, 
and girn wi' (pite and teen, 

And fa a flyting, 
r the liyely lads will fcrecn 44 

Us frae back-biting, 
the gypfies dinna fpung us, 
^n whiikers ha'e na dung us ; 

kii&'d the taz.) KiG'd the rod, owa'd my fault like A 

crot'kcd cHnkcr§. &c.) The (cribbring rhimers, with 
'ctfification. Shall becov'd, i.e. fborn otf< . 
Qt the burnt fide of yourihio.) As if one would (ay, 
f with your toes out ; an expreflion tiled wheR we 
pcrioD ^merrily) look bri&k. 



I06 FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 
Gin I cao fniftcr thro' mundungos, 

Wi' boots and belt od» 
I hope to lee you at St Mungo\ 

Atwecn and behan. 



EPISTLE IIL 

GiLBERTFlELDy Auguft 1^^% 

AC C E P T my third and laft effay 
OF rural rhyme, I bambly pray. 
Bright Ram/ay^ and altho' it may . ■ 

Seem doilt and donfie. 
Yet thrice of all things, I heard. fay 

Was ay right fbnfle. 
Wharefore I fcarce cou'd fleep or ilumbcr, 
'Till I made up that happy number. 
The pleafure counterpots*d the cumber, 
Iq every part. 
And fnoov't away like three hand Ombrc> 
Sixpence a cart. 
Of thy laft poem, bearing date 
Auguji the fourth, i grant receipt ; 
It was iae bra, gart me look blate, 

'Maift tyne my (cnfet. 
And look juft like poor country Kate 

In Lucky Spence'i. 
I (haw*d it to our parifh-pricft, 
Wha was as blyth as gi*m a feaft ; 
He fays, thou may had up thy crecft, 

And craw fu' croufe. 
The poets a' to thce*8 but jeft. 

Not worth a (buce* 
Thy blyth and chccrfu' merry mufc. 
Of compliments is fae profufe ; 
For my good havins dis me roofe 

Sae very finely 

48. St. Mungo's.) The high church of Glafgow, 
8. Snoav't away.) WhirlM fmootlily round. Snooving, 1 
cxprcflcs the a£Hon of a top or fpindle. &c, 

i». Country Kate.) vide JLocky Spcncc'* elegy, line 51. 



FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 107 

It were ill-breeding to refute 20 

To thank her kindly. 
What tho' fbroetimes va angry mood. 
When (he puts on her barlic-hood. 
Her dialed leem rough and rude ; 

Let's ne'er be fleet. 
But tak oar bit when it is good, 34 

And buffet wi't. 
For gin we ettle anes to uunt her. 
And dinna cawmly tbole her banter, 
She'll take the flings; verfe may grow (canter. 
Sync wi* great (hamc 
We*il rue the day that we do want her, 28 

-^Thcn wha's to blame ? 
But let us ({ill herkindnefs culzie. 
And wi' her never breed a tulzie, 
For we'll bring aff but little fpulzie, 

In flc a barter ; 
And (he'll be fair to gar us fulzie, 32 

And cry for quarter. 
Sae little worth's my rhiming ware. 
My pack I fcarce dare apen mair, 
'Till I take better wi' the lair, 

My pen's fae blunted ; 
And a* for fear I file the fair, 36 

And be affronted. 
The dull draff-drink makes me (ae dowff, 
A' I can do's but bark and yow£P; 
Yet fet me in a claret bowff, 

Wi* fowk that's chancy, 
My moTe may Icn me then a gowff 40 

To clear my fancy. 
Then Bacchus like I'd bawl and blufter, 
And a' the mufes 'bout me mufler ; 
Sae merrily I'd fqueeze the clufler, 

And drink the grape, 

a 7. she'll take the flings.) Turn fullcn, reftivc, and kick, 

36. For fear 1 file the fair.) Tiiis phrafe is ufed when one at- 
tonpts CO do what's bandfume, and is affrouted by not doing it 
r*ghf,— not a reafonablc fear in him. 

37. Dull draff-drink.) Heavy malt-U^u^r. 

'TVJ2A 



lo8 FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 

' rwad gi'c my vcrfc a brighter laftrc, 44 

And better (hape. 
The powers aboon be (Hll aufpicioas 
To thy atchievemcnts maift delicious^ 
Thy poems fweet and nae way vicioas, 

Butblythandkanny ; 
Tofee> Tm anxious and ambitious, jfi 

Thy mifcellaoy. 
A' blcffings, Rainfay^ on thee row, 
Lang may thou live, and thrive, and dow. 
Until thou daw an auld man's pow ; 

And thro' thy creeds 
Be keeped frae the wirricow 52 

After thou's dead. 



ANSWER III. 

Edinburgh, September 2d, 1719; 

My Trufty Trojan, 

TH Y Ufl oration orthodox. 
Thy innocent auld-farren jokes. 
And fonfie faw of three provokes 

Me anes again. 
Tod lowrie like, to loofe my pocks, 4 

And pump my brain. 
By a' your letters I ha*e read, 
I eithly fcan the man well-bred. 
And foger that where honour led, 

Has ventured bauld ; 
Wha' now to youngfters leaves the yed, S 

To 'tend his fald. 
That bang'rter billy Caefar July^ 
"Wha at Pharfalia wan the tooly, 

49* A* blcffings. ^c.) All tliis verfe is a fuccln^ cluOer of kind 
%vi(hes, elegantly expred'd, with a friendly fpirit, to which I Uke 
the liberty to add Amen. 

4. Tod lowrie like.) Like Rejinard the fox, to beUke myfilf 
to Ibme more of my wiles. 

8 Leaves the yed to 'tend his fald.) Leaves the martial con- 
tention, and retires to a country life. 

Had 



! 



FAMILIAR EPISTLES. xoy 

Had better (ped, had be mair hooly 

Scampcr'd thro* life. 
And 'oiidft tixs glories (heath*d his gooiy, iz 

And kifs'd his wife. 
Hsu! he, like yod, as well he cou'd. 
Upon barn banks the mufes woo'd. 
Retired betimes frae 'mang the crowd, 

Wha'd been aboon him ? 
The feoate's dorks, aod fadtion loud, i6 

Had ne'er undone him. 
Vet fometimes leave the riggs and bog. 
Tour howms, and braes, and Hiady fcrog, 
Aod helm-a'-lee the claret cog. 

To clear your wit : 
Be biyth, and let the warld e*en Hiog, so 

As it thinks £t. 
Ne'er Tafh about your nei^ yearns (late, 
Nor with fuperior powers debate. 
Nor ixutrapes call; to ken your fate ; 

There's ills anew 
To cram oar days, which foon grow Jatte ; ^ 

Let's live jud now. 
When northern blafts the ocean fnurl. 
And gars the heights and bows look gurl. 
Then left about the bumper whirl, 

And toom the horn. 
Grip fall the hours which hafty hurl, s8 

The morn's the mora. 
Thus to Leuconoe fang fweet Flaccus^ 
Wha nanc e'tr thought a Gillygacus : 
Aod why fliould we let whimties bawk us, 

When joy's in feafbn, 
Aod thole (ae aft the (pleen to whauk us 32 

Out of our reafoA ? 
The' I were Idrd of tcofcorc acres, 
^loddiog to jouks of hallenfhakcrs, 

r 3 • As well he cou*d:) 'Tis well known he could wi^te as well 
IS fight. 

a7. Toom »he born.) 'Tis frequent m the country to diitk beer 
Mt of born-dps, made -in fliape of a watcr-glals. 

a 9. Thus to Leuconoe.) Vide book T. ix. Ode of Horace. 

34. HallcDflukers.) A hallen is a fence (buih of (lone, turf, or 
K a tav 



110 FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 

Yet aufh'd wi* hamdramt, which the «eaker*t 

Contentment ruins, 
Td rather rood wP caufey-rakers, 

And fup cauld foweos. 
I think, my friend, an fowk can get 
A doll of rod beef pypin het. 
And wi' red wine their wyfon wet, 

And deathing dean. 
And be nae (Ide, or drown'd in debt, 

They're no to mean. 
I red this verfe to my ain kimmer, 
Wha kens I like a leg of gimmer, 
Or fic and Cc good bcliy-timmer ; 

Quoth (he, and leugh, 
* Sfcker of thac winter and fiibmer, 

* Ye'rc well eneugh.' 
My hearty go6, there is nae help, 
But hand to nive we twa maun (kelp 
Up Rhine and Thames^ and o*er the Alp- 

piner and Pyreniam, 
The chearfou carles do fac yelp 

To ha*e 's their minions. 
Thy raffan rural rhyme fae rare. 
Sic wordy, wanton, hand-waiPd ware, 
Sae ga(h and gay, gars fowk gae gare 

To ha*c them by them ; 
Tho' gafSo they wl' fides fac fair, 

Cry, * Wac gae by him !' 
Fair fa that foger did invent 
To cafe the poets toil wi* print : 
Now, IViliiam, wi' maun to the bent, 

And poufs our fortune, 

a iQOvetble flake of Heather) tt the fides of the door in cpc 
pUcei, to defend them from the wind. The trembling a 
dant about a forgetful great man's gate or levee, is all exprcii 
the term Hallenlhaker. 

51. Gars fowk gae gare.) Make people very earned. 

ii, \VV fides fae (air. cry, • Wae gae by himl 'Tis u(isal 
inanyr, after a full laogh, to complain of fore fides, and to bed 
Jcindly curfe on the author of the jed. But the folks of more 
dcr coiiicicnces have turned expletives to friendly wi(bes, fu( 
this; or, Sonic fa' ye, and the like. 



/ 



FAMILIAR EPISTLES. in 

iod crack wi' lads wha're well coateot 56 

Wi' this our (porting. 
Gio ony foor-oiQo'd giroiog bucky 
Ca* me conccity keckling qhucky. 
That we like oags whafe necks are yucky, 

Ha*e us*d our teeth ; 

I'll aofwer fine, Gae kift ye'r Lucky, 60 

She dwells i* Letth. 
I ne'er wi' lang tales fafh my head. 
But when I fpeak, I (peak indeed : 
Wba ca's nae drolli but ony feed, 

ril own 1 am fae. 
And while my chsMnpers-can chew bread, 6^ 

Yours— Allan Ramsay. 



I 



^n Epiflle to Lieutenant Hamilton, on the receiving 
the compliment of a barrel o/ofLodtAxk herrings from 
him. 

YOUR Herriogs, fir, came bale and fecy^ 
In he^on^ brioe a' foumin^ 
Fa' fat they are and gi|(ly gear. 
As e'er I laid my thumb on : 

Bra fappy fi(h> ^ 

As ane cou'd wifb 
To clap on fad^e or fcon ; 

They relifh fine 

Good dacet wine^ 

That gan our cares (laod yon« 10 

Right mony gabs wi' them (hall gang 

About Auld Reekie'% ingle» 
When ked|;y carles think nae lang, 
"Wbere (loups and trunchers gingle ; 

Then my friend leali 1 5 

.We tofs yc'r heal, 

60, Gae kiT* ye'r JLocky, &c.) Is a cant phrafe, from what 
rife -I know aot; but 'tis made ulaof when one thinks it is oot 
vofth while to give adire^ anfwer, or think themfclve^ fooli£hiy 
accofed. 

X. ilaieand Uejr,) Whole, without the lead faoll ot viiLixt. 

K 2 hsA 



112 FAMILIAR EPISTLES. 

And with bald brag advance. 

What's hoorded in 
Lochs Broom and Fin 

Might dings the flocks of France. 

A jelJy fuoi to carry on 
A fifhcry's dcfign'd, 
Twa million good of iS/^r//;7^ pounds. 
By men of money's fign'd. 

Had ye but feen 

How unco' keen 
And thrang they were about it, 

That we are bald. 

Right rich and aid- 
Farran ye ne'er wad doubted. 

Now, now I hope we*ll ding the Dutch, 

As Hoe as a round Robin , 
Gin greedincfs to grow foon rich 
Invites not to (lock jobbing : 

7 hat poor bo(s (hade 
Of (inking trade. 
And weatherghds politic, 

Which heaves and fets. 
As public gets 
A hcczy, or a wee kick. 
Fy, fy I but yet I hope 'tis daft 

To fear that trick come hither, 
Na, we're aboon that dirty craft 
Of biting ane anither. 

The fubjc^l rich 
Will gi* a hitch 
T' locreafe the pubKc gear, 

When on our (eas. 
Like bify bees. 
Ten thoufand fi(hers fteer. 
Could we catch the united (hoals 
That crowd the wedern ocean. 
The Indies wou'd prove hungry holes, 
Compar'd to this our Cojhen : 
19. Broom and Fin.) Two lochs on the weAcrn feas^ wl 
pUnty ofherrings are taken. 
xz, A Bfhery.) The royal fi(hety •, Cucctii to «fhich is the 1 
and hope of every good man* t 



; 



, WEALTH, or the WOODY. 113 

Then Ict*8 to wark n 

With net and bad^. 
Them fifh and £uthfu' cure up ; 

Gin fae we join. 

We'll cleeic in coin^ 
Frac a' the ports of Eur opt. 60 

Thanks t'ye. Captain, for this fwatch 

Of our (lore, and your favour ; 
Gin I be fpar*d, your love to match 

Shall itill' be my endeavour. ^ 

Next unto you^ ^ 

My (crvice due 
Meafeji'e to Matthew Cumin^ 

Wha with fair hearr 
Has play'd his part. 
And fent diem true and trim in. ^^ 



Wealth, or the Woody, A Poem on the Souih- 
Sca. JVrote June 1720* 

//// rohur if aes triplex 

Circa pe£lu5 erat^ qui fragilem trues 
Ccmmijit pelago ratem 

Primus ^—-^^ " HoR* 

Daring and Unco' (lout he was, 

With heart hool'd in three Doughs of brafi, 

Wha ventured fird upon the fea 

With hempen bracks, and horfe of tree^ 

THA L lAi ever welcome to this ifle, 
Defceod, and glad the nation with a fmile';' 
See frac yon bank where South -Sea ebbs and flows, 
How fand blind chance woodies and nvealth beftows : • 

€^, Matthew Cumin ) Merchani in Glafgo^ tnd oneoftbe" 
btc maginratesof'lKat city. 

1, Thalia ever welcome) Thalia the chearfiil innft that dc* 
Eghts to imitate Ui^a^tfoiis of mankiod, and pfoducesthe laughing . 
cwpcdy. I iiThat kindot poetry ever acceptable to )^Vlui^%. 

K3 a:^&&: 



} 



JI4 WEALTH, or //5f WOODY. 

yvided by thcc, 1*11 fail the woodVoas deep, 5 

And thro' the crowded alleys cautious creep. 

Not cafy taflc to plow the fwclling wave. 

Or in ftock -jobbing prcfs my guts to fave : 

But naething can our wilder pa/fions tame, 

Wha rax for riches or inunortal fame. 10 

Long had the grumblers us'd thtt murm'nog (bQDd> 
Poor Britain in her public debt is drorwn*d! 
At fifty millions late we darted a\ 
And wow we wooder'd how the debt wad fa'; 
But fonfy fauls wha firft contriv'd the way» 15 

With projcd deep our charges to defray ; 
Or and aboon it heaps of treafurc brings. 
That fouk be gucfs become as rich as kings. 
Lang heads they were that firft laid dowo the plan, 
Into the which round anes headlang ran, 20 

'Till overflock'd^ they quat the fea, and faio wa*d been 

at land. 
Thus when braid flakes of fnaw have clade the greea^ 
Aften I have young fportive gilpies fccn, 
The waxing ba* with meikle pleafure row, 
'Jill paft their pith, it did unwcildy grow. . 25 

'Tis (Irange to think what changes may appear 
Within the narrow circle of a year. 
How can ae projcdl, if it be well laid. 
Supply the (imple want of trifling trade ! 
Saxty lang years a man may rack bis brain. 
Hunt after gear bahh night and day wi' pain, 
And die at lad in debt, inflead of^gain. 
But O, SouthSea ! what mortal miod can ruD 
Thro' a' the miraclet that thou bad done ? 
Nor fcf imply thou thy (ell to bounds confines, 
But like the fun on ilka party (hioes* 3^ 

To poor and rich, the fools as well as wife. 
With hand impartial (Irttches out the prize* 

%i. Fain wad be at land.) Land, in the time of this goldeo t*0 
or three months, was (bid at 45, or 50 years purchuic. 

29. Trifling trade.) All mannrr of tr;:ffic and mechanics was 
at that time defpifed. Sabfcriptions and irar.sTcr& were the only 

VkgL 



3op 



WEALTH, ^r/Af WOODY. iijf 
Vkc Niius fwellxng frae his unkeixl head, 
Frae bank to brae o'c^ows ilk rig and OKad, • 40 

bftiiling lib'ral (lore of geDi4 Tap, 
Whence fun-bam'd gypfics reap a plenteous erap : 
Thus flows oor (ea, but with (his difference wide. 
But anes a year their ri?er heaves his tide : 
Oars aft ilk tday, t' enrich the commoo weal, 4; 

Bangs o*cr its banks^ and dings Egyptian JNiU. 

Ye rich and wife, we own fuccefs your due. 
Bat your revcrfe their luck with wonder view. 
How without thought thefe dawted petts of fate 
Have jobb'd themfelves into fae high a ftate, jo 

By pure iodiodl fae leal the mark have hit^ 
Without the ufe of either fear or wit. 
And ithers wha laft years their garrets. kept, 
Where duns in vifion fafh'd them while they flept ; ' 
Wha only durft in twilight or the dark, ^^ 

Steal to a common cook's with haf a mark, 
A' their hale flock.— Now by a kanny gale. 
In the o*erflowing ocean fpread their fail. 
While they in gilded galleys cut the tide, 
Look down on fifher-boats wi' meikle pride. ^o 

Mean tin^c the thinkers wha are out of play. 
For their ain comfort kenua what to fay ; 

39. Like Nilus.) A river which crofl^s a grca^ part of Afnca ; 
the (pring head thereof unknown 'rill of late. In the month of 
June it fwells and overflows Egypt. When it ri(es too 
kigh, the intinda:ion is dangcroos, and threatens a famine. In this 
fiver are the monHrous amphibious animals named Crocodiles, of 
the iame ipcdes with (he late Alligators of the South-Sea, which ' 
make a prey of| and devour all Eumao crcaturei they can lay 
bold on* 

48. Yoar reverie.) Poor fooU. 

S%. Of either fear or wit.) One was reckoned a timorons think- 
iog fbol, who took advice of his reafon hi the grand affair. 
I 60. Look down' on fi(bef-boats ) Dcfpifcd the virtt^oas defign 
' tf propagating and carrying on a filbery, which can never fail co 

ibe a real befidit to Britain, 
tfi. The thinkers.) Many of j«ft thinking at that time wete. 
imed to (ee tbemiclTes trudging on foot, when fbme others of 
very iodifierent capacities were letting up gilded equipages ; and 
IMtwitliftanding sf afi the doabts they formed againil it, yet iret- 
Mbccaoft th^ wciv not in huky u to have iomc (haics. 



Il4 WEALTH, or the WOODY; 
That the fouiuiatioo's loofe fab wa'd they (haw. 
And think oa bat the fabric foon will fa.' 
That's a' bat (ham— for bwardly they fry^ 6$ 

Vext that their fingers were ns^b the pye. 
Fabt-hearted wightt, wha dully (lood afar» 
TboUbg your r^ilbD great attempcs ta roar ;. 
While the brave daaodcis, of iic fetters free, 
Jumpt headlong glorious b the golden (ea : 70 

Where now, like gods, they rule each wealthy jaw^ 
While you may thump your pows agabft the wa;* 

On fummer's e*eo the welkia cawm and faiCr 
When little midges frilkb lazy air. 
Have ye not (een thro' ithcr how they reel,. y^j; 

And time about how up and down they wheel f 
Thus eddies of flock-jobbers drive aboat ; 
Upmoft to day, the mom their pipe's put out. 
With pcnfive&ce, whene'er the market's hy, 
Minutim crys, ah ! what a gowk was I. 89 

Some friend of his wha wifely feems to ken- 
Events of caufcs mair than ithcr men, 
Pufh for your bterefl yet, nac fear, he crys,. 
For South-Sea' will to twice ten hunder rife* 
Waes me for him that fells paternal land, 8^^ ^ ' 

And buys when (hares' the highed fums demand*: 
He ne'er (hall tade the fweets of ridng (lock, 
Which faws Dcift day :. nae help (br*t, be is broke* 

Dear Tea, be tenty. how thou flows at (hams- 
Of Hogland Gad'rens in their froggy dams. 
Left in their muddy boggt thou chance to fink. 
Where thou roay'(l'(bgnate, fyne of courfe maonftinL 

This I forfee, (and time (hall prove I'm right ;. 
For he's nae goct wants thefecond (ight,), 

70. Joorpt' headlong.) Tlirew o/Tall the fetters of rea(2iiB, k 
phinged glorioufly into confu(k>n. 

81. Wha wifely.) With grave faces many at that time pMV^ 
tended they could demondratc this ho]xM Tor rife ofSoiith-Sci« 

y<y. Holland GadVenst) The Dutch, wboin a 'learned utbi 
of a late e(1ay has endeavoured to prove to be defccoded afterstt 
Orange- manner from the Gaderens : which elEiy Lewis XIVl 1 
mi^htil/ picaicd with, and bottateoudy rewarded ihe-.Mtbor.. 



WEALTH, or the WOODY. 117 

Trhen aatanm's (lores are rack'd up in the yard, 95 
And fleet and fbaw dreeps down caald winter's beard; 
Wben bleak Nwember winds make forefts bare* 
And with fpleoetic vapours fill the air : 
Tlieo, then in gardens, parks, or fiient gico. 
When trees bear naithing cUe, they'll carry men, 1 10 
Wha fliall like paughty Romans gready fwing 
Aboon earth's difappointroents in a (faing. 
Sae ends the towring (aul that downa fee 
A man moFC in a higher fphere than he* 

Happy that nuua who has thrawn up a main, 1 05 

IVhich makes Ibme hundred thoufands a* bis ain. 
And comes to anchor on fo a firm a rock, 
Britannia^ credit, and the Soudi fea (lock. 
Ilk blythiboie pleafure waits upon his nod. 
And bis dependants eye him like a god. no 

Clois may he bend Cbampain frae e*en to momj 
And look on cells of tippony w2th fcorn. 
Thrice lucky pimps, or fmug fac*d wanton fair. 
That can in a' bis wealth and pleafure (kair, 

I \3ki^Jcve he fits, like Jwe^ high heav'n's goodman* 
^hile the inferior gods aboot him (hnd, 

I IHI be permitt with condcfcending grace. 
That Bfca ane in order take their place. 
Thus with attentive look mensfow they fit, 
*Till he fpeak firft, and (haw fome (hining wit ; 120 
8pe drdng wheels the flattering gaffaw, 
Ai wtll ihey may, he gars their beards wag a.* 
Imperial gowd, what is't thou canna grant ? 
Mcfi of thee, what is't a man needs want ? 
CoonuDdmg cob, there's nathing hard to thee, 17% 



I cuina gneJs how rich fowk come to die. 

Unhappy wretch, link'd to the threed-bare nine, 
Thedazzlmg equipage can ne'er be thine : 
IMm'd tot^ thro' labyrinths of verfc, 

Kft fpeak oi great (lock jobbing as a farce. 130 

_ 'tbooghtlcfi morul, vain of airy dreams, 
Bnk llyiiig borfc, and bright Apollo i beams. 



. ixu Tbdr hrardi wag t'.) Feafts them at his own proper cod; 
\ ibc mvab^ ^rutmio hd\ where bcuds wag a' 



And 



Its ' EDINBURGH*/ SahtatUm 

And Hclicon't werfh well thou ca*8 divine, 
Are nathing like a miilreia^ coach and wine. ' 
Wad fome good patron (whafe fuperior ikill 
Can make the South-fea ebb and flow at wiil^) 
Put in a (lock for me, I own it fair. 
In epic ftrain Td pay him to a hair ; 
Immortalize him, and what e'er he loves. 
In flowing numbers I (hall fing, approves i 
If not, fox like, HI tbraw my gab, and gloom. 
And ca' yoor hundred thoufaad ^ four plum. 



EdinburghV Salutation to the moft HonwurMe my Ia 
Mar qui fs ^T Carnarvon. 

WElcome, my lord, heav'n be your guide. 
And furder your iotendoo. 
To what e'er place you (ail or ridcf. 

To brighten your invention. 
The book of mankind lapg and wide» 

Is well worth your attention ^ 
"Wherefore pleafe (bme time here abidc^ 
And meaiure the dimeodon 

Of ounds right (Ipot* 
O that ilk worthy Brttijh peer 
Wad follow your example^ 
My auld grey-head I yet wad rear. 
And fpread my ikirts mair ample. 
Should London poutch up a' the gear t 

She might fpare me a farople : 
In troth his highnefs (hou*d )k9t here \ 
For without oil our lamp will : 

Gang bKnkan cot. 

T4». A four plum.) The fox m the fable that ieCp'feA t 
pldmbs he coo'd not reach^ is well known. xoo,ooo poonds^l 
sng called a plomb, make thi& a right pnn ; and fome puns de(et 
not Co be claliM amongft low wit, tho' the generali^ of them d 

Mar(]ui(s of Carnarvon .) Elded Ton to bis grace the duke 
Chandois, vrho ia May 1 71 o was at Edinbargh, in h& tour thi 
Scotland. 

1%, ShouM London ) Edinbargh too juflly complains that tl 
north of Britain is Co remote from the court, and fo rarely c 
joys the uBucncc of fiiidih (Urs of the fir(l magnitude* 

Vas 



[. To ibe MarfMifs of Carnarvon. 1 19 

Xang (yne, toy lord, I had a courts 
Aiad Dobies fiU'd my cawfy ; 
(But finoe 1 have been fertane't (port, 
I look oae hawff fae gawfy. 20 

Tcthere brave gendemen refort. 
And mony a handfbme lafly : 
(Now that yoaVe lodg*d within my port, 
Fow vdl I wat they'll a' fay, 24 

Welcome, my lord. 
For yoa my beft chear III produce, 
I I*n DO inake mackle vaunting ; 
I Bat roath for pleaTure and for ufc, 
' Whatever you be wanting, 28. 

IToo*s have at will to chap and chufe ; 
For few things am I fcan^ in ; 
The wale of weil' fet ruby juice. 
When yon like to be rantin, 32 

I can afford. 
ithan I, nor PiAir, nor Madrid, 

Nor Rome, I trow's mair able 
Tobofk you np a better bed. 

Or trim a tighter uble. 3 6 

My Tons are honourably bred. 

To truth and fHendfhip (hble : 
What my detracting faes have faid. 

You'll find a feigned fable, 40 

At the ikft fight. 

IMydafficlear and letters belle. 
And travelling confpire. 
Ilk unjuft notion to repell, 
And godlike thoughts infpire ; 44 

That in ilk action wi^ ai^ fnell 
Yoa may (haw manly fire : 
Stffe the fair pidute of himfell, 
I Will give his grace your fire 4S 

I Immenfe delight. 



I 



31. The wale of well-fet, 8zc,) The mod choice of fine dear 
dtfct. 

38. What my detra£Hng faes.) Thele who from a malic'iotis low 
frejodice-Cooty the ^m indeed of our nci^hbaors) have fdifly rc« 
poached us with being rude, unhoipltable and fJfe, 



C «• 3 



Tie Pr^fpeii ^ViexOf : A Poem on the North 
Fi s HI A Y, injcribcd to tbi Rigbi Han. iU Rcjal 
rovu ^Scotland* 

— ' EsMT /f vrmm §ay% ntfin waJ jr. 

CffioM. kURiutk. Hb. IIL 

TH/fL lA aoet agab io UytUboe layi. 
Id lajft umnoital chant the North-lea's pralC 
Test bow the Caledonians laog fopioe. 
Begin, mair wile, to open bahb their een ; 
Aod, at they oagbt, t'cmploy that (lore wUdi bear 
Io (sc abaodance to their hands has given. 
8ae heedJcis heir, bom to a lairdfhip wide. 
That yields mair plenty than he kens to gaide ; 
Not well acquainted with his ain good luck^ 
I^s ilka ib^dcing fellow take a j^ick; 
'Till at the lang-run, wi' a heart right lair. 
He fees the bites grow bein, as he grows l»re : 
Then wak*nog, looks about with glcgger gloiir» 
And learns to thrive, wha ne'er thooght oo't before 

Nae nation in the warld can parallel 
The plenteous prodoA of this happy iOe : 
But padVal heights, and fweet profific plains, 
That can at will command the faiteft ftrains, 
Stantyoot; for y//»/i6tr/r//^ claims our fang, 
"Wha roood ivaThuU drives her finny thrang, 
0*er (haws of coral, and the pearly fands, 
T6 Scotia'% fmoothcft lochs and cryflal firands. 
There keeps the tyrant pike his awfu* court. 
Here trouts and (iaimood in clear channels fport. 
Wae to that hand, that dares by day or night 
Pefile the ftream where fportiog fries ifdigbt. 

19. Amphitrite.) The «ife orNq»Ciine. 

xo. Thulc.) The northern idaodi of Scotland are allowc 
all to be the Thole of the anttents. 

xf . Wae to that hand, &c.) There are a£(s of parlianr 
which fcvcrcly prohibit Ocrping of lint, or any other way def 
thcfc clear rivers where falcnond abound. 



TbeProfl>e^ o/Vh^^TY. 12X 

fiat herrings, lovely ijdi, like bed to play 
In fowao ocean, or the open bay : 
lo-crowds amazing thro* the waves they diine. 
Millions on nitllions form ilk equal line : ^q 

Nor ddtc% tW imperial whale, unlcfs by ftealch^ 
Attack their firm united commonwealth. 
Bat artfu* nets, and fiftiers' wylie (kill, 
Can bring the (caly nations to their will. 
When ihcfe retire to caverns of the deep, 3 y 

Or in their oozy beds thro' winter fleep. 
Then (hail the tempting bait, and tented Rring, 
Regnile the cod, the lea cat, tufk, and ling. 
Thus may our firtiery thro* a' the year 
Be (liil employed, t mcreafc the public gear« ^q 

Delytfou* labour, where the induftrious gains 
Profit furmounting ten times a' his pains. 
Nae pleafure like fuccefs ; then lads /land be* 
Ye*ll find it endlefs in the Northern-Sea. 
O'er lang with empty brag we have been vain 45 " 

Oftoorh dominion on the plenteous main, 
VVhile others ran away with a' the gain. 
Thus proud Iberia vaunts of fov'reign fway 
O'er countries rich, frae rife to fet of day ; 
She grafps the fhadows but the fubflance tines^ ro 

While a* the reft of Europe milk her mines. 

Bat dawns the day fets Britain on her feet, 
Lang look 'd- for *8 come at lad, and welcome be't : 
For numerous fleets (hall hem Mbudan rocks. 
Commanding (eas, with rowtb toraife our flocks^ 55 
Nor can this b^ a toom chimera found. 
The (abric's bigget 00 the fure(t ground. 
Sma is our need to toil on foreign Ihores, 
When we have baith the Indies at our doors. 
Yet, for diverfion, laden vefTcls may (^^ 

To far a(r nations cut the liquid way : 
And (raught frae ilka port what's nice or braWj 
While for their trifles we maintain them a\ 

48. Tbcria.) Spain. 

S4 XkKiAkxx. rucks.) The Lfwis, and other weflern iHands. 



121 The Pro/pea of? h^^TY. 

Cot hi, VanJaist Gauls 9 He/per iam, and the Mocrr^ 

Shall a' be treated frae oar happy (hores : 

The rantm Germans, Rujpans^ and the Pohs^ 

Shall feafl with pleafure on our gufly (holes ; 

For which deep in their treafures we (hall di^e : 

Thus by fair trading, North-fea (lock (hall thrive. 

Sac far the bonny profpe^ gave delight, 
The warm ideas gart the mufe take flight : 
When (Iraight a grumbletonian appears, 
Peghing fou fair bcoeath a lade of fears, 

< Wow ! that's braw news, ^tioth he^ to make fools i\ 
* But gin yebenae warlock, how d*ye ken? 

< Does Tarn the Rhimer fpae oughtlins of this ? 
« Or do ye prophcfy juft as ye wj(h? 

< Will projc<^ thrive in this abandoned place ? 

< Unfonfy we had ne'er fae meikle grace. 

« I fear, I fear, your tow'ring aim fe' (hort, 
« Alake we winn o'er far frae king and court ? 
« The Southerns will with pith your projc^l bauk, 
« They'll never thole this great defign to tak.' 

Thus do the dubious ever countermine, 
W^h party wrangle, ilka fair dcdgn. 
How can a faul that has the u(e of thought. 
Be to fic little creeping fancies brought ? 
>Vi]l Britain's king or parliament gainftand 
The univerfal profit of the land ? 
Kow when nae fep'rate intereft eags to (Irife, 
The antient nations join'd like man and wife. 
Matin (ludy clofs for peace and thriving's fake, 
AfFa' the wifTen'd leaves of fpite to (hake : 
Let's w(ave and fi(h to ane anither's hands, 
And never think wha ferves or wha commands ; 
But baith alike coofult the common weal, 
Happy that moment friend(hip makes us leal 
To truth and right,-: — then fprings a (hining day, 
Shall clouds of fma' miftakes drive faft away. 

75. Tam the rhimer.) Thomas Learmond, alias th« rh 
lived in the rei;;Q of Alexander II f. king of Scots, and is h 
gre;il vliecna by the viiigiir (or liis dark predi^Ioos. 

Mifl 



The Pro^eil ^PLENTY. \7% 

MiRakes and private iot*refl hence l>e stne, lOO *) 

Mind what ye did on dire Pharfalia^ plain» C 

Where doaghcy Romans were by RoTrtans (lain. j 

A meaner phantom neid, wuh mcfkle dread« 
Attacks ivitb (enfelcfs fears tlie weaker head. 

* The Dutch t fay they, will (Irivc your ploi to /Jap, 

* They'll toom their banks before you reap their crap : 

* Lang have they ply'd that trade like bi!y bees, 
« And fucked the profit of the Pi^iland feas, 

* Thence riches fifh*d mair by themfcJ\es confcft, 

f Than e'er they made by India z eaQ and well.' ixo 

O nMghty fine, and greatly was it fpoke ! 
Maun bauld Britannia bear Batavia'% yoke ? 
May fhe not open her ain pantry door, 
For fear the paughty (late (hou'd gi'e a roar i 
Dare (he nane of herrings fell or prive, 115 

Afore (he fay, dear Mat hie wi' ye'r leave ? 
Curfe on the wight wha tholes a thought fae lame, 
He merits not the manly Briton'^ name. 
Grant they're good allies, yet it's hardly wife. 
To buy their friend(hip at fae high a price, r20 

Bat fra^ that airtb we needoa fear great (kaith, 
Thefe people, right auldfarran, will be laith 
To thwart a nation, wha with eafe can draw 
Up ilka (luice they have, and drown them a'. 

• Ah flothfu' pride ! a kingdom's greateft curfe, 12S 

How dowf hxdcs gentry with an empty purft ? 

How worthlefsis a poor and haughty drone, 

Wha thowlefs (lands a lazy looker-on ? 

While adHve fauls a (lagnant life defpife^ 

Still ravi(h'd^with new pteafures as they rife. v^Q 

O'er lang, b troth, have we by (landers been. 

And loot fowk lick the white out of our een : 

Nor c^ we wyt them, fiiice they had our vote ; 

Bnt now theyYe get the whidle of their groat. 

Here did the mufe intend a while to refl, I ^ ; 

*Till hameo'er fpitefu* din her lugs oppreft ; 

132. Apdloot fowk Hck. &c.) This phrate is always applied 
tfceo people wiih prcunce of frier .'(hip, do you an ill-turn, as 
one licking a mote out of your eye makes it blood (hot. 



124 'J'he Profpea ^/P L E N T J. 

Anither fct of the envyfou kind 

(With narrow notions horridly confin'd) 

Wag their bofs noddJes ; fync with filly fpitc 

Land ilka worthy proje<5l in a bite. 140 

They force with aukward gim their ridicule. 

And ca' i.k ane coocern'd a dm pie fool, 

Excepting fonie wha a' the lave will nick, 

And gi'e them nought but bare whop-fhafts to Jick. 

Malicious envy ! root of a' debates. 
The plague of government and bane of dates : 
The nurfe of politive dcftru(5live ftrife, 
I'air friendfhip's fae, which fowVs thcfwcets of life; 
Promoter of (edition and bafe fcad. 
Still overjoyed to fee a nation bleed. 1 50 

Stap, flap, my lafs, forgctoa where ye'r gawn, 
Ifyc rinon, heav'n kens where ye may land ; 
7*urn to your filhers fang, and let fowk ken 
The north- fea fl<ippcrs are leal hearted men, 
Vers'd In the critic feafons of the year, 155 

^Vhen to ilk bay the fi(hing-bufh fhould ftcer ; 
There to h^wl up with joy the plenteous fry, 
"Which on ihe decks in fhining heaps fliall ly; 
'Till carefou hands, even while they've vital heat, 
Shall be employed to fave their juices fweei: i6o 

Sirick tent theyMl tak to (low them wi* ftrange brine. 
In barrels right, that (hall nae liquor tine ; 
1 hen in the foreign markets we (hall (land 
AVith upright front, and thcfirftfale demand. 
This, this our faithfou truQees have in view, 1 6 j 

And honourably will the taik purfue : 
Nor arc they bigging caftles in a cloud, 
I'heir (liips already into adion feud. 

Now, dear ill-natur'd billies, fay nae mair, 
But leave the matter to their prudent care : I7« 

141. Lafs ) Themufe, 

154. Not tl.-fca (kippers.) The managers. 

159. Vital heat.) 'Tis a vaft advantage to cure ibcm immcdU 
atcly after they are taken. 

iC\. Stiangc brine.) Foreign fait. 

168. Into a€\ion (cud.) Several larj[ie fliips are already employ 'd, 
and Cuok in their U\\ and barrch a month ago. 

They're 



Titv Pro/pea of Vh^E^TY. 125 

re men of candor, and right well they wate 
truth and hooedy hads lang the gate : 
er to (houdcr let's (land ^rm and ilout, 
here's oae fear but we'll foon make it out ; 
I reafbn, law, and nature on our (ide, 1 75 

ave nae bars, but party, fbwth, and pride. 

icD a's in order as it foon will be, 
eets of bufhes fill the Northern fea^ 
hopefou' images with joy arife, 
cr rang'd before the mufe's eyes ? rSo 

»d of mafls, well man'd —their jovial din, 
ydent bees gawn out and coming in. 
laffa natidn, healthfou, wife, and(lark> 
fpirits only tint for urant of wark, 
low iiod place their genius to exert, 18^ 

in the coffliQon good they ^6i their parr, 
fit for (crvitude, fhail bear a hand, 
lefe find government form'd for command. 
5, this as a nurfcry fhall breed 
kiird marines, when Z?r/7j;//s navies need. !<;• 

I with their labour, when their task is done, 

II leave green Thetit to er.ibrace the fun : 
frefheft fifh fhall on the brander bleez, 
rnd thebify browser wife a heez : 

healthfou hearts (hall own their l.cnefl fl<ime» 
reaming quaff, and whoraeh to her name, j ij(t> 
; adive motion to his heart did reach, 
the cods was turning on the beech, 
poortith, Love and Hymen i deadly fae, 
gars young fowk in prime cry aft, Oh hey^ 2CO 
ogle live, 'till age and rankles (haw 
cankcr'd fpirit's good for nought at a' ;) 
it your camp, far frae our confines fcour, 
ds and lafifes foon (hall flight your power ; * 
wth (hall cherifh love, and love (hall bring 205 
en t' improve the (oil and ferve the king. 

Had slang the g^te.) H« Us long up its head, longeft kcfp^ 
I way or g^te. 

The beech.) The beech is a number of big floncs, \vfnc 
/ the cod acd ling. 

L 3. 'YUw 



126 7^ Pr^^^-t? c/PLENTY. 

Thus onivcrfal plenty (hall produce 
Strength to the itate, and ans for joy and afe. 

O Plenty^ thoa dclyt of great and fma, 
Thoa nervous (looow of baitb war and law : z$0 

The flatefman's drift, fpar to the artifl's fkill» 
Nor docs the very fiamem like thee ill ; 
The (habby poet hate thee ! that's a lee> 
Or elfe they are nae of a mind wi' me. 

Plenty (hall cultivate ilk fcawp and moor, 215 

Now lee and bare, bccaufe the landlord's poor. 
On fcroggy braes (ball akes and a/hes grow# 
And bonny gardens dead the brecken bow. 
Do others backward dam the raging main. 
Railing on barren lands a flow'ry plain ? 220 

By us then Ihou'd the thought o't be cndored. 
To let braid trads of land ly unmanar*d ? 
Uncultivate nae niair they Ihall appear. 
But Ihine with a' the beauties of the year ; 
\Vbich dart with eafe frae the obedient foil, ' 225 
And ten times cr reward a little toil. 

Alang wild Ihores, where tumbling Inllows break, 
Plerifht with nought but Ihells and ungle-wreck, 
Braw towns Ihall rife, with Heepfcs diony a anc, 
And houfes bigget a' with elHer ftane : 230 

AVhere fchools polite Ihall libVal ans difplay, 
And make auld barb'rous darknefs fly away. 

Now Nercus rifing frae his watry bed. 
The pearly drops hap down his lyart head ; 
Oceafius with pleafure hotrs him Hng, 235 

Tritoni and Nereids form a jovial ring ; 
And dancing on the deep, attention draw, 
\Vhile a' the winds m love, but lighing, blaw. 
The fca-bom prophet fang in fweetell Urain, 
' BritoM be blyth, fair queen of illes be fain ; 240 

* A richer people never law the fun : 

* Gang tightly throw what fairly you've begun ; 

11Z. FUtnens.) PrieOs. 

lip. The raging main.) The Dutch have gained a great deal* 
.fifmikcfia. 

'Spread 



The Ttfe and Fall of SlUitkM. \2j 

\ Spread a' your fails and (Ireamert in the wkid» 
' For iika power in Tea and air*8 ybur friend ; 

* Great Neptun^\ unexhaudcd bank bat ftore 20% 

* Of endlefs wealthy will gar youri a' run o'er/ 
He fang fae load, rou6d rocks the ecchot flew, 
^is true, he faid ; they're return'd, 'tis true. 

Sfft ember 1720. 



The Rife and Fall of Sto c k $, 1720. 

An Epijlle to the Right Honourable «pf Lord RamsaTj 
n^ov/'^ Paris. 

Tour pettifoggers damn their fouls ! 
Tojhare nxjtth knaves in cheating fools / 
And merchants venUring on the main 
Slight pirates , rocks, and horns for gain* 

HUOIBRAS* 

My Lord, 

WIthoutten preface or preamble. 
My fancy being on a ramble; 
Tra2(poned with an honed paiBon, 
Viewing our poor bambouzl'd nation, 
Bking her nails, her knuckles wringing, £ 

Her cheek fae blae, her lip fae hinging ; 
Grief and vexation's like to kill her. 
For tyning baith her tick and filler. ' 

Allow me, then, to make a comment 
Oq this affair of greateft moment, jq 

Which has fa'n out, my lord, (inctf ye 
Left Lothian and the Edge-nuell tree : 
And, with your leave, I needna (licklc 
To lay we're in a forry pickle. 

It. Edgcwell tree.) An oak tree which grows on tke Ci3c ot 
I fine ipring, nigh (he caftle of DaMioufie, very much obierved by 
die country people, who give out, that before any of the family 
^, a branch ftU from the Edge-well tree. The old tree f jmc 
dW year* acp fell altogether ; but unotber fpning from the £une 
toot, which IS now^tiU and flouriibing, and Usg b«'t iac. 



Il8 The Rife and Fall ^Slocks, 

Siooe poortith o*er iJk, head does hover i| 

Frac John a Groafs houfc, fbuth to Dover ^ 

Sair have we pchcd been with {locks, 

Cadlng our credit at the cocks. 

Lang guilty of the highcll treafbn 

Againfl the goverDment of reafoD ; 20 

We madly at our ain expcnces, 

Stock-job'd away our caih and fenfcs. 

As little bairas frae wionocks by 
Drap down faip bells to wailing fry, 
Wha run and wreftle for the prize, 2^ 

"With fatfc ere(5l and watchfou' eyes ; 
The lad wha glcggcft waits upon it, 
Receives the bubble 00 his bonnet. 
Views with delight the fliining beau 'thing, 
Which in a twinkling burfts ta nothing* 3^ 

Sae Britain brought on a' her troubles^ 
By running dafily after bubbles ► 

Impos'd on by langnebit juglcrs, 
Stock-jobbers, brokers, cheating fmuglers, 
Wha fct their gowden girns fae wylie, 35 

Tho' ne'er fae cautious they'd beguile ye. 
The covetous infatuation 
Was fmittle out o'er all the nation f 
Clergy and lawyers and phyficians, 
Mechanics, merchants, and muficians; , 40 

Baith fexes of a* forts and fizes 
Drap ilk defign, and jobb'd for prizes. 
Frae noblemen to livery varicts, 
Frae topping toa(ls to hackney harlots. 
Poetic dealers were but fcarce, 45 

Lefs browden dill on daOi^an verfe ;. 
Only ae bard to coach did mount. 
By finging praife to- Sir John Blunt ; 
But fince his mighty patron fell. 
He looks jiift like Jock Blunt himfel. 59 

»6.. John a Groat *s Houfc.) The nortbmoft lioufc in Scotland. 
4i7. Only ae bard, &c.) ViJc Dict-Franckln's cpi^lc. 
50. He kx>ks ju(l like Jock Blunt.) Tliis is commonly (ftjd (A 
a pcrfon who is out of couoteoaocc ai a diiappoiotmcnt. 

Some 



The Rife an(t Fall of SxwkM. 129 

>rds and lairds fell'd riggs and ca(Ucs> 
i them aff with tricky rafcals^ 
with routh of riches vapour, 
ir late honours live on paper, 
he difference 'twixt gooil land> 55 

>r bankrupt bubble*s band. 

^,uropeans Indians rifle, 

them for their gowd fomc trifle j 

jf velvet, diips of cryftal, 

sell, or baubee whiflle. Co 

ats and bankers heads gade wrang, 
ghtto millions they might fpang ; 
le virtuous road to gain, 
i on little bills with pain : 
vin thot^fands of fome years, 65 

argain difappears. 
bide, but wha can help it, 
:oach, on. foot they ikclp it. 

per Cents wha durftna venture, 

eat fums upon indenture, 70 

wha as frankly war'd it, 

t of their guts had fpar'd it, 

ing money they have lent, 

fwer'd, itetn^ A' is fpent. 

hears him with a gloom, 75 

I brock and bites his thumb, 

to grip him by the wyfon, 

im a' his days in prifon. 

do, replies the debtor, 

I never mend the matter : 8d 

I I mount Charle mMsn^ 

)ack your gear again. ' 

y rins quite by himfel, 

ice ane broke loofc frae hell. 

e my mullygrubs, - " 85 

)on thefe bitten fcrubs. 



fcl.) MaJ, out of l)is wits. 



When 



130 The Rife and Tall ^Stocks. 

Wbeo naethiog (aves their vital low. 
But the expences of a tow. 

Thus children aft with carefu' hands, 
In fummcr dam up little (irands, 90 'j 

Colled the drizel to a pool, 
' In which their glowing limbs they cool ; 
'Till by comes fomc ill-decdy gift, 
'U'ha in the bulwark makes a rift. 
And with ae flrakc in ruins lays, 9$ 

The work of ufe, art, care and days. 

Even handycrafts-men too tnm*d faucy. 
And inaun be coaching*t thro' the caufy ; 
Syne ftroot fou paughty in the alley, \ 

Transferring thoufands with fome valley : SCO \ 

Grow rich m fancy, treat their whore. 
Nor mind they were, or (hall be poor. 
Like little Jwes they treat the fair, 
"With gowd frae banlu built b the air ; 
For which their Danaes lift the lap, !•{ 

And compliment them with a dap. 
Which by aft jobbing grows a pox, 
'Till brigs of nofcs fa' with (locks. 

Here coachmen, grooms, or pafment trotter, 
Glitter'd a while, then tom'd to Inotcr : I lO 

Like a (hot (larn, that thro' the air 
Skyts eafl or weft with onko glare, 
But found neift day on hillock fide, 
Nae better feems nor paddock ride. 

Some reverend brethren left their flocks, S If 

And fank their (Hpends in the ftocks ; 
But tining baith, like Mfop's colly, 
O^er late they now lament their folly. 

For three warm months, May^ June^ and July% 
There was odd fcrambling for the fpulzy \ 12O 

And mony a ane, 'till he grew tyr'd. 
Gathered what gear his heart dcOr'd. 

93. Ill-deedy gift) A roguifb boy, Mvho is feldom witbottt doing 
abada£iion. 

io£. Danaes.) Danae the daughter of AcriHus, kingof Aigos# 
to whom Jopiter dcfccodcd in a (bower of gold. 



The Rifo and Fall of Stodct. 13! 

Dght that dealer*s ftock an ill aoe^ 
u not wordj hafFa millioo. 
bb goldco age but laficd, 125 

lac ^n bceo broke aod blafted^ 
I a perfoo well I keo 
rt' the bed gane rigbt &r beo ; 
je^ 1)etter bad fucceeded, 
le(s labour had he needed : 130 

a daffin to debate, 
rgle-bargle with our fate, 
bad this gowden age but laded, 
t foon been broke and blaSed, 
my lord, thefe had been days 135 

migbt have claimed your poet's lays ; 
n alake ! the mighty Dagon 
eh to fa' without a rag on. 
ed was a dreadfu' thunder, , 

gan a' Britain glowr and wonder ; 1 40 

lizzing bout came with a blatter, 
y'd our great Tea to a gutter. 

mony fowk with wonder fpeir, 

can be come of a' the gear I 

the country is repining, 1 45 

:a aoe complains, of tyning. 

nfwer I had beft let be» 

:11 ye jud a fimtle. 

z Eelzie when he nicks a witch, 
ells her faul (he may be rich ; X50 

iing this the bait to xlanm her^ 
)*er her een his cheatbg glamour : 
;ns and (eals, and he affords 
caps of vifionary hoords ; 

len (he comes to count the cunzie» 155 

fklatc-danes inftead of money. 

us we\e bee« trick*d with braw projedon, 

aithftt' managing diredors, 

for our ca(h, the faul of trade» 

' propines of paper made ; 1 60 

. A perlbn, ^.) Meaotng mylelf, with rfgard to my 
g this volume by rub(criptioQ. 

On 



13^ Tbe Rife and Fall ^Stocks, 

On footiog clean, drawn unco* fair, 

Had they not vanidit into air. 

When South 'Sea lydc was at a hight. 

My fancy took a daring flight, 

Thalia, lovely raufc, infpired i^^ 

My bread, and "me with fore-fight fir'd ; 

Rapt into future months, I fa* 

The rich aerial Babel h\ 

'Yond feas I faw the upftarts drifting, 

Leaving their coaches for the lifting. j ^q 

Thefe houfes fit for wights ganc mad, 

I faw cramm'd fou as they cou*d had ; 

While Kttle fauls funk with defpair, 

Implor'd cauld death to end their care. 

But now a fwecter fcene I view, 17^ 

Time has, and time fhall prove Tm true ; 

For fair AJirea moves frae heav'n, 

And (hortly fhall make a' odds ev 0. 

The honcft man fhall be regarded. 

And villians as ihcy ou^ht rewarded. 180 

The fetting moon and rofie dawn 

Befpeak a fhining day at hand ; 

A glorious fun (hall (bon arife, 

To brighten up Britannia's fkies. 

Our ki ng and fcnate fhall engage i^e 

To drive the vultures off the ftagc : 

Trade then fliall flourifh, and ilk art, 

A lively vigour (hall impart 

To credit languishing and famifhr, 

And Lomhard'Jireet fliall be repleniflii. |g^ 

Got fafe afhore after this blafl, 

Britons fliall fmile at follies part. 

God grant your lordfliip joy and health, 
Lang days and rowth of real wealth ; 
Safe to the land of cakes heav'n fend ye> ia# 

And frae crofs accidents defend ye. 

Edinb, March 25, 
1721. 

KJ4. My fancy. 5cc.) Wealth or the Woody, wrote in the 
moath of June lad. 

PRO- 



C 133 ] 
PROLOGUE. 

tne of the young gentlemen f nuho, for their hn* 
ent and diver ^on, aCledthe Orphan, and Cheats 
Mil, the laft night of the year 17 19. 

W lads, and bonny laffcs, welcome here, — 
wha's to entertain ye, — never fpcer. — 
is bed. — Tho* we be leal and true, 
e and wk's raair than we dare avow. 
y (ays to fome fowk, we're to blame, 5 

a fcandal and black burniog (hame 
young callands thus to grow fae fnack, 

O mighty crimes! — to fpcak and a^.— — 

'8, quoth Dunce^ are unco' things indeed ! 

le gloom'd and fhook bis thick bofs head. 

^apery^ Papery I cry'd his oibour ncift, 

at Rome by fome malignant pried, 
away fowks minds frae doing well, 
'abKer, McMillan and Myeil. 

them tauk. In fpite of ilk cadaver, 1 5 

:ri(h wit, and fcorn their fead or favour ; 
7e to bring in aflive eloquence, 
I while upon our fame's expence. 

;. Our fame will mount with mettled caries, 

ic reft, we'll be aboon their fnarls. 20 

wn the fools, wha dare with empty rage 
\ face of virtue and the ftage. 
xtics in pulpits thump and rair, 
ling orthodox b' expeded there ? 
rump cut off a royal head, 25 

nitber parliament fucceed ? 
the Drama's aft debauch 'd and rude, 
for fome are bad, refufe the good ^ 

J that if there be ony log, 

ne to keek upon us here incogs 30 

X, thrice. But now I think on't, (lay, 

bing clfe to do, and muft away. — 

KtfT ) One who put ihc canting phrafcs of M*Mi!Un 
(two Dou-conforming hill preachers) iato wretched 



134 7y5<? S A T Y RV Comic Projedl, drr. 
This prologue was dcfigo'd for ufc and fport. 
The chiei that made ic^ let him anfwer for't. 



Cupid thrown info the South-Sea. 

MY R T I L L A, as like Venus' fell. 
As e'er aD egg was like anitber, 
Anes Cupid met upon ihe Mall, 
And took her for his boony mitber* 

He wing'd his way op to her brcaft ; 

She darted, he cry'd» Mam, 'tis me ; 
The beauty, in o'er rafh a jeft, 

Flangthe arch gytling in South Sea, 

Frac thence he raife wi' gilded wings, 

His bow and (hafts to gowd were chang'd ; 

Dcel's i' the fca, quoth he, it dings ; 
Syne back to Mall and park he rang'd. 

Breathing raifchicf, the god Ipok'd gurly, 
With transfers a' his darts were feather'd; 

He made a horrid hurly burly, 

Where Beaus and Belles were thickcft gathered. 

He tentily Myrtilla fought, 

And in the thrang Change- Alley got her ; 
He drew his bow, and quick as thought 

With a braw new fubfcription (hot her. 



The Sa T yr'/ Comic Proje<ayor recovering a young B. 
rupt Stock jobber. 

A SONG. 

ON the (hore of a low ebbing fea, 
A (ighing young jobber was feen. 
Staring wifh fully at an old tree 

Which grew on the neighbouring grccD. 

Fiom the begioning to the »oth Udc, fing to the tune of C 
CompUint. 

. Th< 



Tie SATYK'j Comic Projca, ifc. 135 
There's a tree Uiat can fmifli the ftrifc 

And dlTorder that wars in my bread, 
What need orte be pain'd with his life, 

When a halter can purchafc him relt ? 8 

Sometimes he would flamp and look wi!d» 

Then roar out a terrible curfe 
Oo bubbles that had him beguilM, 

And left ne'er a doit in his purfe. 12 

A Satyr that wandcr'd along, 

"With a laugh to his raving reply'd ; 
The ravage malicioufly fung, 

And jok'd while the (lock -jobber cry'd. 16 

To mountains and rocks he complain 'd, 

Hs cravat was bath'd with his tears ; 
The Safyr drew near like a friend. 

And bid him abandon his fears. sjD 

Ssud he, have ye been at the Tea, 

And met with a contrary wind. 
That you rail at fair fortune fo free ? 

Don*t blame the poor goddefsj fhe's blind. 24 

Come hold up thy head, foolifli wight, 

ril teach thee the lofs to retrieve ; 
Obferve me this projed aright, 

And think not of hanging, but live. ^38 

iif^r^//^ conceited and old, 

AfFeds in her airs to fcem young. 
Her jointure yields plenty of gold, 

And plenty of nonfenfe her tongue. 32 

Lay fiege to her for a (hort fpace. 

Ne'er mind that (he's wrinkled or grey ; 
Extol her for beauty and grace. 

And doubt not of gaining the day. 36 

In wedlock ye fairly may join. 

And when of her wealth you are furc, 
Make free with the old woman's coin. 

And purchafc a fprightly young W • 4 o 

From the »ift line, where the Satyr begins to fpeak, to the 
tune of, The Kirk wad let me be. 

M 2 TV 



[ 138 3 • 

On theCxtkX Eclipfc of the Sun, the 22d e^ April, : 
e'c/jcJi of the vioriiing^ *wrotc a tnonth before it i 
pitied^ March 17 15. 

NO W do I prefs among the learned throng, 
To tell a great Eclipfc in little fong. 
At me nor fcheme, nor demonftration afk. 
That is our Gregoty\ or fam*d HaUey\ talk : 
' ris they who are converfant with each ftar, 
'^'Ve know how planets planets rays debar. 
This to pretend, my mufc is not fo bold, 
i^he only echoes what (he has been told. 

Our rolling globe will fcarce have made the fun 
Seem half way up OlyrNpm to have run, 
When night's pale queen in her oft changed way, 
^Vill intercept in dircdl line his ray. 
And make black night ufurp the throne of day. 
'i^he curious will attend thai hour with care, 
And wifh no clouds may hover in the air. 
To daik the medium, and ob(lru6l from fight 
The gradual motion and decay of light, 
WhiKl thoughtlefs fools will view the water pall. 
To fee which of the planets will prevail : 
'>or then they think the fun and moon make war; 
Thus nurfcs tales ofiimcs the judgment mar^ 

When this ftrange darkncfsoverfhades the plains, 
'Twill give an odd furprife t' unwarned fwain^ 
Plain hcncd hinds, uhodo not know the caule, 
Nor know of orbs, their motions or their laws, 
Will from the half plough*d furrows homeward bend, 
In dire confufion, judging that the end 
Of time approacheih ; thus pofTcll with fear. 
They'll think the general conflagration near. 
The traveller benighted on the road 
WiJl turn devout, and fopplicatc his god. 
Cocks with their careful mates and younger fry. 
As if 't were evening, to their roods will fly. 

4. Our Gregor)*») Mr Gregory, profvflbr of mathcmatic! 
Edinburgh. Fani'U Hallcy, fcUow of ll.c royal (bcicty, Londc 
' ^. JRoliing globe.) According to the Cojpcrnican fyHcm. 

T 



Ths Gentleman's Qualificattoos. ijy 

The horned cattle will forget to feed, 
And come home lowing from the grafTy mead. 35 

Each bird of day will to his ncfl repair. 
And leave to bats and owls the dufky air. 
The lark and little robin's foftcr lay 
Will not be heard till the return of day. 
Now this will be great part of Europe's cafe, ^0 

While Phebis as amafk on Phoebus' face. 
The uuleam'd clowns who don't our Mra koow^ 
From this dark Friday will their ages fhow; 
As I haVe o^tcn heard old country men 
Talk of dark Monday^ and their ages then. 4^ 

Not long (hall lafl this nran;;c uncommon gloom 
M'hen light difpels the ploughman's fear of doom; 
With merry heart he'll lift his ravifh'd fight 
Up to the heav'ns, and welcome back the light. 
How jud's the motions of thefe whirling fphercs ! 50 
Which ne'er can err while time is met by years. 
How vafl is little man's capacious foul I 
That know how orbs thro' wilds of Mther roll. 
How great's the power of that omni£c hand ! "^ 

^Vhogavc them motion by his wife command, ^5 C 

That ihcy (hould not, while time had being, ftand. j 

7he Gentleman'/ Qualifications, as debated by 
Jome oftke Felloes o/tbe Kasy Clvb, A pril 1 7 1 5 . 

FROM different ways of thinking comes debate. 
This we defpife, and that we over-rate, 
Jutt as the fancy takes, wc love or hate. 

£a(y Club ) A juveniie focicty, of which I am a fellow, from 
tbe general antipathy we all feem'd to have at the ill-humour and 
cootradidions which arifc from tiiflcs, cfpecially thofe which con- 
fliMie Whig and Tory, without having the grand reaibn for it; 
tlis engaged us to take « pleafure in the (bund of an Ka(y Club. 

The Club, by one of cur fpecial laws, mull not exceed twelve; 
lod any gentleman at his admiffion was to take the name of (bme 
Scots author, or one emiocot for ibmethiog extraordinary, for 
obfcuring his real name in the regifhr of our lucubrations, fuch 
li are named io this debate, Tippermalloch, Buchanan, Hcdtor 



^ 



s4a Tie GentlenoanV QoalificatioDr. 

Hence IVhig and Tory live in endlefs jar, 
And rood df fiumlies in civil war : 
Hence 'mongft the eaficd men beneath the (kief> 
£?'n in their eafy ck>mc> debates arife : 
As late they did with (Irength of judgment fcan 
Thefe qualities that form a gentleman. 
Firft Tippemialloch pled with Spanijh grace 
That gentry only fprung from antient race, 
Whofe jiaroes in old records of time were fix'd. 
In whofe rich veins fome royal blood was mix'd* 
I being a poet fpmng from a Douglas* lob. 
Id this proud thought did with the do^or join ;. 
With thtf addition, if they could fpeak fenfe, 
^ Ambicioiis I, ah ! had no more pretence. 
Bp^l/iManf iritbflt£F argument and bold, 
MbA 06*^ ^<>o^ >^ ^^^^ ^o'" powerful gold,. 
H\m'*Stf&^ Bocce join'd^ they argu'd flroog ; 
Said tb^,tO wealth that title mud belong ; 
If menare'fich, they're gentle ; and if not. 
You'll own their birth and feofc are foon forgot. 
Pray fay, laid they, how much rcfpcdlful grace 
Demands an old red- coat and mangled face I 
Or one, if he could like an angci preach. 
If he to no rich benefice can reach ? 
Ev'o progeny of dukes are at a (land 
How to make out bare gentry without land; 
But f>i!i the do^or would not quit the field. 
But that rich updarts fliould to bir<h right yield ;. 
He grew more diff, nor would the plea let go. 
Said he was right,. and fwore it diouldbe (b. 

But happy we, who have fuch wholfbme laws, 
'Which without pleading cad decide a caufe. 
To this good law recourfe we had at lad, 
That throws off wrath, and makes our friendibipfii 
In which the legidators laid the plot,. 
To end all comroverfy by a vote. 

Yet that we more good'^humour might difplay^ 
We frankly tum'd the vote another way ; 
As in each thing we common topics digo, 
^ the great prize, nor birthnor riches woo^ 



i 

I 



On WIT. 141 

The vote was carried thus, that eafy he 
AVho (hould three years a focia] feJlow be, 45 

And to our Eafy Club give do ofTeoce, 
After triennial tryal, fhould commence 
A gentkman, which gives as juft a claim 
To that great citle> as the blaft of fame 
Can give to them who trade in human gore^ 50 

Or tbofe who heap up hoards of coined ore ; 
Since in our fociai fciendfhip nought's defign*d 
But what may raife and brighten up the mind ; 
We aiming cfofe to walk by virtue's rules» 
To find true honour's felf, and leave her (hade to fools. 



On W I T. 



' Y eafy friends, (Ince ye think fit 
This night to lucubrate 00 wit ; 



M _ 

And unce ye judge that I eompofe 

My thoughts in rhime better than prole, 

riJ give' my judgment in a fang, % 

And here it comes, be't right or wrang. 

BotMofaTUtellatale 

That with my cafe runs parallel. 

There was a nanting lad in Fife^ 
^'ha cou'd na for his very life IQ 

Speak without fiaonneriog very lang. 
Yet never mantdd when he fang. 
His father's kilo he aoes faw burning, 
^^'hicfa gart the lad run breathlefs mourning ; 
Hameward with cliver (Irides he lap, 15 

To tell his daddy his mi(hap. 
Aidiftance e'er he reach'd the door. 
He ftood and rais'd a hideous roar. 
His father when he heard his voice, 
Stcpt oot and faid, why a' this noife ? 20 

3. Since ye jodge, &c.) Being but an indifferent (brt of an 
orator, my firiends wonid merrily allcdgc that I was not ^o happy 
>opro(c as rhime; it was carried in a vote, againd which there is 
Do opporitioD, and the night appointed for [bme Icdons on wit, I 
was ordered to give my Uioughts in verfc. 



142 On FRIENDSHIP. 

The calland gap*d and glowfd about. 
But no ae word cou'd he ]ug out. 
His dad cry'd, kentng his defeA> 
Sing, ling, or I (haU break your neck. 
Then foon he gratify*d his fire. 
And fang aloud, your kiln^s a-Jtre. 

Now ye'Il allow therc*8 wit in that. 
To tcll a talc fac very pat. 
Bright wit appears in mony a (hape,- 
"Which fome invent and others ape. 
Some (haw their wit in wearing claiths. 
And fome in coining of new aiths ; 
There's crambo wit in making rhime> 
And dancing wit in beating time : 
There's mettled wit in ftory telling, 
In writing grammar, and right fpelliog ; 
Wit fhines io knowledge of politics, 
And wow ! what wit's amang the critics. 

So far, my mates, excufe me while I play 
In drains ironic with that heavenly ray, 
Rays which the human intellcAs refine, 
And makes the man with brilliant luflre (hine» 
Marking him fprung from origin divine. 
Yet may a well-rigg*d (hip be full of flaws, 
So may loofe wits regard no facred laws : 
That (hip the waves will foon to pieces (hake. 
So 'midft his vices iinks the witty rake. 
But when on firfl-rate virtues wit attends, 
It both itfelf and virtue recommends. 
And challenges refpeft wheree*cr it blaze extends. 



On Friendship. 

TH E earth-bom clod who bugs his idol pelf. 
His only friends are Mammon and himfelf : 
The drunken fots, who want the art to think. 
Still ceafe from fricndfkip when they ceafe from drink. 
The empty fop, who fcarce for man will paft, 
Ne'er fees a friend but wbco he views his glaf^. 

Friei 



KEITH A: ^ Pafloral. J43 

Fricndfhip firft fpriogs from fympathy of mind, 
'Which ta complete the virtues all combine* 
And only found 'mongft men who can efpy. 
The merits of his friend witliout envy. 
Thus all pretending friendship's but a dream, 
Wbofc bafc is not reciprocal ellcem. 



KiiTHA : A Paftoral, lamenting the death of the Right 
Hon. Mary Countefs ^/^Wigtouo. 

R I NC A N. ' 

O'ER ilka thing a gcnVal fadnefs hings ! 
The burds wi' melancholy droop their wings ; 
My (hecp and kye negledt to moup their food. 
And feera to think as in a dumpifh mood. 
Hark how the winds Touch mournfu' throu' the broom. 
The very lift puts on a heavy gloom : 
My neibour Colin too, he bears a part, 
Hu face fpeaks out the fairnefs of his heart ; - 
Tell, tell me, Coliny for my bodding thought, 
A bang of fears into my bread has brought. lo 

COLIN. 

Where haft thou been, thou fimpleton, wha (peers 
The caufe of a* our forrow and our tears ? 
^Vha ucconccm'd can hear the common (Icaith 
The warld receives by lovely Keithai dcjth ? 
The bonntefl fample of vvhat*s good and kind ; 1 5 

Fair was her make, and hcav'nly was iicr mind. 
But now this fweetefl flower of a' our plain 
Uaves us to figh, tho' a* our fighs are vain ; 
Foroever mair (he'll grace the heartfome green. 
Ay heartfbme, when (he deign *d ther^ to be feen, 20 
Speak, flow'ry meadows, where (he us'd to wauk ; 
Speak, flocks and burds, wha've heard her fing or tauk ; 

Did ever you fac meikle beauty bear ? 

Or ye fo mony heav'niy accents hear ? 

Ye painted haughs, yc mioflrclsofthealr 2f 

Ument, for lovely Keitha is nac mair. 



144 K.EITHA: ^ PiflonJ, 

R i NG A N. 
Ye wcftlin winds that gtotly iis*d to play * 
On her white breaft, and (leal fbme fweetstway, 
\Vhilft her deiicioas breath perfom'd yoar braeze, 
Which gratefu* Flora took to feed her bees ; 
Bear on your wiags» round earth, her fpodefi bmz^ 
Worthy that ooble race from whence (became : 
Re(bundiog braes, where e*er (he iis*d to leaa» 
And view the cry(bl bum glide o*er the greefi» 
Return your echoes to^twr moumfu^ iang» 
And let the (treams b murmors bear't alang* 
Ye unkend powers, wha water haunt or air, 
Lainent, for lovely Keitha is nae mair. 
COLIN. 
Ah ! wha* cou'd tell the beauties of her face ? 
Her mouth, that never op'd but wi' a grace ? i| 

Hereen, which did with hcav*n]y (paikles low ? 
Her modeft cheek, fiufh'd with a rolie glow ? 
Her fair brent brow, fmooth as th' unrunkled deep, 
WhcD a' the winds are in their caves afleep ? 
Her prefeoce, like a £mmer's moroing ray, J{ 

Lighten*d our hearts, and gart ilk place look gay. 
Now twin*d of life, thefe charms look cauld and blae, , 
And what before gave joy, now makes us wae. 

Her goodnefs fhin'd in ilka pious deed, 

A fubjc^t, Ringan, for a lofty reed ! J 

A fhepherd's fang maun fie high thoughts decline, 
Lcfl rudic notes (hould darken what's divine. 
Youth, beauty, graces, a' that's good aud (air 
Lament, for lovely Kcltha is nae mair. 
R 1 N G A N. 
How tenderly (he fmooth'd our maker's mind, 5 
When round his manly wai/l her arms (he twin'd, 
And look'd a thoufand faft things to his heart. 
While native fweetnefs fought nae help frae art ! 
To him her merit IWI appeared mair bright. 
As yielding (he own'd his fuperior right. 6 

Baith faft and found he flept within her arms. 
Gay were bis dreams, the influence of her charms. 

3x. Worthy that noble race.) She u-as daughter to the late Eaj 
3J4r/ha], the third of that honourable rank of nobility. 

Sooi 



KEITH A: A Paftoral. 14s 

Soon as the morniog dawo*d he'd draw the fcreeD, 
And watoh the op* rung of her fairer een ; 
Whence fweeted rays gufht out in (ic a thrang, 
Beyond expftffioB in. my rural fang. 

COLIN. 
O Clementina ! fprouting fair remains 
Of her, wba was the glory of our plains, 70 

Dear innocence, with infaot-darknefs bleil. 
Which hides the happinefs that thou haft nrifl. 
May a' thy mither's Aveets thy portion be, 
Aod a' thy mither's graces fhine in thee. 

R I N G A N. 
She loot us ne'er gae hungry to the hill, 
And a' (he gae, (he gecd it wi' good will ; 
Fow mony, mony a ane will mind that day 
On which firae us fhe*s tape fae foon away ; 
Haith hynds and herds wha's cheeks befpake nae (cant, 
And throu' the howms could whifUe, (ing and rant, 
Will mifi her fair, 'till happily they £nd 
Anither in her place fae good and kind. 
The lafl*es wha did at her graces mint, 
Ha'e by her death their bonnied pattern tint. 
Oilka ane who did her bounty fkair, 85 

Umcflt, for genVous Keitha is nae mair. 
CO L I N. 
Ringan, Ringani things gang fae unev^Oj 
Icanna well take up the will of heav'n. 
Our crofles teughly lail us mony a year, 
But ooco (bon our blefTings difappear. ^^ 

R I NG AN. 
in tell thee, Colitjy my laft Suada/z note» 
I tented well mafs Thomas ilka jot. 
Hie powers aboon are cautious as they're juft, 
Aod dunaa like to gi'e o'er meikle truft 
To this onconftaot earth* with what's divine, 95 

hd^'m Isugh damps they (hould their luftrc tine. 
Sae kt's kave a^our roumauring and tears, 
Aod never value life by length of years : 
Boc as we can in goodnels it employ, 
lyoc wha dies fimj firft gains eternal joy. \ o« 

N Coa\c» 



146 AJdrffs ta th Council 6f Ediobdrgh* 

Come, 6W/17, dight your cheeks and baoUh care. 
Our lady's happy, tho* with os nac 1 



To the Right Hm, the Trjjn -Council ^Edinbvkg 
Th.' Addrefs •/ A 1.1. Mi RAMSAY. 

YOUR poet humbJy meaos and (haws. 
That contrair to jud rights and laws 
Tve fuffct'd mockle wrang 
By Lucky ReiJ. anJ ballad-lingers, . 
W ba thum'd with their coarfe dirty fingers 

Sweet EMfs fuoeral-fang. 
They fpoil'd my fenfe and (hiw my cafli. 

My maic's ^idc morgully^d, 
Aod printing it like their vile traib. 
The booed lieges whilly'd. 

Thus undone, to LokJm 
It gadc to my difgracc. 
Sac pimpin and limpin 
In rags wi* bluthcr'd face. 

Y<* g^cg eyed friends throw the difgulfe 
Received it as a dainty prize. 

For a' it was fac hav'ren, 
Cart Lintot take it to his prefs, 
Aod dead it in a braw new dre^. 

Sync took it to the t .vcrn. 
But tlio' it was made clean and braw, 
V Sac fair it had been knotted, 
It blathcr*d buff before them a\ 
And aftenttmes turn'd doited. 

4- Lucky Rcid.) A printer's rdid, wlio «kh the bawkcn 
printed my pitWal 09 Mr AdiSlao, uithoat my ]uio«k4ge, 
ogly paper, full of errors. 

IX. 1 o LonJon.) One of their cncotreO oo|hcs was re-prin 
at London by Bernard Lintot, in Fotio firfi, befcire he prioln 
a fccond time from a correA copy of my own, with the bono 
able Mr Buuiicc*s EngUlb verfiOQ of it. 

23. Bh:her*d bnlf) Spoke non(c.n(e. from woids bdng waiiti 
aod nun) v\ rong ipcil'd and chug*d, fucb as gru for gari^ pi; 
t'^r piiiiXc, ike. 



.INSCRIPTION, «5rr. 147 

It gnev*d me, and reav'd me 25 

Of kiodly deep and refl. 
By carlings and gorlings 
To be fair oppreft. 

Wherefore to you, ne'er kcnd to guide il), . 

Eut wifely bad the good town's bridle, 30 

My cafe I plainly tell. 
And, as your ain, plead I may have 
Your word of weight, when now I crave 

To guide my gear my feM. 
Then clean and fair the type (haU be, 35 

The paper like the fnaw, 
Kor (hall our town think (hame wi* ne. 
When we gang far awa. 

What's wanted, if granted 

Beneath your honoured wing^ 40 

Batth hantily and cantily 

Your fupplkant Hull fing. 



hfcripthn on the GoldTea'pot\ gained by Sir James 
CuNNiMGHAM ^ Milncraig, Barf. 

AF T E R the gaining EdinhurgFt prize 
The day before with running thrice. 
Me Milncrai^z rock mod fairly won. 
When thrice again the courfe he run : 
Now for diveriion 'tis oiy (hare 
To mo three heats, and pleafc the fair. 

St. At your aio.) A free eltuen. 

3). Your word of weight.) To Interpol their juO ^oHiority 
10 my fiivoar, and grant me an aA co ward otf thclc little piratc5, 
vKiek J grttefiilly acknowledge the reccic of. 

jft. Shall fing ) Tiiere being abundance of tbdr petitioDcis 
wfao daily oblige tbcmfdvcs to pf%y. 



N z Lifcription 



ISO An Epiftle to Mr ARBlTCK-LE. 

Dcfign Laconic of a letter, 

"With heap oflanguage and no matter.) 

Bang'd up my blyth auld-fafhion'd wbittie. 

To fowf ye o*er a (hort epiftlcy 29 

IVithout rule, compaifes, or charcoal. 

Or ferious (ludy in a dark hole. 

Three times I ga*e the mufe a rug. 

Then bate my nails and claw'd my lug ; 

Still heavy, at the la(V my nofe 25 

I prim'd with an infpiring dofe. 

Then did ideas dance, (dear fafe us !) 

As they'd been daft Here cods the preface. 

Good Mr Javies Arbuckle^ Sir, 
(That's merchant's (lile as clean as fir) ^lO 

YcVe welcome back to Calcdonie^ 
Lang life and thriving light upon ye, 
Harved, winter, fprirg and fuftimer, 
And ay keep up your hcartfome humor. 
That ye may thro* your lucky tafk go, 3 j 

Of brufhing up our fifter Clafgvm ; 
\\'here lads are dcxt'rous at improving, 
And docile lafTes ^ir and loving : 
But never tent thefc fellows giming, 
Wha wear their ^ces ay in mourning, 40 

And frae pure dulnefs are malicious, 
Terming ilk turn that's witty, vicious. 

Now, Jamie, in neift place, Seeundo, 
To give you what's your due in mundo ; 
That is to fay in hame o'er phrafcs, 45 

To tell ye, men of mettle praifes 
Ilk verfe of your's when they can light on't. 
And trouth I think they're in the right on't ; 
For there's ay fomething fae auldfarran. 
Sac ilid, fae unconOrain'd and darin, 50 . 

In ilka fample we have feen yet. 
That little better here has been yet, 
Sae much for that. My friend krbuckle, 
1 ne'er afore roqs'd ane fae rouckle. 

a6. Infphing do(e.) Vide Mt Ai buckle's poem on fnoff! 
3^1. Welcome back.) Having been in bis native Ireland vifiriog 
h'i$ iricrfids. 

Xvak 



4m EpiOIe U Mr ARBUCKLJB. i;i 
tt'ry nane but foob lyiil tickle, r^ 

s mc hate it like aulcl Nicol s 
I ane'a of his merit coddous, 
be wrang, when prais'd, that ^loAflies. 
ly, not tether'd to coone^oo, 
ing by infpir'd dire^tioo, ^0 

rer fame, with voice Jketliaoder, 
ebieid a warkl's woader. 
\x flafhmg fowk to dead, 
\ wiod-nailfl k his head, 

or an airy beau, ^^ 

va leg'd rary ihow, 
la have never feen't ane bi£iy 
what likeacariie is he. 

7///, thcdyfortalloels I 

foot and four inches Ugh : ^^ 

a-vic*d fnod dapper fallow, 

, nor overlaid wi' tallow. 

z of a Morocco cut, 

ig a late man of wit. 

bet Spec^ wha was fae cunning 75 

dumroie ten years running. 

for the fabric of my miod, 
to mirth than grief indin'd* 
:hoofc to laugh at folly, 

iw diilikc by melancholy ; 80 

ging a fowr heavy face 
: traefi.mark of grace. 

a drunkard or a gbtton, 

lae fae to wine and mutton. 

Jcs ne'er engag'd my wi/hes, 85 

owded with o'er mony diihcs, 

fb' ftoroach (harply fct 

back- fey pipin het. 

r cou'd imagin't vicious 

fame to be ambitious : 90 

d-gabbet Spec.) The Sp«£lator« wlio gives as 1 6Mt« 
>tlin of hit Ihort face aod taciturnity, that he bad 
aed a dumb man for ten )'cars. 



ifl Aa E^cfoMr ARBUCKLE> 
Proad to be thought a comic poet, 
Arid let a judge of numbers know it, 
I court occafion thus to (how ic* 

Second of tfairdlf pray take heed; 

Yc's get a (hort fwatch of my creed. 
Tp follow method negati?ely 
Ye ken takes place of poficifdy. 
Well then, Vm nowthcr Wh^ nor Tory^ 
Nor credit give to purgatory, 
Tranfub^ Loretta-houfe^ vA roae tricks* 
Aft prayers to faints, Katties and Patricks: 
Nor Afgilite^ nor Bcft Clarkfinian^ 
Nor Mountaineer^ nor Mugletonian ; 
Nor can believe, ant's nae great ferly* , 
In Cotmoor fowk, and Andrem) Hariey. 

Ncift Anti-Tolandy Blunt and Wb ^ 

Know poGtively I'm a^Chri/lian, 
Belie vii.g truths and thinking free, 
Wifhiogthiawn panics wad agree^ 

Say, wad ye ken my f,aie of fending, 
Kf^^ income, management, and fpending I 
Born to nae lairdfhip, mair's the pity ! 
Yet denifon of this fair city. 
I make what honed Hiift I can. 
And in my ain houfe am good-maov 
Which (lands on Edinburgh's (Ire^ the fun-fide : 
I theek the out, ^od line the in(idc 

lox. Nor Afgilite.) Mr A(^l, a late mrrober of parlianr 
tJvanced (whether in jcd or earocft J koow out) Ibme very wl 
fjcal opinions, particularly, tbac people need not die if tliey p 
ed,. but be tranflated alive to heaven like Enoch and £3 
Cmkfbnian, Bcdy Ciarlcfbo a Laoetkihiie woman. Vide the 
Aory oCher life and prineiplef. 

X03. Mountaineer.) Our wild folks, who always pfcfirr a 
fide to a church under any civil authority. Mugletouiao, a 1 
ofquakcri, (b called from oncMugLton. See Lcflic's fnak 
the grafs. 

y 905, Cotmoor fovik.) ^ family or two who had a partitulai 
ligion of their own, valued themlelves on ufuig vain rcpetit 
lo prayers of fix or leven hours long: were pitaied with m 
iltK» of no kind. Andrew Ilarlaw, a dull fellow vf m educat 
was biad of the party. 



mii,EarJjfD ALHOVSIL. 153 

Of mony a doufe and wiuy paih, 
And baith ways gather io the ca(h ; 
nas heartily I graze aod beau it» xao 

A keep a wife ay great wt' poet. 
Contented I have fie a (kairt 
As does my buCnefs to a haifp 
And fain wa'd prove to ilka Sc^t 
That poortith*s no the poet's ioo 1 25 

Fourthly and laftly baith tpgither» 
Pray let us ken when ye coaie hither ; 
There's mony a canty carle aod me 
WVd be much comforted to fee ye. 
But if your outward be refraAory, 130 

^eod us your inward manufadory, 
That when we're kedgy o'er our clareti 
"We .correfpond may with your fpirit. 

Accept of my kind wishes, with 
The fame to dons BiUUr and StrntA ; 135 

Health, wit and joy, fauls large and bet. 
Be a' your ^ites— fac Cod be wi' yc. 



To the Right Hon. William £iir/^DALH0usu. 
Maecenas atavh edhe reglhut. Ho a acb^ 

DALHOUSIE of an auld defcent. 
My chief, my (loop and ornament. 
For entertainment a wee while, 
Accept this fonnet with a fmile ; 
Settmg great Horace in my view, 
He to Mecenas, I to you : 
Bat that my mufe may fiog with cafe, 
'U keep or drap him as I plcafe. 

How difFerently are fowk indin'd, 
rbere's hardly twa of the fame miod ; 
ome like to (ludy, fome to play, 
ome 00 the links to win the day, 
Lod gar the courfer rin like wood, 
k' drappin down with fweat and blood : 



1^4 n tie Earitf DALHOV$lE.\ 

The wiODcr fyne afTumeta look 
Might gain a nioDarch or a duke. 
Neil view the man with pauky face 
Has mounted to afafhout placc> 
Inclin*d by an o'er ruling hit. 
He's pleas'd with his uoeafy fhte : 
Glowr^d at a wbile> be gangs fou braw» 
TMl frae his kittle pod he fa.' 

The Lothian farmer he iikes bed 
To be of good faugh riggs poiTeft, 
And fen upon a frugal fiodc. 
Where his forbears had us'd the yoke. 
Nor is he fond to leave his wark. 
And venture in a rotten bark, 
Syne unto far aff countries (leer 
On tumbling waves to gather gear. 

The merchant wreok*d upon the main 
Swears he*Il ne*er venture on't again ; 
That he had rather Uve on cakes, 
And (hyrefl fwats, with laodart maikH 
As rin the riik bv dorms to have, 
When he is dead, ^ living grave. 
But fcas turn fmooth, aod he grows fai(i» 
And fairly takes his word again : 
Tfu>* he diou'd to the bottom fink,, 
Of poverty he do wna thinks 

Some like to laugh their time away» 
To dance while pipes or fiddles play, 
And have nae fenfe of ony want 
As lang^ as they can drink and rant. 

The rat*iing drum and trumpet's tout 
Delight young fwankies that are dour: 
What his kind frighted mother ugs, 
Is mufic to the foger's lugs. 

The hunter with his hounds and hawk^ 
Bangs up before his wife awakes ; 
Nor fpeers gin (he has ought to fay, 
BiU fcours o'er highs and hows a' day, 

T 



HORACE /^ VIRGIL, 15$ 

Throw mols and moor, nor does he cacc 
"Wbether the day be foal br kxr. 
If he hit trufty booodt can cheer 
To boDt the tod or drive the deer. 

May I be happy in my hys. 
And won a lading wreath of bays. 
Is a* my wifh ; weU-plea8*d to fmg 
Beneath a tree, or by a fpring, 
WhilcladsandlafTes oo.the mead « . 

Attend my Cajedonian reed, 
And with the fwceteft notes rehearTe 
My thoughts, and rbofe me for my verfe. 

If you, my lord, c1a(s me amang 
Thofe who have fungbaith faft and (Iraog, 
Of froiling love or doughty deed. 
To darns fublime I'll lift roe head. 



Horace to Virgil, on his taking a Voyage /« Athena. 
Sic te diva potens Cypri^ 

O Cyprian goddefs twinkle clear, 
And Helen' z brithcrs ay appear ; 
Yc dars wha died a lucky light, 
Aufpidous ay keep in a dght ; 
Xing Eol grant a tydie tirl, 
Botboad the blad that rudely whirl; 
Dear (hip be canny with yoiir care. 
At Athens land my Vtrgil fair, :. 

S)roe foon and fafc, baith liih and fpaul, 
Briog hame the tae haff 0' my faul. ' 

Daring and unco' doot he was, 
With heart hool'd in three doughs of brafs, 
Wha ventur*d fird oh the rough fca, 
With hempen branks and horfe of tree : 
Wha in the weak machine durd ride 
Thro' tempeds, and a rairing tide ; 
Notdinty craigs, nor hurricane. 
That drives the Adriatic maiOf 



t$6 An ODE to Mr F—- 

And gars tbe ocean gowl and qaak^ 
Cou'd e*er a foul fae flurdy fhake. 
The man wba cqu'd fie rubs win 0'cr, 
Without a wink at death might glbwr, 
Wha uDconcemM can take his fleep 
Amang the moufters of the deep. 

Jove vainly twined tbe fea aiki eardf 
Since mariners are not afhiid. 
With laws «f nature t(i di/|>enle. 
And iropiouOy treat providence. 
Audacious men at nought will (hnd 
When vicious pfl^ons ha^ comnMod. 
Prometheui ventured up and flaw 
A lowan coal frac heav'o's high ba' ; 
Unionfy thift, which fevers brought 
In bikes, which fowk likes (ybows bought : 
Then death erft flaw began to ling. 
And foil aabaps to dart bis fling. 
Neift Dedalus mud contradict 
Nature fbrfooth, and leathers flick 
Upon his back, fyne upward flreek. 
And in at Joviz high winnocks keek, 
Mobile Hercules, wi's limber mell. 
Plays rap upo* the yates of hell. 

What is't man winna ettle at ? 
E*cn wi' the gods he'll bell tbe cat : 
Tho' Jave be very laith to kill, 
They winna let his bowt ly dill. 



j4n O D E /^ Mr F- 



Selvitur acris hiems Ho R a c 

NO W gowans fprout and lavrocks fing, 
And welcome wefl winds warm the fpring. 
O'er hill and dale they (aftly blaw. 
And drive the winter's cauld awa. 
The fhips lang gyzen'd at the peer 
Now fprcad their fails andfiuootbly fteer. 



To the ^h 9 tfff ODE. 157 

l%e oags and nowt hate wifTco'd (Irae, 
And friScing to the fields they gae ; 
Nor hyods wi' elfbn and hemp lingle, 
Srt fomng (hoon out o'er the ingle. 
Now bonny baaghs their verdure boaft» 
That late were clade wi' fnaw and fro(l» 
Widi ber gay train the Paphian queen 
By moon light dances on the green; 
She leads, while nymphs and graces fing, 
jind trip around the fairy ring. . 
Mean time poor Fulcan hard ac thrift, 
Cetsmony a fair and heavy lift, 
Wbtlft rinnen down, his ha£F-blind lads 
Blaw up the ^tc^ and thump the gads. 
Now leave your fitfled on the dew, 

ADd boik ye'r fell in habit new. 

Be gratefu* to the guiding powers, 

Asd biythly fpend your eafy hours. 

Okanoyf ! tutor time. 

And Kve as lang y'er in your prime ; 

That ill-bred death has nae regard 

To king or cottar, or a laird ; 

At foon a'^ftle heMI attack, 

Aiwaus of divots roof*d wi' thack, 

Iflunediately welfa' take flight 

Unto the mirk realms of night, 

As (lories gang, with ghaifts to roam. 

In gbumie Pluto% goufly dome ; 

Bid fair good day to pleafure fyne 

Of bonny lafTcs and red wine. 
Then deem ilk little care a crime. 

Dares wafle an hour of precious time ; 

Aod Hnce our life's fae unko fliort. 
Enjoy it a', yeVe nae mair for't. 

To the Ph , an ODE. 

Vides ut altaflet mve candidutn 

Soraiie, HORACI. 

LO O K up to Pentland\ towViog taps. 
Burled beneath great wreaths of ioaw, 



JS3 n tie rh , tf^i O D IL 

0*er iika cicugh, ilk fear and {lap» 
As high as ony Roman wa/ 

Driving their baws firae whins or tee. 
There's no nae gowfer to be feen. 

Nor doufTcr fowk wyfing a jee 

The byaft boirfs on TamJon\ green. 

Then fling on coals, and ripe the ribs. 
And beek the hoafe baith but and ben. 

That mutchkcn (foup it hads bat dribs. 
Then let's get in the tappit ben. 

Good claret befU keeps out the cauld» 
And drives away the winter fooo ; ' 

It makes a man baith ga(h and bauld. 
And heaves his faul beyond ihfc moon* 

Lea? e to the gods your ilka care, 

If that they think us worth their while. 

They can a rowth of bleffiogs fpare, 
Which will our fafhous fears beguile* 

For what they have a mind to do. 

That will they do. fhould we gang wood ; 
If they command the dorms to blaw, 

Then upo* fight the hailflains thud. 

But foon as ere they cry, be quiet. 

The blattVing winds dare nae mair move» 

But cour into their caves, and wait 
The high command of fupreme Jove. 

Let neld day come as it thinks fit. 
The prcfent minute's only ours ; 

On pleafure Iet*s employ our wit. 

And laugh at fortune's fecklefs powers. 

Be fure ye diona quat the grip 
Of ilka joy when ye are young. 

Before auld age your vitals nip 
And lay yc twafald o'er a rung. 

Sweet youth's a blyth and hcartforoe time, 
Then lads and lafTcs while it*s May^ 

Gae pou the gowan in its primcf. 
Before ic wither and decay. 



y 



To Mr WILLIAM AIKMAN. ijf 
Watch the faft roinutei of dclyte» 

When Jenny fpeaks beneath her breath. 
And kifTes, laying a* the wyice 

Oo yoa if (he kcpp ony (luitb. 

9aith ye*re ill-bred, (he'll imiliog fay. 

Yc*!! worry me, ye greedy rook ; 
iyoe frae your arms (he'JI rin away, 

Aod hide her fell b fome dark nook : 
kr laagh will lead you to the place 

Where lies the happinefs you want» 
Lad plainly tells you to your face. 

Nineteen nay fays are haff a grant. 

fov to her hea?iDg bofom cling. 

And fweetly toolie for a kifs, 
'rae her fair finger whop a ring. 

As taiken of a future blifs. 

rbefe beonifoosy Vm very fure. 

Are of the gods indulgent grant ; 
fben, forly carles, whiflit, forbear 

To plague us with your whining cant« 

To Mr William Aikman. 

^T^ I S granted, Sir, paint may be fpar*d 

J[ Your merit to ict forth, 
Vbcn there's fae few wha claim regard^ 

That difna ken your worth. 

'et poets give immortal fame 

To mortals that excel, 
Huch if neglected they're to blame ; 

Bat youVe done that your fclK 

l^'bile frae originals of yours 
Fair copies fhall be tane, 
od fix*d on brafs to bu/k our bowVs, 
Your mero'ry fhall remain. 

oyour aio deeds the maift defiy'd, 
Or of a tadc o*er fine, 
lay be ye're but o'er right, afraid 
To iiak in vcrfis like mine. 

0^2 TV^ 



lie spoken to three YOVnC LADIES, 
The lafl can tie'er the reafbo prove, 

Elfe wherefore with good will 
Do ye my nat'ral lays approYC, 

And help me up the hill ? 
By your affidance uocoaftnun'd 

To courts 1 can repair. 
And by your art my way I've gainM 

To clofcts of the fair. 

Had I a mufc like lofty Pope, 

For tow'riog numbert fit. 
Then I the ingenious mind might hope 

In trued light to hit. 

£at comic tale and fonnet flee 

Arc cooflen for my (hare, 
And if in thcfc I bear the grcc, 

I'll thinL it very fair. 



Spoken to three Young Ladies, nvho ivouU i 
to deter vihie <which of them 'was the bonHieJi 

ME anes three beauties did furround. 
And ilka beauty gave a wound, 
Whilft they with (iniling eye. 
Said, Allan t which think ye maid fair \ 
Ci'e judgment frankly, never fparc. 
Hard is the talk, faid I : 

Put added, feeing them fae free. 
Ladies -ye maun fay mair to me. 

And my demand right fair is ; 
Fird, like the gay celcdial three, 
Shaw a' your charms, and then ha'e wi' ye, 

Faith I ftiall be your Parts. 



J^o Sir William Bennet ^Ciubbet, Ba 

H I L E now in difcord giddy changes ree 
Aod fime arc rack*d about on fortuce^s w 



w 



r^^yr WILLIAM BENNET. i6i 

with imdauntcd ftalk^ aod brow fcreoc, 
trace your groves, aod prefs the dewy greeo ; 
olty twaDgs your manly joys to wounds 
K-rid dreams to make your deep unfound. 

» fucfa as you, who can mean care dcfpife, 
e's all beautiful 'twixf earth and fkies. 
urricd with the thirft of unjufl gain, 
an delight yourfelf on hill or plain, 
ring when thofe tender fprouts appear, 
b crowd with fragrant fweets the youthful year, 
lovely fcenes of Marlefield abound 
as much choice' as is in Britain found : 
Ureft plants from nature's bofbm flare 
(oil proK6c, ferv*d with curious art : 
oft the heedful gazer iis beguil'd, 
zanders through an artificial wild, 
native flbw'ry green, aod cryf!al flrands, 
r the labours of ingenious hands. 

ft happy he who can thefe fweets enjoy 
cafle refin'd, which does not eafy cloy. 

Plebeian fouls, whom fporting fate 
:s into life upon a large eftate, 

fpleeo their weak imagination fow*rs, 
'e at a lofs how to employ their hours : 
veetefl plants which faireft gardens fhow«' 
ft to them, for them unheeded grow, 
upblind eyes ne'er view the fbnVous page, 
: fhines the raptures of poetic rage : 
rough the microfcr^^e can take delight, 
:rve the tufks and briftles of a mite ; 

the lengthened tube learn to defcry 
(hieing worlds which toll around the fky. 
h read hift'ry to improve their (kill, 
rxcufe I their memories are ill. 
maps may in their dining rooms make fliow, 
rir contents they're not obiig'd to know ; 
A*rous friendfhlp's out of fjght too &ie, 
link it only means a glstfs of wine. 

be whofe chearful mind hath higher flovOr 
ds IcaradAougbn of otfaert xx^lm lnkii> • 

O 3 \\;^ 



1 62 Epiftlc to a Friend at Florence: 

lias feen the world, and read the volume want 
And can the fprio^ and ends of adton fcan ; 
Has fronted deaths fervice of his king, 
And drunken deep of the Cajlalian fpring ? 
Tliis man can live — and happied life's his due» 
Can be a friend— a virtue known to few ; 
Yet all fuch virtues ftrongly (hioe in you. 



AnY.Y\%i\x to a Friend at Florence^ in bis way to Ron 

YOUR fteady impulfe foreign dimes to view, 
To (ludy nature and what art can (hew, 
J now approve, while my warm hncy walks 
O'er Italy i and with your genius talks ; 
We trace with glowing bread and piercing look. 
The curious galPry of th' illqflrious duke, 
"Where all ihofe mafters of the arts divine, . 
AVith pencils, pens, and chizels greatly {hine. 
Immortalizing the Augujlan age, 
On medals, canvas, (lone, or written page. 
Profiles and buds originals exprtfs. 
And antique fcrolls, old e'er we knew the prefs. 
For's love to fcicnce, and each virtuous Scot^ 
May days unnumber'd be great Co/mm* lot. 

The fvveet Hefperian fields you'll next explore* 
*Twixt Arno\ banks and Tiber'z fertile (hore. 
Now, now 1 wifh my organs could keep pace, 
With my fond mufe and you thefe plains to trace ; 
We'd enter Ro^ne with an uncommon tade. 
And feed our minds on every famous waile ; 
Amphitheatres, columns, royal tombs. 
Triumphal arches, ruins of vaft domes. 
Old aerial aquedu^s, and (trong pav'd roads. 
Which fcem to'v.e been not wrought by men but gods. 

Thcfc vicw*d. We'd then furvcy with utmod oare 
What modern Rome produces fine or rare. 
Where buildings rife with all the drength of art. 



The beautiful R O S E-T REE. 1(^1 

W'hich citron (hades furround and jefTamin, 
Add all the foul of Raphael fhines within : 
Then we'd rcgak our ears with fooodiog notes, 
"Which warble tuneful thro' the beardlefi throats, 
Join'd with the vib'rating harmonious (Irings, 
And breathmg tubes, while the foft eunuch (ings. 

Of all thoie dainties take a hearty meal ; 
Bat let your refolution {lill prevail : 
Return, before your pleafure grow a toil. 
To lodging friends, and your own native foil : 
Preferve your, health, your virtue dill improve. 
Hence you'll invite protedtion from above. 



. The beautiful KosJL-T^^^ inclqfed, 

WITH awe and pleafure we behold Jthy fweets. 
Thy lovely rofes have their pointed guards, 
Yet tbo' the gath'rer oppofition meets. 
The fragrant purchafe all his pain rewards. 

But hedg'd about and watch'd with wary eyes, 

plant fuperior, beautiful and fair, 
^c view thee like yon ftars which gem the fldcs. 

Bat equally to gain we mud defpair. 

Ah ! wert thou growing on fome fecret plain, 
And found by me, how ravifh'd would I meet 

All thy tranfporting charms toeafe my pain, 
And feaft my raptur'd foul on all that's fweet. 

Tlias fung poor Syhion : Symon was in love. 
His too afpiring paiHon made him fmart ; 

The rofc-trce was a miftrcfs far above 
The fhepherd's hope, which broke his tender Jheart. 



7i 



C 164 J 



To R H B . an O D E. 

T^ullum^ Vare, facta viie prius /evens arborem 
Circa mitefolum Tiburis^ if moenia CatHL 

OB , cou'd thcfc fields of thine 
Bear as in Gaul the juicy vine, 
How fwcec the boimy grape wou'd (hbe 

Oo wau*s where now. 
Your aprlcocks and peaches fine 

Their branches bow. 
Since haman life is but a blink, 
\Vhy (hould we iu fhort joys link ; 
He difna live that canna link 

The glafs about, 
^hen warmed with wine, like men we think. 
And grow mair ftouf . 
The cauldrife carlies elog'd wi* care, 
Wha gathering gear gang hy t and garci 
If ram'd we rcd^ they rant and rair 

Like mirthfu' men. 
It foothly (haws them they can (pare 

A rowth to fpend. 
AVhat foger, when with wbe be*s bung> 
Did e'er complam he had been dung. 
Or of his roil, or empty fpung ; 

Na, o'er his glafs. 
Nought but braw deeds employ his tongue* 
Or fome fweet lafs. 
Yet trouth, 'tis proper we (hould fliot 
Our fells to a fre(h roodVate pint, 
Why (hould we (the blyth blefEng) mint 
To waift or fpiil. 
Since, afieo, when our reafon's tint 

We may doill. 
Let*| fet thefe hair brain 'd fowk in vievr. 
That \i4ien they're fiupid, road and fow 
Do brotab deeds, which aft they rue 



CLYDE'/ Welcome to his Prince. 165 

Which frequently prove very few 

To fuch as thefe. 
ThcD let 08 grip our blifs mair ficker, 
And tape our heal, and fprightiy liquor, 
Which fober tane makes wit the quicker, 

Aod fenie mair keen^ 
While graver heads that's mockle thicker 

Grane wi' the fpleen* * 

May ne'er (ic wicked fumes arife 
In me (hall break a' facred ties, 
Aod gar me like a fool defpife 

With ftiffnefs rude. 
Whatever my beft friends advife, 

Tho' ne'er (b gude. 
Tis bed then to evite ths (In 
Of bending 'tilt our fauls gae blin. 
Left, like our glafsi our breafts grow thin. 
And let fowk peep. 
At ilka fccret hid within 

That we fhould keep. 



ClydbV Welcome to bis Prince. 

T T 7 HAT ehearfui founds from ev'ry fide I hear. 
W How beauteous on their banks my nymphs appear, 
Got throw thefc mafly mountains at my (borce, 
O'er rocks (tupeodous of my upper courfe. 
Ts thefe fair plaint where I more fmoothiy move, 5 
Throw verdant vales to meet Evana'% love. 
Yooder (he comes beneath DodotuCt /hade, 
How blyth (he looks ! how fweet and gaylie clade ; 
Her flow'ry bounds bear all the pride of May^ 
While round her foft meanders (hepberds play. 

4- Hocks ftapendous ) The river falls over feveral high preci' 
Hccs, (fadi as Corra's Lin, Stane-B>re Lin. &c. 
ff £vana ) The imall river ^van which joins Clyde near HamQ. 



H%a^» 



l66 ChYD'Es Welcome t9 bis Vimc. 

Hail, lovely Naid! to iny bofom large, 
Amidft my (lores commit tby cryftal cbirge, 
; And fpeak thefe joyt all thy deportment fhews^ 
That to old ocean I may have good news. 
With folemn voice, thus fpoke 0)aje(Hc Clyde, 
In fofter notes lov'd Evan thus rcpjy*d. 

Great Glotta^ long have I had caufe to mouro 
While my forfaken Hream gu(h*d from my urn. 
Since my late Lord, hts nation's juit deKght, 
Greatly lamented funk in endlefs night. 
His hopeful Stem, our chief tJefire and boaft. 
Exposed to danger on fome foreign coafl. 
Lonely for years, I've murmur'd on my way. 
When daik I wept, and figh'd in fhining day. 

The fire returned, jufl reafons for thy pains. 
So long to wind through folitary plains : 
Thy lofs was mine, I fympathiz'd with thee, 
Since one our griefs, then (hare thy joys with me. 

Then hear^me, Ii<|uid ehiftaio of the dale, 
Hufh ail your catVads, 'till I tell my ule. 
Then rife and roar, and kifs your bordering flowers 
And found our joys around yon lordly fowers : 
Yon lordly towers, which happy now contain, . 
Our brave and youthful. Prince returned again. 

Welcome, in loudeft raptures cry'd the flood, 
His.welcome ecbo'd froni each hill and wiood ; 
Enough Evartaf Ions may they contain 
The noble youth iknrly retum'd again. 
From the green mououin where 1 4ift my head. 
With my twin brothers j^nuan and the Tnaadt 
To thofe high arches where, as Culdas Cog, 
The pious Muttgo fifh'd the trout and ring. 

• 

39. Green meontdn.) From the (ame hHl tht rivers. 
Tweed and Aonio have their rife, yet run to <thiee diffcrren 
viz, the Northern ocean, the German ocean, and the Irifh 

4X. Fligh arches.) The bridge of GIa(gow, where, as ' 
ported, St Mungo the patron of that city, drew up a fi(l 
brought him a ring, which had been dropt; v^hich noiiacle 
gow retains the memory of in their arms. 



CLYDE'/ Welcme to bis Prince. 1^7 

tfj faireft oymphs fhall on my margin play, 
lid make ev*n all the year one holy day. 
rbe Sylvan powers and watches of each hight, 45 

Alicre fleecy flocks and climbing goats delight, 
hall from their groves and rocky monotatos roam. 
To join with as, and fing his welcome home, 
^ith lofty notes we'll found his high defcent, 
fit dawning merits and heroic bent. 50 

Pbcfe early rays which fledfiJUy fliali flitne^ 
kod add new Tories to his ancient line, 
k line ay loyal, and fir'd'with generous zeal, 
rbe braf eft patrons of the common weal, 
'rom him who plung'd his fword (fo mufes (iog) 55 
)ecp in his bread, who durft defame our king x 
^e'll Cfng the fire, which in his bofom glows 
To warm his friends, and fcorch his daring foes ; 
SndowM with all thefe fweet, yet manly charms, 
\s fit him for the fields of lo?e, or arms. ^o 

Pixt b an high and independent (late, 
AboTc to a^ what's little, to be great. 

Goard him, firfi power, whofe hand dire^s the fun, 
ADd teach me through caf cms dark to run ; 
Long may he on his own fair plains refide, 6i 

Aod (light my rival Thames ^ and love his Ciych. 

SJ. 80 mufes fing ) Vide the ingenioas Mr Patri<.l; Gordon's ac« 
<^ of d.is flluftrious family in his poem on the valiant atchicve. 
i^i of our great king Robert, firnamM the Bruce, p 45, begia- 
"intit this ftanza, the prophet (peaks to our monarch. 

* Now in thy time, qaoth he, there (hall arrive 

* A worthy knight, that from his na'ivre land . 
' Shall fly. bccaufe be bravely Hial! deptive, 

* In glorious 6gbt; a knight that (hili jvithftand 

* Thy praifet due, while he dotl> thee dcfcrive ; 

* Yei, even this knight, fliall with vf^orious hand 

* Come here, whofe name his (eed (hall eternise* 

* And ftill thy Yirtooos Unc (ball fympatbize. 

On 



\ 



1 



C .168 ] 

On the moji Honourable the Marpufi of BowMOMi 
cutting offbu hair. 

SHALL Berenice' t trcflb mouDt the fldef t 
And by the mofe to (bioiog hxnt arife ; 
Belinda' % lock tovite the finootbeft lays 
Of him whofe merit dainis the Britijh bays. 
And not, dear Bommtontf beaatifbJ and yoaog. 
The graceful ringlets of thy head be foog ! 
How many tender heartt thine eyes hath pain'd ! 
How many figbing nymphs thy locks hare cbaio'd \ 

The god of love beheld him with envy. 
And on Cyth'rea*% lap began to cry. 
All dreoch'd in tears, O mother, he!p yoar fon ! 
Elfe by a mortal rival Tm undone ; 
With happy charms h' incroaches on my fway. 
His beauty difcoticerts tl^e plots I lay. 
"When Tve made Cloe hd humble (lave admire. 
Straight he appears and kindles new deBre ; 
She fighs for him, and all my art beguiles, 
WhiUi he, like me, commands and carelds finilea, 
4h me ! thefe fable circles of his hair, 
"Which wive around his beauties red and fiiff, 
I cannot bear I Jdonis would feem dim. 
With all his flaxen locks, if plac'd by him. 

Venus reply'd, No more, my dearefl boy, 
Shall thofe iochanting curls thy peace deflroy^ 
For ever fep*iate they (hall ceafe to grow. 
Or rouDd his cheek, or on bis (boulders flow; 
I'll ufe my flight, and make them quickly feel 
Their honour's Io(l by the invading ftccl : 
rii turn myfelf in (hape of mode and health. 
And gain Upon his youthful mind by ftealth ; 
Three times the (un (ball not have rouzM the moro^ 
E'er he con(ent thefe from him (ball be (horn. 

• The promife (he performed ; but labour vain, 
^ And dill (hall prove, while his bright eyes remain ; 
And of revenge blind Cupid rouft defpair. 
As long's the lovely fcx are grac'd with hair ; 

They 



rQpmte YOUNG LADIES, i^c. 169 
!y'll yield the coirqucring glories of their heads, 
form aroand his beauty, eafy fhades ; 
I io retarn, Thalia fpaes and fings, 
lop'd o^r locks (hall fparkle io their rings. 



W Young Ladies, 'wh had been diCpleafed at a 
lentleman^s too imprudently ajertlng^ that to be con^ 
emnd to perpetual Virginity nvat the great eft punijh^ 
tent could bs inp£icdon any of their Sj.:, 

[jHcthcr condcran'd to v'rgin flite 
V By the fopcrior powers, ' 
io!d to your (ex prove cruel fate, 
'ro fure it would to ours. 

m you the namerous nations fpring, 
four breafts our beings fave, 
ar beauties make the youihfu) fing, 
\ad Tooth the old and grave, 
is! how foon would every wight 
Dcfpife both wit and arms, 
I primitive old chaos nigiit 
Wc*d fink without your charms. 

more our breath would be our care, 
Were love from us exil'd, 
uback to heaven with all the fair, 
This world would turn a wild. 

gardlcfs of thcfe facred ties, 
Wife, hu(band, father, fon, 
I government we would dcfpife, 
And like wild tygcrs run. 

len ladies, pardon the miflakc," 
And with the accus'd agree, 
tg it for each lover's fake, 
Low bended on my knee. 

d frankly wifh what has been faid 
By the audacious youth, 
ght be your thought ; but I'm afraid 
It will not prove a truth. 

P toi^ 



, 170 To Mr JOSEPH MITGHEL, 
For often, ah ! you make us groao 

By your too cold difdain. 
Then quarrel with us when we moan 
^nd rave amidfl our paio. 



To ^r Joseph Mitchell, o;: the fuccefsful Refrefeti' 
tation of a Tragedy 'wrote by him* 

BU T jealoufic, dear 7i?/, which aft gives pail 
To fcrimpit fauls, I own myfell right vain 
To fee a native trufty friend of mine, 
Sae brawly 'mang our bleezing billies fhine. 
Yes, wherefore no, (haw them the fro^n north 
Can towVing minds with hcav'nly heat bring forth ; 
Minds that can mount with an uncommon wing. 
And frae black heath'ry headed mountains fjng» 
As faft as he that haughs Hefperian trades^ 
Or leans beneath the Aromatic (hades. 
Bred to the love of literature and arms. 
Still fomething great a Scf>ttiJ1j bofom warms : 
Tho* nurs'd on ice, and educate in fnaw, 
Honour and liberty eggs him to draw 
A hero's fword, or an heroic quill. 
The mondVous faes of right and wit to kilt. 

Well may ye further in your leal defign, 
To thwart the gowks, and gar the brethren tioc 
The wrang opinion whidi they lang have had, 

That a* which mounts the ftage is furely bad. 

Stupidly dull ! but fools ay fools will be. 
And nane's (ae blind as them that ^inna fee. 
W'hcre's vice and virtue fei in jufter light ? 
Where can a glancing genius (hinc mair bright ? 
Where can we human life review mair plain. 
Than in the happy plot and curious fcenc \ 

If in thcmfclls (ic fair deflgns were ill, ^ 

We ne'er had pricv'd the fwcct dramatic (kill C 

Of Corigreve, Add'tfo7i\ Steel, Ronvie- and Hi// ; j 

/f/V/, VI ha the highcfl road to fame doth chufe, 
AJid h^s fomc upper fcrapb for his taak i 

It 



The Poet's WISH. 171 
It maun be fae, eife how could he difplay 
With fo juft flrength the great tremendous day. 

Sic patterns, Jofeph, always keep in view, ") 

Ne'er fafh if ye can pleafe the thinking few, C 

Then fpite of malice, worth (hall have its due. j 



Sfokfn to two Young Ladies, luho afiCdif I could fay 
atiy thing on them : Ona excelled in a htauiiful com' 
plexion^ the otb^r in fine eyes. 



u 



To the firfl, 
POM yoor cheek fits blooming youth. 



To the other. 
Hea?eo (parkles in your eye* 

To both. 
There's fomething fweet about each mouthy 
Dear ladies, let roe try. 



The Poet's VVifli. ^« O D E. 

^uid dedicatum pofcit JpoUinem 

Vates? HoR. 

FR A £ great Apollo, poet fay. 
What is thy wifh, what wadA thou hae» 
When thou bows at his (hrioe \ 
Hot Karfs o* Gowrie*s fertile field, 
Nor a' the flocks the Grampians yields 

That are baith fleek and fine : 
Not codly things brought frae afar. 

As ivory^ pearl and gems ; 
Nor tbofe fair ftraths that water'd are 

With Tay SLodTweed^s fmooth ftreanie. 
Which gentily and dantily 

Eat down the flowVy baes» 
As greatly and quietly 
They wimple to the feas. 

P 2 'WdV. 



7J2 ne Refpoore c/tie OKACLE^ 

AVhaever by his kanny fate 
Is mader of a good eftate. 

That can ilk thing afford. 
Let hira enjoy 't withoutten care. 
And with the wale of curious fare 

Cover his ample board. 
Much dawted by the gods is be, 
Wha to the Indian plain, 
Succefsfu* ploughs the wally Tea, 
And fafe returns again, 

"With riches that hitches 

Him high abooo the reft 
Of fma' fowk, and a' fowk 
That are wi' poortitb preft. 

For me, I c^ be well content 
To eat roy bannock on the bent. 
And kitchen*i wi* frcfh air; 
Of Iang«kail I can make a feaft. 
And cantily had up my creft. 

And laugh at difhes rare. 
Kought frae jlpolU I demand. 

But throw a lengthen'd life 
My outer fabric firm may (land. 
And faul clear withoui firife. 

May he then but gie then 

Thofe bleflings for my ftair, 
ril fairly and fquairly 
Quite a* and feek nae roair. 



The Rcfponfc of tke Oraclv. 

TO keep thy fau! frae puny ftrifc. 
And heezc thee out of vulgar life. 
We, in a morning dream, 
Whifpcr'd our will concerning ihee,. 
To Marlus, ftrcich'd beneath a tree. 

Hard by a pbp'ling dream ;, 
He, full of me, /hall point the way 
Where thou a Aar (halt fee. 



TAeKAM and BUCK, 17J 

iflucDce of whofe bright ray 
haJI wiog thy mufe to flee. 

Mair fpecr na, and fear na, 
But fct thy mind to reft, 
Afpirc ay (Hll highV ay. 
And always hope the bcft. 



TAe Ram and Buck* 

tarn, the father of a flock, 

Wha*d mony winters (lood the (hock 

heno winds and driving fnaw, 

I his family in a raw, 

ih wreaths that clad the laigher iki J,. 

ive them frae the lowner bicld, 

p contented frozen fare, 

toneily on hills blown bare. 

m of upright hardy fpirit, 

rally a hom'd head of merit : 

him was a neighbouring goat, 

i-fauFd, cheating, thieving fot ; 

10' poflell of rocks the prime, 

d with frc(h herbs and rowth of thime^ 

vc to pilfering ; his delight 

I break gardens ilka night, 

und him (leal, and aft deflroy 

lings he never could enjoy : ; 

eafure of a dirty mind 

I iae vicioufly inclined. 

n a borrowing-day, when fleet 
;winters and hog*-wcddcrs blcct, ^ 

uke with cauld; behind a ruck 
jneft Toop and fnaking Huck, 
lin to tail clad with thick hair, 
dciiance to thin air ; 
lly Toop his fleece had riven, 
he amangthe birns was diivcn : 
ikcd the brave leader flood, 
)k corupos'di uomov'd bis mood : 

P 3 ^'fftittk 



174 HEALTH: y^POEM: 

AVhen thus the Goat (that had tint a' 
His credit baith with great and fnoa*. 
Shunned by them as a pelf, wad fain 
New fricndfKip with this worthy gain.) 
R^ra, fav, Hiall I give you a part 
Of mine ? TJl do*i with all my heart ; 
'Tis yet a lang cauld month to Beltan^ 
And ycVc a very raggit kcft on ; 
Accept, I pray what I can fparc. 
To clout your doublet with my hair. 

No, fays the Ram, tho' my coat's torn. 
Yet ken, thou worthlefs, that I fcoro 
To be ob!ig*d at any price 
To fic as y ju, whofe friend/hip's vice ; - 
I'd have Icis favour frae the beft^ 
Clad in a hatefu' hairy ved, 
Be(low'd by thee, than as I now 
Stand but ill dreft in native woo, 
Boons £rae the generous make ane fmilc» 
From mifcr'ants make receivers vile. 



EPIGRAM. 

^n receiving a prefent of an Orzogc /rom Mrs C , 
now Countefs ofAhOYHE. 

NO W, Priam'B fon, thou mayft be mute, 
For I can blythly boaft with thee ; ^ 
o X to the faire(( gave the fruit. 
The faired gave the fruit to me. 



Health: A Poem. Infcribed to the Right Honourt 
the Earl of Stair. 

BE *T mine the honour, once again to hear, 
And fee the ktft of nun for me appear ; 
V\\ proudly chant : be dumb, ye vulgar throng, 
Stair \}\6^ me fing, to him theft lays belong; 
If he approTcsy who caa coDdcmo my foDg ? 



I HEALTH: A POEM. IJS 

or health I fing; O health my portion be, 
And to old age I'll fing, if bicfs'd by, thcc. 
Blelfing divine ! heaYcn's faireft gift to roan ! 
SoqI of his joys ! and length 'ner of his fpan ! 
His fpan of life prefcrv'd with panting breath. 
Without thy prefence proves a ling'ring death. 

The vi(5lor kings may caofe wide nations bow, 
Aod half a globe with conquering force fubdue ; 
Bbd princes to their axle-trees, and make 
The wondering mob of ftaring mortals quake : 
£re6l triumphal arches, and obtain 
The loud huzza from thoufands in their train : 
But if her fweetnefs balmy heaUh denie9» 
Without delight Pillars or ^Ineids rife. 

CofinelUus may on filky twilts repo(e. 
And have a num'rous change of £ocfl cloaths ; 
Box'd in hb chair, he may b^ bom to dine 
On Ortelonsy and lip fine Tokay wine. 
His liver, if an inflammation feize. 
Or wafting lungs (hall make him cough and wheeze. 
No more he fmiles ; nor can his richeft toys. 
Or iookbs'glafs reftore his wonted joys : 
The rich brocade becomes a toilfome weight. 
The brilliant gem offends his weakly fight ; 
Perfumes grow naufeous then, nor can he bear 
Load tuneful notes, that us'd to charm his ear. 
To pleafe his tafte the cook attempts in vain, 
"Wben now each former pleafure gives him pain. 

Nor flowing bowls, loud laugh or midnight friek> 
Nor iinutty tale, delight the roving rake ; 
When heahh forfakes him, all diver/Ions tire ; 
There's nothing pleafes, nothing can infpire 
A biythfbme fmile : he fliuns the fhine of light, 
jlcxl broken (lumbers make a weary night. 
If fiient deep attempts to bring him ea&. 
His watching fancy feels the whole difeafe : 
He dreamt a mountain lies upon his breaft, 
Or that be flies the fury of fome beaft ; 
Sees, at vaft diftance, gufhing from the rocks. 
The coolixig ftream—— while burniog thirit nrovokcs 
ia ^ Vim* 



176 HEALTH: AFQEM. 

Him, fainting, to climb up the craggy edge, 
And drag his limbs thro' many a thorny hedge ; 
Hangs o'er a precipice, or Onks in waves : 
And all the while he fweats, turns, flarts and raves. 

How mad's that man, pufh'd by his pafHons wOd,. 
Who's of his grealeft happinefs begull'd ; 
Who fccms, whatever he fays, by adlions low. 
To court di/eafi, our pleafurc's greateil foe ? 

From Parhi deeply fkill'd in nice ragoos. 
In oleos, falmongundics and hogoes, 
Mont anus fends for cooks, that his large board 
May all invented luxury afford : 
Health's never minded, while the appetite 
Devours the fpicy death with much delight. 
Mean time ki^g Arthur\ fav'ry knighted loy«. 
Appears a clown, and's not allowed to join 
The marinated fmclt, and fturgeon joles^ 
Soup vermcccil, fouc'd turbct, cray and foals, 
Fowls a la daube^ and omelet of eggs, 
The fmother'd coney, and bak'd padocks legv 
Pullets a bilk, and orangedo pye, 
The larded peacock, and the Tarts de Moyy 
The collar'd veal, and pike in cafForole, 
Pigs a la Braife^ the tanfy and brufole ; 
With many a hundred colUy mingled difh> 
Wherein the moiety of flcfh or fi/h 
Is wliolly loft, and vitiate as the tafle 
Of ilicm who cat the dangerous »pafl ; 
Uniii the feeble flomach's ovcr-cramM, 
Th« fibres weaken'd, and the blood enflara'd. 
What aiking heads, what fplccn, and drowzy eyes,. 
From undigeftcd crudities arifc ! 
But when Montana^ paunch is over-cloy'd, 
The Bagnio y or J5;/;^//r wine's cm ploy 'd. 
Thefe he imagines methods the moft fure. 
After a furfcit, to compleat a cure : 
But never dreams how much the balm of life 
Is wailed by this forc'd unnat'ral ilrifc. 
Thus peuther vcfTel mufl by fcouring wear, 
Wliilc plate, more fircc from diofs coniinttcs clear. 

Loi 



HEALTH: A POEM. 177 

oog ancomfuDa'd the oak can bear the beams » 

r 1^ for ages firm bcDeath the dreams ; 

at when alternately the rain and rays, 

ow da/bj then dry the plank, it fbon decays. 

oxarioas man ! altho' thoa'rt bled with wealdi^ 

iTby ihottld thoa ufe it to deflroy thy health ? 

Copy Mellanttus^ if you'd learn the art 
*o feaft your friends, and keep their fouls alert ; 
4ie good fubdantial Britljh difh or two, 
Vhichfweetly b their natural juices jQow^ 
>nly appear. And here no danger's found 
To tempt the appetite beyond its bound ; 
Ind you may eat, or not, as you incline ; 
Ind, as you pleiaie^ drink water, beer or wine, 
iere hunger's fafe, and gratefully appeas'd, 
rbe fpleen's forbid, and all the fpirits rais'd, 
iodguefts arife regal'd, refrefh'd and pleas'd. 

Grumaldo views» from rais'd parterres around* 
K thoufand acres of fat furrow'd ground, 
lod all his own — but thefe no pleafure yield, 
iVhile (pleen hangs as a fog o'er every field : 
The lovely landfidp clad with gilded corn, 
The banks and meads which powers and groves adoni» 
^orelifh have ; his envious fullen mind^ 
>till on the fret, complains bis fate's unkind : 
Something he wants which always flies his reach, 
IVhich makes him groan beneath his fpreading beach. 
When all of nature, filcnr, fccm to (hun 
Fbcir cares, and nod t^^the returning fan, 
^ envious thoughts forbid refrcfhing deep, 
\nd on the rack his hoplefs wifhes keep : 
^atigu'd and drumbly from the down be flies, 
iVith fkinny cheek, pale lips and blood-run eyes. 
Thus toil'd with labVing thoughts he looks aghaft* 
^od taftelefs loaths the nourifhing repaft : 
ilcagre difcafe an eafy paflagc iSnds, 
iVhcrc joy's dcbarr'd, infuch corroded minds. 
»uch take no care the fprings of life to fave, 
'^eglefl their health, and quickly fill a grave. 

Unlike gay Myrth^ who with chcarful air, 
^ds cavious* tho* leis rich> no Have to carc^ 



178 HEALTH: A POEM. 

Thinks what he has enough, and fcorns to fret» 

'While he fees thoufaods lefs obKg*d to fete. 

And oftner from his flation ca^ls his eye 

On thofc bcfow him, than on them more high : 

Thus envy finds no accefs to his breaH*, 

To fow'r his gen'roos joys, or break his reft." 

He ftudies to do actions pil and kind, 

Whicli with the bed refledlions chear the miad : 

"Which is the fird prefervative of health. 

To be preferred to grandeur, pride and wealth. 

Let ail who would pretend to common fenfe, 

'Gaind pride and envy dill be on defence. 

Who love their health, nor would their joys cootroaly 

Let them ne'er nurfe fach furies in their foot 

Nor wait on drolling Pkimos to the dews, 
Phimosy who by his livid colour (hews 
Him load with vile difeafes, which are fixt 
Upon his bones, and with his vitals mixt. 
Does that man wear the image of his God, 
"Who drives to death on fnch an ugly road ? 
Behold him clad, like any bright bridcgroom» 
In riched 1? boors of the Britijh loom ; 
Embroidered o*(r with gold, whild lace or lawn 
Waves down his bread, and ruffles o*er bis band. 
Set od'with att, while vilely he employs 
In finks of death, for low dear purchased joys* 
He grafps the bladed diadows of the fair, 
AVhofe fickly look, vile breailuand falling hair, 
The flag*d embrace, and mercemlry fqueeze, 
The tangs of guilty and terrors of cifeafe, 
Might warn him to beware, if wild defire 
Had not fet all his thoughtJefs foul in fire. 
O poor midaken youth f to drain thy purfe^ 
To gain the mod malignant human curie 1 
Think on thy flannel, and mercurial dofe. 
And future pains, to fave thy nerve and nofc. 
fThink, heedlefs wight how thy infedled veins 
4i^ay plague thee many a day with loathfome pains» 
When the French foe his woeful way has madc> 
And all within his dire detachmcDU kid ; 

TI 



HEALTH: A POEM. 179 

There long may lork, and, with dcAru^OD keeD» 

Do horrid havock c*re the fymptom's feeo. 

But learn to dread the poifonous difeafe, 

When heavioefs and fpleeo thy fpirits fcize ; 

When feeble limbs to ferve thee will dcdioe. 

And languid eyes no more with fparkles (hine ; 

The rofes from thy cheek will bladed fade. 

And leave a dull complciuoo like the lead : 

Then, then expe^ the terrible attack 

Upon thy head, thy conduit, nofe and back ; 

Fsuns through thy (houlders, arms, and throat and fhiDSt 

Vfill threaten death, and damp thee with thy fins. 

How liigbtfbl is the lofs, and the difgrace. 

When it dcffaoys the beauties of the face i 

When the ardi'd nofe in rotten ruin lies, 

Aod all the venom flames around the eyes; 

When th! Uvula has got its mortal wound, 

Aod tongue aod lips form words without a found ; 

Wbeo hair drops off, and bones corrupt and bare, 

Through ulcerated tags of mufdes ftarc. 

But Tain we fing infh-udion to hts ear, 
Who*s no more flave to reafon than to fear ; 
Honied by paflion, and o'crcome with wine. 
He rufhes headlong on bis vile dcHgn : 
The naufeoos Boiui^ and the bitter pill, 
A month of fpirtiog, aod the furgeon's bill. 

Are DOW forgot, whilflhe But here *tisbeft 

To let the curtain drop^jtnd hide the red 
Of the coarfe fcene, toMiocking for the fight 
Of OKxiefl eyes and cars, that take delight 
To hear with pleafore Urban*s praifcs fung, 
Vrhut the kind, the prudent, gay and young, 
Who mo? es a man, and wears a rofy fmilc. 
That can the faircfl of a heart beguile : 
A virtuous love delights him with its grace. 
Which fbon he'll find in Myra*% lov'd euibrace, 
Enjoying beahh with all its lovely train 
Of joys, iitc from remorfe, or fhame or pain. 

But Ttilpo fighs with matrimonial cares, 
Ss.diecks wear wrinkles, fllver grow his hairs ; 



l8o HEALTH: A POEM. 

Before old age, his health decays apace, . 
And very rarely fmiles clear up bis face. 
Talpo'% a fool, there's hardly help for that. 
He (carcely knows himfelf what he'd be at ; 
}ie*s avaritious to the lad degree, 
And thioks hb wife and children makes too free, 
AVith his dear idol ; this creates his patn. 
And breeds convullions in his narrow brain. 
He always llartlcd at approaching fate, 
And often jealous of his virtuous nute ; 
Is ever anxious, (huns his friends to fave : 
Thus foon he'll fret himfelf into a grave ; 
There let him rot — worthlefs the mufe's lays. 
Who never read one poem in his days, 

I (ing to Mar/us, Mar/us who regards 
The well meant vcrfe, and "gen'roufly rewards 
The poet's care ; obferve now, if you can, 
Ought in his carriage, dues not fpeak the man S 
To him his many a winter wedded wife 
Appears the greateft folacc of his life. 
He views his offspring with indulgent love, 
AVho his fuperior conduct all approve. 
Smooth glide his hours ; at fifty he's leis old 
Than fome who have not half the number told. 
The cheating glafs he with right friends can fhare. 
But (huns the deep debauch with cautious care. 
His flecps arc found, he fc^s the morning rife. 
And lifts his face with pleafure to the f]<ies ; 
And quaffs the health that's bori^Dn Zepkyr\ wingSj 
Or gulhes from the rock in limpid fpri?gs. 
From fragrant plains he gains the chearing fmell, 
While ruddy beams all diftant dumps repel. 
The whole of nature, to a mind thus turn'd, 
Fnjoying health, with fwcetnefs feems adorn 'd : 
To him the whiOling ploughman's artlefs tune, ^ 
The blecting flocks, the oxen's hollow crune. 
The warbling notes of the fmall chirping throng, 
Delight him more than the Italian fong. 
To him the cheapeft difh of rural fare, 
And water cool in place of wine more rare. 



•jflEALTH: A POEM. i8i 

ma feaft. On draw be'U find more cafe 
a<he down, even with the lead difeafe* 

lever's tempted to tranfgrefs the line 

eratiori fix'd to enlivening wine, 

iacrOf waded long before his time, 

head, bow'd down, proclaims his liquid crime. 

•pie dye, with ruby pimples mixt, 

*Sg9 upon his face are fixt. 

nt fever wades his drength away, 

lbs enervate gradually decay : 

It and paify follow in the rear, 

kc his being burthenfome to bear : 

amifh domach loaths the favory fey, 

ight but liquids now can find their way 

late his drength, which daily flies, 

: young drunkard's pad all hope, and dies. 

ra6lifc*what we preach, O goddcfs born 1 

y flavc, led Bacchanalians fcorn 

piration, if the tempting grape 

m the hollow eye, and idiot gape. 

:t no wretched mifers, who repine, 

\i there were not fuch a juice as wine, 

here that we are fo profane 

: that heav'n gave plenteous vines in vain : 

:e there's plenty, cups may fparkling flow, 

may drink 'till our rais'd fpirits glow. 

II befriend our health, while chearful rounds 

> mirth, and keep their proper bounds. 

Duld not dririk', I own, who diil wifh more, 

w not when 'tis proper to give o'er. 

it9nSy let no morning drinks deceive 

)etites, which elfe at noon would crave 

per aliments, as can fupport 

your hearty botde, health and fport. 

view we floth (too oft the child of wealth), 
ig friend, but real foe to health, 
f/ lolls his lazy hours away, 
are drowfy, and his lips are blac ; 
rnfeebi'd h.nds fupinely hing, 
.ing knees unus'd, together ding: 



i82 HEALTH: A POEM. 

Clofc by the fire his cafy-chair too ftands, 
In which all day be footters, nods and yawos. 
Sometimes he*ll drooe at piquet, hoping gain^ 
But you mud deal his cards, that's too much pain. 
He rpeaks but feldom, pufFs at every paufe» 
Wor(^8 being a labour to his tongue and jaws : 
Nor mud his friends difcourfe above their breatb^ 
For the lead noife (lounds through his ears like death. 
*Hc caufes flop each cranny in his room. 
And heaps on cloatbs, to fave him from the rheam : 
Free air he dreads as his mofl dangerous foe. 
And trembles at the fight of ice or fnow. 
The warming pan each night glows o'er bis (hcct^ 
Then he beneath a load of blapkets fweats ; 
The which (inftead of (hutting) opes the door. 
And lets in cold at each dilated pore. 
Thus docs the (luggard health and vigour wafle. 
With heavy indolence; 'till at the laft. 
Sciatic, jaundice, dropfy, or the (lone. 
Alternate makes the lazy lubbard groan. . 

But adive HiJarh much rather loves, 
M'iih eager dride, to trace the wilds and groves 5 
To ftart the covy, or the bounding roe. 
Or work deftru(5liVe Reynard's overthrow : 
The race delights him, horfcs are his care. 
And a (lout ambling pad his eafieA chair. 
Sometimes, to firm his nerves, he'll plunge the deep, 
And with expanded arms the billows fwcep : 
Then on the links, or in the efller walls, 
He drives the gowfF, or ftrikes the tennis-balls. 
Frpm ice with pleafure he can brufli the (how. 
And run rejoicing with his curling throw ; 
Or fend the whizzing arrow from the ftring, 
A manly game*, which by itfelf i fing. 
Thus chearfuliy he'll walk, ride, dance or game. 
Nor mind, the northern blaft, orfouthern flame. 
Eaft winds may blow, and fallen fogs may fall, 
But hiihale conflitution's proof to all. 

• A. poem on feeing the arclicrs playing at the rovcrJ. 

He 



HEALTH: A POEM. - 183. 

He knows no change of weather by a corn. 
Nor miflds the black, the blue, or ruddy morn. 

Here let no youth extravagantly given, 
Who values neither gold, nor health, nor heaven. 
Think that our fong encourages the crime 
Of fettiog deep, or wafting too much time 
On furious game ; which makes the paiHons boil. 
And the fair mean of health a weak'ning toil. 
By violence exceflive, or the pain 
Which ruin'd lofers ever n\uft fuftain. 

Our Hilarh defpifcs wealth fo won ; 
Nor does he love to be himfelf undone ; 
But from his (port can wkh a fmile retire. 
And warm his genius at Apollo^z fire ; 
Find ufeful learning in the infpired drains. 
And Uefs the generous poet for his pains. 
Thus he by literature and cxercife. 
Improves his foul, and wards off each difeafc. 

Heath's op'ner foes we've taken care to (how, 
Which make difeafes in full torrents flow : 
Bat when thefe ills intrude, ^o what we will. 
Then hope for health ixomClarlC% approven fktU, 
To fuch well feen in nature's darker laws. 
That for difbrders can afHgn a caufe : 
Wj^o know the virtues of falubrious plants, 
Aiid what each diffi:rent conftitution wants. 
Apply for health.— But ihnn the vagrant quack, 
Who gulls the crowd with Andrenus comick clack : 
Or him that charges gazettes with his bills. 
His Anodynes^ elixirs, tindlures, pills. 
Who rarely ^vcr cures, but often kills. 
Nor truft thy life to the old woman's charms. 
Who binds with knotted tape thy legs or arms. 
Which they pretend will purple fevers cool j 
And thus impofe on fome believing fool. 
When agues (hake, or fevers raife a flame. 
Let your phyfician be a man of fame. 
Of well-known learning, and in goodrefpcdl , , 
For prudence, honour, and a mindcredl: 

Q, 2 Nor 



l84 HEALTH: A POEM. 

Nor fcrimply favc from what's to merit due ; 
He favcs your whole eftatc who fuccours you. 

Be grateful, Britons, for your template bearos^ 
Your fertile plains, green hills, andfilvcr ftrcams, 
O'erclad with corns, with groves, and many a mead, 
\Vhere rife green heights, where herds in millioDS feed : 
Here ufcful plenty mitigates our care. 
And health with frefhed fweets embalms the air. 

Upon thofc (bores, where months of circling rays 
Glance feebly on the fnow, and frozen bays ; 
"Where, wrapt in fur, theftarving Lapland brood 
Scarce keep the cold from curdling of their blood ; 
Here meagre want, in all its pinching forms^ 
CombinM with lengthened night and bleakeA ftorms. 
To combat joyful health and calmrepofe, 
'W hich from an equal warmth and plenty flows. 

Yet rather, O great ruler of the day, 
Bear me to Weygate, or to Hudfon*% bay. 
Than fcorch me on thefe dry and blafted plains^ 
Where rays dirc(5l inflame the boiling veins 
Of gloomy negroes, w hoVe oblig'd to breathe 
A tljickcD*d air, with peflilential death ; 
Where range out o'er th' unhofpitablc wades, 
The hunger-edg'd and fierce devouring beads; 
Where ferpcnts crawl, which fure dellru61ion brings 
Or in the envenom 'd tooth or forked ding ; 
Where fleeting fands ne'er yield t* induftrious toil 
The golden (heave, or plants for wine and oil : 
Health muft be here a (iranger, where the rage 
Of fev'rifh beams forbid a lengthened age. 

Ye Dutch^ enjoy your dams, your bulwarks boaft. 
And war with Neptune for a fandycoaft, 
Whilfl frighted by thefe deep tumultous powers. 
You fcarce d?.rc (](cp In your fubaqueous bowers : 
K^ift high your beds and (liun your croaking frogs ; 
And battle with lobacco-fmoak your fogs ; 
Soak en ycur Hovcs, with fpiriis charge your veins. 
To uard off agues and rheumatic pains. 

IvCt the proud Spaniard {\r\ii on naked hills, 
And vaicly trace the plain for cryf'al rills. 

Starve 



A Pafioral on the Death of Mr Prior. 1 85 

Starve on a fallad, or a garlic-head, 
Pray for his daily roots, not daily bread ; 
Be fowV, and jealous of his friend and wife. 
Till want aod fpleen cut (hort his thread of \\{t. 

Whilft wc on our aufpicious ifland find 
What'cr can pleafe the fcnfe, or chear ihcm'nd. 
Blcft J^fr« oflfles ! with a devout regard, 
Allow mc to kneel down and kife thy fward. 
Thy flowVy fward, and offer heaven a vow. 
Which gratitude and love to thee makes due : 
If e'er I from thy healthful limits flray, 
Or by a wifh, or word, a thought betray, 
Agaiofl thy int'reft, or thy fair renown. 
May never Daphne furnifh me a crown ; 
Nor may the firft- rate judges of our iflc. 
Or read, or on my blyihfome numbers fmllc. 

Thalia here, fwcet as the light, retir'd. 
Commanding me to fing what (he'd infpir'd. 
And never mind the glooming critics bray ; 
The fong was hers fhe fpoke and I obey. 



Robert, Richy, and Sandy : A Paftora! on the death 
^Matthew Prior, ^y^'' Infer ibed to the Right 
Honour ahle Perfon deftgnedby the Old * Shepherd. 

ROBERT the gpod, by a' the fwalns rever'd. 
Wife arc his words, like filler is his beard : , 
Near faxty fhining fimmers he has fcen, 
Tenting his hirfle on the Moor- land green : 
Uofhaken yet with mony a winter's wind. 
Stout are his limbs, and youth fu' is lils mind. 
But now he droops, ane wad be wac to fee 
Him fac caft down ; ye wadna trow 'tis he. 
By break of day he feeks the dowy glen. 
That he may fcowth to a' iiis mourning Icn : 
Nane but the clinty eraigs and fcrogy briers 
Were witocfFcs of a' his granes and tears ; 

• Robert late Eul of Oxford. 

0,5 Yi;i\v^\<^ 



iS6 A Pnfloral on the Death of Hit Prbr. 

Howdcr'd wi* hills a cryflal burnie ran, 
Where twa young fhepherdt fand the good auld mao : 
Kind Richy Spec^ a friend to a' diftrcft, 
And Sandy t wha of fhcpherds fmgs the beft ; 
With friendly looks they fpeer'd wherefore he tnoamMy 
He rais'd his head, and Gghing thus returo'd. 
ROBERT. 
O Matt ! poor Alatff -—My lads, e*en.take a ikair 
C)f a* my gficf ; -fwcct-finging Mattes nae mair. 
Ah heaven's ! did e'er this lyart head of mine 
1 iiinlc to have feen the cauldrife mools oo thine ! 
RICHY, 
My heart mil^a'c me, when I came this way, 
His dog its lane fat yowh'ng on a brae ; 
1 cry'd, IJk^ i/k'—^oor Rirjg*wood"'h\iy mao ; 
Pie wag*d his tail, cour'd near, and lick*d my hand : 
I clapM his head, which eas*d a wee his pain; 
But foon's I gade away, he yowl'd again. 
vPoor kindly bead. Ah, (irs ! how (ic (hould be 
Mair tender-hearted mony a time than we ! 
SANDY. 
Lafl ouk I drcam'd my tup that bears the bell. 
And paths the fnaw, out o'er a highcraig fell. 
And brak his leg.— I darted frac my bed, 
Awak'd, and leugh.— -Ah ! now my dream it's red. 
How dreigh's our cares, our joys how foon away. 
Like fun-blinks on a cloudy winter's day ! 
Flow fad, ye tears, yc have free leave for me ; 
Dear fwcct-tongu'd Matt, thoufands (hall greet for ihcc. 
ROBERT. 
Thanks to my friends, for ilka briny tear 
Ye (Led for hira ; he to us a* was d^r : 
Sandy, Vm eas'd to fee thee look fae wan ; 
jRkhy, thy flghs befpcak the kindly man. 
R 1 C H Y. 
But twice the fimmer's fun has ihaw'd the fnaw. 
Since frac our heights ^ Eddie was tanc awa*: 
Fad Matt has foliow'd.— Of fie twa bereft, 
To fmooth our fauls, aliike ! wha have we left ! 

» Secretary AdiUfun, 

Wacf 



A Pajioral on the Death of M . Prior. 187 

Waes me ! o'er (hort a tack of tic is giveo» 
But wha may contradi^ the will of heaven ? 
Yet mony a year he liv'd to hear the dale 
Sing o*er his faogs, and tell his merry tale. 
Laft year J had a (lately tall a(h-tree. 
Braid were it branches, a fweet fhade to me ; 
I thought it might have flourifh'd 00 the brae, 
(The' pad its prime) yet twenty years or fae : 
But ac rough night the blat'ring winds blew fhcU, 
Tom frae its roots, adown itfouchan fell : 
Twin'd of its nourifhment, it lifeleis lay, 
Mixing 4ts withered leaves amang the day. 
Sae flouriih'd Matt : but where's the tongue can tell 
How £ur he grew ? how much lamented fell ? 
S J N D r. 
How Ciackly cou'd he gi'e a fool reproof^ 
E'en wi* a canty tale he'd tell afF loof ? 
How did he warning to the dofen'd fing. 
By aold Purganty^ and the Dutchman\ ring \ 
And LxLc\i*sJiUer laddh {hvfj% how aft 
Oar greateft wiihes are but vain and daft. , 
The wad-be wits, he bad them a' but pap 
^Thcir crazy heads into Tarn Tinman's (hap ; 
There they wad fee a fquirrel wi' his bells 
Ay wreftling up, yet rifiog like the'mfells. 
Thoufands of things he wittily cou'd fay. 
With fancy (Irang, and faul as clear as day ; 
Smart were his tales : but where's the tongue can tell 
How blyth he was ? how much lacnented fell ? 

R I C H Y. 
• And as he biythfome was, fae was he wife. 
Oar (aird himfell wa'd aft take his advice. 
E'en check for chew he'd feat him 'roang them a'. 
And tauk his mind 'bout kittle points of law. 
When * clan Red-yards^ ye ken, wi' wicked feud, 
Had (kail'd of ours, but niair of his ain blood ; 
When I, and mony mae that were right croufc, 
Wad fain about his lugs have burnt his houfe : 
Yet lady Anney a woman meek and kind, 
A fae to weirs, and of a peacefu' mind, 
• 1-cwis XIV. King of France, 



l^O 7!? the Honeuralh DuncaD Forbes; 

Thefe keq> my fancy on the wing. 
Something that's biyth and fnack to fing. 
And finootb the runklcd brow : 
Thus care | happily beguile, 
Hoping a phradit and a fmile, 

Frae bed of men, like you. 

You^ wha in kitde cads of /late» 
When property demands debate* 

Can right what is dung wraog ; 
Yet biythly can, when ye think fit, 
Enjoy your friend, and judge the wit 

And ilidnefs of a fang. 

How mony, your reverfc, uqblefl , 
"Whafc minds gae wand'ring through a miff. 

Proud as the thief in hell, 
Pretend, forfooth, they're gentlc-fowk, 
'Caufe chance gi'es them of gear the yowk. 
And better diiels the (hell? 

I've fecn a we 'an aft vex itfell. 
And greet, becaufe it was not ta*I : 

Heez'd on a board, O than I " 

Rejoicing in the artfu' height. 
How fmirky looked the little wight I 

And thought itfell a man. 

Sic bairns are fome blawn up a wee 
With fplendor, wealth and quality, 

Upon thcfe (lilts grown vain ; 
They o'er the pows of poor fowk Aride, 
And neither are to had nor bide, 

• Thinking this height their ain. 

Now /hou'd ane fpeer at (ic a puf)^ 
What gars thee look fae big and bluff? 

Js't an attending menzie ? 
Or fifty diflics on your table ? 
Or fifty horfes in your i^ble ? 

Or heaps of glancing cunzie i 

Are thefe the things thou ca's thy fell ? 
Come, vain gigantic (hadow, tell, 

If thou fayeft, yes I'll /haw 



Tot^e Honourable Duncan Forbes. 19 1 

Thy pi^rc, Means thy filly mind, 

Tby wit's a croil, thy judgment blind. 
And love worth nought ava. 
Accept our praife, ye nobly born. 
Whom heaven takes pleafure to adorn 

With ilka manly gift ; 
InCourfi or Campf to fervc your natiofli 
Warm'd with that generous emulation 
Which your forbears did lift. 
In duty, with delight, to you 
Th' inferior world do jaftly bow. 

While you're the maift deny*d ; 
Yet (hall your worth be ever prized. 
When ftruting nathings are defpis'd 
With a' their (linking pride. 
This to fet afF as I am able. 
Til frac a Frenchman thigg a fable. 

And bufkit in a plaid r 
And iho' it be a bairn of * Motte\ 
When I have taught it 10 fpeak Scots^ 
I am its fecond dad. 

* Twa books, near neighbours in a (hop, 

* The tane a gilded Turkey fop, 

* The tithcr's face was weather-beaten, 

* And cauf-fkin jacket fair worm-eaten. 
' The corky, proud of his braw fuit, 

* Curl'd up his nofc, and thus cry^d out, 

* Ah I place me on fomc fre(hcr binks : 

* Figh ! how this mouldy creature ftinks ! 

* How can a gentle book Kke mc 

* Endure fie fcoundrel company ? 

* What may fowk fay to fee me cling 
' Sac ciofe to this auld ugly thing ; 

* But that Tra of a fimple fpirit, 

* And difregard my proper merit ? 

* Quoth grey-baird, Whijhty ftr^ 'with your din, ^ 

* For a' your meritorious Jkirty > 

* I doubt if you be nuorth within, j 

* Moiif. ia Motte, who has vvtitten latdy a curious coUe^ion of 
iiics, from which the following is imiutcii. 

* For 



) 



192 7he CLOCK and DIAL. 

* For as auld-faJhhrC d at I lookt 

* May be I am the belter book. 

* O heavens ! I canna thole the clafh 
« Of this impertinent apld hafh ; 

« I winna (lay ae moment langer. 

« My lord^ pleafe to command your anger ; 

< Pray only let me tell you that ^ > • 
« What wad this inlblcnt be at I 

< Rot out your tongue— pray, mafler Symmer, 

< Remove me frae this dinforae rhimer: 
« If you regard your reputation, 

« And us of a diftinguifh'd ftation, 

< Hence frae this bead let me be hurried, 

< For with his flour and fiink Tm worried. 

* Scarce had he (hook his paughty crap, 

* When in a cuflomer did pap ; 

* He up doufe Stanza lifts, and eyes him, 

* Turns o*er his leaves, admires, and buys him : 

* This booky faid he, is good and fear ce^ 

* The faul offefjfe infweeteji verfe, 

* But reading title of gilt cleathing, 

* Cries, Gods ! *wha buys this bonny naithing ? 

* Nought duller e^er nuas put in print : 

* IFcnv ! *what a deal of Turky^s tint /* 

Now, fir, t* apply what we've invented,. 
You are the buyer reprcfcnted ; 

And, may your fcrvant hope 
My lays fhall merit your regard, 
rii thank the gods for my reward, 
And fmilc at ilka fop. 



The Clock and Dial. 

AE day a Clock wad brag a DiaU 
And put his qualities to tiial ; 

Spake to him thus, My neighbour ^ pray ^ 

Can' ft tell me ivhat^s the time of day ? 

The Dial faid, * 1 dinna ken.* 

^ lake I fwLat ftand ye tltre/or then ? 



i 



Tife CLOCK and DIAL. ^3 

* I wait here till the fun fhioes bright, 
' For nought I ken but by his light: ' 
ffatt on, quoth Clock, J /com bhhelp^ 
Baith night and day my lane I Jkeip r 
JVind up tny nveigbij but anet a-nveck, 
IVitbotti him 1 eon gat^ and f peak : 
Nor Mean vfelefs fumpb Iftand^ 
Bui conftanilj wheei round my hand : 
Harky harky IJirikejuJi nonu the hour ; 
And lam rights ane — t^ma^tbree-^four. 

While thus the Clock was boading loud, 
The blecziog fun brak through a cloud ; 
The Dial, faith&i' to his guide. 
Spake truth, and laid the thumper's pride : 

* Ye fee, fatd be, I've dung you fair, 

' 'Tis four hours and thred quarters mair. 
' My friend, be adJedy count again, 
' And learn a wee to be lefs vain : 
' Ne'er brag of conflant clavering cant, 
' And that you anfwers never want ; 

* For you're not ay to be belie v'd : 

* Wha truft to you may be deceiv'd. 

* Be counfell'd to behave like me ; 

* For when I dinna clearly fee, 

* I always own I dinna ken, 

' And that*8.tbe way of wifeft men. 



An Ode to the Memory 0/ Lady Margaret Anflruther. 

A L L in her bloom the graceful fair, 
Lucinda, leaves this mortal round ; 
Her lols a thoufand mourners (hare. 
And beauty feels the cruel wound. 
Now grief and tears o'er all oor joys prevail, 
Vicwbg her rofy cheeks all cold and pale. 

Thus fome feir ftar difKnguifh'd bright, ^ 

Which dedcs the heavens, and guides the tnalnj^ 

When clouds obfcure its glorious light, 
It leaves the gloomy world in pain, 

R ^ 



194 AnOT>Etotbe MefHory of 

So fudden death has vail'd Lucindd's eyes, 
Atxi left us lofl m darkoefs and furprize. 

Nor fweetnefs, beauty, youth'por wealth » 
Nor blood, tho' nobly high it fprings ; 
Nor virtue's felf can purchafe health. 
When death fevere his ruromoo brings : 
£l(e might the fair Lucinda^ young and gay. 
Have bled the world with a much longer (lay, . 

But fay, fweet (hade, was it thy choice 

To leave this low, uncondant globe ; 

Tir'd with its vain, its jangling noi(ey 

Thou wifely dropt thy human robe ? 

Or tell us, guardian angels, tell us true. 

Did ye not claim her hence as one of you ? 

Yes, well we know it is your way, 

When here below fuch beings (hine^ 
To grudge us even our earthly clay. 
Which form'd like her becomes divine. 
Such you demand, and free from cares and fears. 
Unmindful of our fruitlefs (i^hs and tears. 

Yet deign, ye friends to human kind^ 

The lonely confort to attend ; 
O footh the angui(h of his miod> 
And let his killing (brrows end. 
Tell him, his (ighs and mourning to afTwage* 
Each day (he dwelt with him was worth an age. 

Ye lovely virgins who excel, 

Ye fair to whom fuch drains belong, 
io melting notes her beauties tell, 
And weep her virtues in a fong : 
See that ye place her merit in true light ; 
For finging her*s your own will (hine more bright. 

Let eafl and weft, and fouth and north, 

Aioud the mournful muGc hear, 
How beauty's fallen beyond the Forth s 
Let Britain^ genius cypre& wear. 
Yet Britain'^ happy, who fuch beauty yields. 
As forced from hcr's will srace Ehfiufnz fields. 

Elei 



C 195 ] 

Elegy on the Right Honourable Jams s Lord Caknioie, 
nubo died the ith ^ January 1722, the eighth year of 
bis age, 

AS poets feign, and pamters draw. 
Love and the Paphian bride ; 
Sae we the fiur Southejka faw, 
Carnegie by her fide. 

Now iever'd frae his (Weets by death. 

Her grief wBa can exprefs ? 
What HMife can tell the waefu' fkaitb. 

Or mother's deep diflrefs ! 

Sae rofes wither in their buds, 

Kill'd by an eaftien Uaft, 
Andfweeteft dawns in May with clouds 

And (torms are foon o*ercafl. 

Ah cfaecqucr*d life ! Ae day gives joy, 

, The mefi our hearts man bleed: 
Heaven caos'd a feraph turn a boy. 

Now g^ us trow he's dead. 
Wha can reflet on's ilka grace. 

The fwectnefi of his tongue, 
Hb loanly looks, his lovely ftce. 

And jiidg0ient ripe fac young ; 

And yet ferbour to make a doubt. 

At did the Royal Swab, 
When he with grief of heart cry*d out. 

That man nnaf made in vain f 

Mortals the ways of providence 

Bat very fcriqaiMy fcan ; 
The changibg icene eludes the fcnic 

And rewMUOg^ of man. 

How mony thoulands ilka year. 

Of hopefo' children, crave 
Our love and care, then diiappear. 

To glut a gapmg grave. 

What is thb grave ? a wardrobe poor. 
Which bads our rotting duds > 

K 3 tVf 



10 ^tjOT>Zto tbe Memory cf 

TW immortal mind, fcrcnc and pure, 

Is death'd abooo the clouds. 
Then ccafe to gricyc dcj©Stcd fair. 

You had him but in truft ; 
He was ]^ur beauteous Ton, your heir, 

Yct'Machaffwasduft.' 
The other to its native fkics 

Now wings ity happy way ; ' 

With glorious fpccd and joy he flies. 

There blcfsfully to ftray. 
Garne^ie then but changes clay. 

For fair celeftial rays : 
He mounts up to eternal day» 

And> as he parts, he fays, 
Jldieu^ Mamma\ forget wry tender fate i 
Thefe ru/hing tears are vain^ they fio^ too late^ 
This faid, he haded hence with pleafiitg joy; 
1 £iw the gods embrace their darling boy. 

Jn Ode, facred to the Memory •ftht R^bt H^umaUe 
Annk La^ Gai&libs. 

HO W vain are our attempts to Inow ? 
How poor, alas ! is reuoo's ikill ? 
We blindly wander here below, 

Yet fondly fearch heaven's ftcret will. 
Each day we fee the young, the great, the fihdl, 
'J'he good, the bad, without difiindlion, fall. 

Yet fuch as have the red ont-fhin'd. 
We fhould be faulty to negledl ; 
Each grace of beauteous Garlm^z mind 
Deferves the mufe's high refped. 
But how (hall (he fuch- worSi and goodods paint i 
A loving daughter, virtuous wife, aod fiiint 1 

Some feraph, who in endtefi day 

^^'ilh themes fublimc employ the lyre, 
Dan in my bread a fhining ray, 
And all my foul with her infpire ; 
Mfe (ing yourfclvcs fo fair a frame and mind, 
^8 now fuppltes a place among your kind; 
it' As 



ANNE Laify GAIKLIES. p^y 

As we the glorious fun admiTe, 

Whofe beams make evVy joy arife. 
Yet dare not view the dazzliog fire. 
Without much hazardug our eyes ; 
So did her beauties ev'ry heart allure, 
While her bright virtues kilPd each thought impure^ 

She breath'd more fweetoefs than the eaft^ 

W^hile ev'ry fentence was divine ; 
Her finiles could calm each jarriog bread ; 
Her foul was a celeffial mine. 
Where all the precious veins of virtue lay ; 
Too vaft a treafure long ta lodge in clay. 

Tho' fprung from an * heroic race, 

Which from the world refped does claim. 
Yet wanted (he no^ borrow'd grace, 
Her own demands immortal fame : 
Worthy as thofe who (hun the vulgar roads> 
Start fiom the crowd, and rife amoogd the godvw . 

Such pains as weaker minds poflefs. 

Could m her bread no accefs find ; 
Bat lowly meekncfs did confefs 
A (leady and fuperiormind. 
Unmov'd (he bore thefe honours due the great. 
Nor could have been deprefs'd with a more bunble foe.^ 

Ab to the fields the huntfman hies. 

With joyful (houts he wakes the morn; 
While nature fmiles, ferene the (kies, 
Swift fly his houods, flirill blows his horn : 
When fuddenly the thund'ring cloud pours rain, 
Defiu:es day, and drives him from the phiin« 

Thus young Briganiius^ circling arms 
Grafp'd all that's lovely to his heart, 
Rcjpic'd o'er his dear Jnnaz charms. 
But not expeding Iboo to part-; 
When rigid fate, for reaibns known above, 
Snatch'dfrom his bread the obje^ of bis love. 

Ah, Carlies! oncc^tfcchappieflman. 
Than e'er before Brigantine chief* 

* Sfcff wai-dau^tcfofibc Earl Mar/hal of SeotLmd. 



198 The Lovely Lafi and Mirror. 

Now fcvcr'd from your lovely Jfine^ 
'Tis bard mdeed to (lem your grief : 
Yet miod what you might often from her hear, 
>\ hat heaven dcfigns, fuboiifEve wc fiiould bean 

Oh ! ne'er forget that tender care, 

Thofe heaven bom thoughts (he did employ. 
To point thofe ways how you may ihare 
Above with her immortal joy. 
Such a blight pattern of what's good and great. 
Even angels need not blufli to imiute. 



The Lovely Lafs and the Mirror. 

A Nymph, with ilka beauty grac'd, 
Ae morning by her toilet plac'd. 
Where the leal-hearted Looking-glafs 
With truths addreft the lovely Lafs ;— 
To do ye juftice, heavenly fair, 
Amaifl in charms ye may compare 
^VTwhVenus* fell.—- But mind qpiajft : 
For tho' your happily pofleft 
Of ilka grace which claims refpe^. 
Yet I fee flults ye (hould corrcdl j 
1 own they only trifles are. 
Yet of impoitance to the fair. 
W hat fignifies that patch o'er braid. 
With which your rofy cheek's o'erlaid i 
Your natural beauties you beguile. 
By that too much a£FeAcd (mUe : 
Saften that look-^move ay with ea(e, 
And you can never fail to pleafe. 

Thofe kind advices (he approv'd. 
And roair her monitor (he lov'd ; 
* rill in came vifitaots a tbreavtf : 
To entertain them, fke maun Jcave 
Her Looking'lafs — They fleetdimg praife 
Her looks—her dre& — and a' (he fays, 
Be't right or wrang ; (he's hale complcat, 
Afid iSuts in nuthiDg Cut ov Wiccx* * 



JUPITER'S Utiery. 199 

Sae much was faid, the honny La ft 
Forgat her faithfu' Lookingglaff, 

Clarinda, thb dear beauty's Tou, 

The mirror is ane good and nvifif 
Wha, by his counfcls jufl, can (hew 

How nobles may to greatnefs rife. 
God ble& the wark : if you're opprcft 

By parafites with faufe defigo. 
Then will (ic faithfu' mirrors bed 
Thefe underplotters countermine. 



Jupiter'/ Lottery, 

AN £S Jove, by ae great alt of grace. 
Wad gratify his human race, - 
Aod order'd Hermes , in his name, 
V^itb tout of trumpet to proclaim 
A royal lott'ry frae the fkies, 
^here ilka ticket was a prize. 
Nor was there need for Ten per Cent, 
To pay advance for money lent : 
Nor brokers nor (lock-jobbers here ^ 

Werethol'd to cheat fowk of their gear. 
The firft-rate benefits were, Healthy 
Pleafitret, Honours , Empire and Wealths 
But happy he to whom wad fa* 
IVifdom^ the bigheft prize of a' : 
H^s of attaining things the beft, 
Mftde lip the maUi feck of the reft. 
Niow ilka ticket fidd with cafe, 
At altars for a facrifice ; 
Jeoe a' reoeiv'd, ky, gates and ews, 
Moor-cockfly lambs, dows or bawbee-rows • 
Nor wad debar e'eo a poor droll, 
Wha nought coa'd gi'e but his parol. 
Sae kind was he no to exclude 
Poor wights/or want of wealth or blood ; 
|veo whiles the gods, as record tclb» 
ioaght fcrenl dckcmAr tbcfflfcUs. 



V^Vkin 



200 7he MISER Md MlNOSv 

When fbu and lots put m the wheel» 
Aft were they turo'd, to mix tbem wcel> 
Blind chance to draw JW ordered fyne. 
That nane with reafon mi^t repine : 
He drew, and Mercury was dark. 
The number, prize and name to mark. 
Now hopes by millions fail came forth. 
But feldom prizes of mair worth. 
Sic as dominion, wealth and (late. 
True friends, and lovers fortunate. 
Wifdtmti at laft, the greateft prize. 

Comes up : aloud dark Hermes crys«— 

Number ten thoujand^'^comtf let's fte 
Thepcrfon blcft.-— Quoth Pallas ^ Me.-- 
Then a' the gods for blythnefi fang. 
Throw heaven glad acclamations rang \ 
While numkmd grumbfii^ laid the wytc: 
On them, and ca'd the haJe a byte. 
Yes ! cry'd ilk ane, wi^ fobhing hearty 
Kind Jow has play'd a parentis part, 
Wha did this prize to Pallas fend, 
While we're fneg'd off at the wob end* 

Soon to their clamours .^r took tent,. 
To punifh wjiich to waik he went ; 
He ftraight with Follies filPd the whedi. 
In Wifdom\ place they did as well ; 
For ilka ane wba Fdfy drew. 
In their conceit, a' Sages grew :. 
Sae thus contented, a' retired. 
And ilka fool himfelf admir*d» 



T%e MisvR and Miti^os. 

SHORT fyne there was a wretched, niiicc^ 
With pindiing bad fcaif 'd up a tieafiire ; 
Yet frae his hoords be doughtoa take 
As much wou'd btqr a mnttOD-Iiaka^ 
Of rake a glals to comflirt oatDre, 
JiU ftrimply fed (» cruriba^wriL^in^ 



TU MISER and MXMQS» lor 

ty he famUh'd 'midfl hit plenty ; 

1 made furviving kmdred caoty, 

[carcely for him pat on Mack* 

oly in his loofapladu 

I even they gradg*d : fie is the wtf 

m wha fa' upon the prey ; 

U fcarce row up the wretdi's feec» 

imp they make hit vdnding-flicet^ 

le (hould leave a vaft eftate, 

eapf of gowd like jirtiut's feat. 

U, down the (larving ghaifi did fink, 
: fell on the Stygian brink ; 
: aold. yon Charen ftood and raught 
ther'd loof ont for hit fraught ; 
em that wanted wherewithal 
og them back to (land and hlaw. 
^ifer Jang being us'd to fiive^ 
his, and wadna paflage crafc ; 
iw'd the Ferryman a koadc^ 

in ^fwam o*er, andhain'd his phck*. 

( might damn, and fiok ami ronr; 

in vain — he g^'d the fliore.— «^ 

d — the three-pow'd dog of bell 

i terrible a triple yell ; 

. rooz'd thefnaky S^rs thra^ 

brious on this wigfit did fiec^ » 

Jay'd the finoggier on their coaff« 

ich Pluto his does, had loft : 

brought him for this trick fae hainous 

the bench of juftice Minoi. 

: cafe was new, and very kittle, 
I puzzl'd a' the court nalitde ; 
;ht after thoaght with unco* fpeed 
ound within the Judge's head» 
d what puniihmcnt was doc 

a daring crime and new. 

he the plague oi Tatttal feel, 
ited be on Ixion'% wheel, 
\g wi' bauld Prmutieus* paio» 
> Syjipb to row bis (lane, 



3oa 7he APE and the LEOPARD* 

Or fcnt amang the wicked rout 

To fill the tub that ay rins out ? 

No, no, coatbues Minos^ do. 

Weak are our punifhroents below, 

Jor fic a CTime ; — he maun be hurl*d 

Straight back again into the world. 

I Teotence him to fee and hear 

What ufe his friends make of his gear* 



The Ape and the Leopard. 

TH E Ape and Leopard^ beads for (how. 
The fird a wit, the lad a beau ; 
To make a penny at a fair. 
Advertised a' their parts fae rare. 
The tane gae out with meikle wind. 
His beauty 'boon the bruul kind ; 
Said be, I'm kend baith &r and near, 
£? en kings are pleat'd when I appear : 
And when I yield my vital puff. 
Queens of my (kin will make a muff; 
My fur fae delicate and fibe. 
With various fpots does deekly fiiine. 

Now lads and ladbi fad did rin 
To fee the bead with bonny fldn : 
His keeper diaw'd him round about ; 
They faw him foon, and Ibon came out. 

But mader Monkey with an air 
Hapt out, and thus harangued the fair ; 
Come, gentlemen, and ladies bonny, 
I'll give ye padime for your money : 
I can perform, to raife your wonder. 
Of pawky tricks mae than a hunder. 
My coufin Spotty ^ true he's braw. 
He has a curious fuit to fliaw. 

And naithing mair. But frae my mind 

Ye diall blyth fatisfaAion find. 
Sometimes I'll aA a chiel that's dull. 
Look thoughtfu'> grave> and wag my fcull; 



TU ASS and BROCK. 203 

Tkeo mimic a light-headed rake, 

When 00 a tow my houghs I /hake : 

Sometime, like modern monks, Til feem 
To make a fpeech; and naithing mean. 
Alt come away, ye oeedna fpeer 
What yeVe to pay ; iTe no be dear : 
And if ye gmdge for want of fport, 
[']] give it back t' ye at the port. 

rbcy^liicceeded, in fowkwent 

kay'd long-— and came oat well content ; 
^ moch will wit and fpirit plcafe, 
Beyond our fiiapCt and brawed claiths. 
Hbw mony» ah ! of our fine gallants 
Are only Leopards in their talents ! 



The Ass and B&ock. 



UPO N a time a folemn Aft 
Was dand'ring throw a narrow pali 
VVhere he forgathered with a Brock^ 
Wha him faluted frae a rock ; 
Speer'd how he did— how markets gade— 
What's a' ye'r news-— and how is trade- 
How does Jock Stot and lucky Yad^ 
Tarn Tup^ and Buckj^ honed lad ? 
Reply*d the Afs, and made a heel, 
B'en a' the better that ye'r wecl : 
But Jackanapes and fnarling Fifty 
Are grown fae wicked (fome ca's't witty), 
rhat we wha folid are and grave, 
Km peace on our ain howms can have ; 
While we are Infy gathering gear, 
/poo a brae they'll (It and fneer. 
faoe (hou'd djance to breathe behin', 
)r ha'e fome (laver at his chin, 
)r 'gainfi a tree fhou'd rub his arfe, 
lut's fubje^l for a winfome farce : 
liere draw they tncy as void of thinking, 
bAjou^ my deao famous for ffinkiog ; 



hA 



TO4 Tte VOX and KAT. 

And the baald birfy Bah- your frien% 
A glutton dirty to the ten ; 
By laughing Dcgs and Jpes aba8*d» 
Wha i8*t can thole to be fae os'd ! 

Dear me! hch! wow! — and fay ye fae-— 
Returo'd the Brock— Vmrnko wac 
Toiee this flood of wit break in : 
O fcour about, and ca'ta fin ; 
Stout are your lungs, your voice is loud, 
And ought will pals upon the crowd* 

The ^/s thought this advice was right. 
And bang'd away with a' his might; 
Stood on a know among the cattle. 
And furioufly 'gaind wit did ratdc : 
Psar^d out a deluge of dull phrafeiT, 
While Dpgs and /4pes leugh, and made faces. 
Thus a' die angry J/s held forth, 
Serv'donly to augment their mirth. 



Tlfe Fox and Rat. 

THE Lyon and the Tyger lang maintain*d 
A bloody weir ;-— at laft the Lyon gsuo'd. 
The royal vi^or (Irak the earth with aw. 
And the four-footed world obey'd his law : 
Frae ilka fpedes deputies were fent, 
To pay their homage due, and compliment 
Their (bv^reign liege^ wha'd gart the rebels couri 
And own his royal right, and princely power. 
After difpute, the monieft votes agree 
That Reynard ihould addrefs his majefly, 
Ulyfes like, in name of a* the lave ; 
Wha thus went on — • O prince^ allow thy flavc 

* To roofe thy brave atchievements and renown ; 

* Nanc but thy daring front fhou'd wear the crown, 
' Wha art like Jove^ whafe thunderbowt can make 

* The heavens be hu(h, and a* the eanh to (hake ; 

* Whafe very gloom, if he but angry nods, 
'^Qmimands a pea6e» and flegs \ht inferior gods. 



Tie Caterpillar and the Ant. 965 

* Thai thou, great king, haft by thy conquering paw 

* Gi'CQ earth a (hog, and made thy will a law : 
' Thee a' the animals with fear adore, 

* And tremble if thou with difpleafure roar ; 
< O'er a' thou canft us eitb thy fceptre fway, 

« As Badrans can with cheeping Roitans play.' 

This fentence vex'd the envoy Rottan fair ; 
He threw his gab, and girn'd ; but durfl nae mair. 
The monarch pleas'd with Lvusry^ wha dur(l giooni \ 
A warrant's ordcr'd for a good round fum. 
Which Dragon^ lord chief trcafurcr, mart pay 
To flytongu'd Fleechy on a certain day ; 
Which fecretary y^pe in form wrote down, 
Sign'd Lyon, and a wee beneath, Baboon. 

'lis given the Fox. Now Bibtail tap 0' kin, 

Made rich at anes, is nor to had nor bin ; 

He dreams of nought but pleafure, joy and peace. 

Now bleft with wealth, to purchafc hens and geefc : 

Yet in his loof he hadna telPd the gowd, 

And yet the Rottan z bread with anger glow'd ; 

He vow*d revenge, and watch'd it night and day. 

He took the tid, when Lovjry was away. 

And throu* a hole into his clofet (lips, 

There chews the warrant a' in little nips. 

Thus what the Fox had for his fiatt'ry gotten, 

Bv'ofrae a Lyon^ was made nought by an offended Rottan^ 



The Caterpillar and the Ant. 



A Penfy Ant^ right trig and clean, 



Came aeday whidding o*erthe green, 

Wicre, to advance her pride, (he faw 

A Caterpillar moving flaw : 

Good e'en t* ye, miftrcfs Ant, faid he. 

How's a' at hame ? I'm blyth to s'ye. 

The faucy Ant view'd him with fcorn, 
^lor wad civilities return ; 
But gecking up her bead, quoth (lie, 
'oor animal, 1 pity thee, 



206 The Caterpillar and the Ant. 

Wha fcarce cao claim to l>e a creature. 
But foroe experiment of nature, 
Whafe filly fhape difplcas'd her eye. 
And thus unfimOi'd was flung by. 
For me, I'm made with better grace, 
With a^ive limbs, and lively face ; 
And cleverly can move with cafe 
Frae place to place where e'er I pleafc : 
Can foot a minuet or a jig, . 
And fnoov't like ony whirly-gig ; 
Which gars my jo aft grip my hand 

*TilI his heart pitty-pattys, and 

But laigh my qualities I bring. 
To ftand up ciafhing with a things 
A creeping things the like of thee, 
t^ot wort% of a farewell t'ye. 
The airy knt fyne turn'd awa. 
And left him with a proud gaffa. 
The Caterpillar was ftruck dumb. 
And never anfwer'd her a mum : 
The humble reptile fand fome pain 
Thus to be bantcr'd with difdain. 

But tent neifl time the ^nt came by 
The IVorm was grown a Butterfly ; 
Tranfparent were his wings and fair, 
Which bare him flight'ring throw the air : 
Upon a flower he (lapt his flight. 
And thinking on his former flighty 
Thus to the Ant himfell addrcft. 
Pray, madam, will ye pleafe to red ? 
And notice what I now advife. 
Inferiors ne'er too much defpife : 
For fortune may gi'e fie a turn, 
To raife aboon ye what ye fcorn : 
For inftance, now I fpread my wing 
In air, while you're a creeping thing. 



I 207 3 

Tiff t*wcL Cats^ and the Cheese, 

TWA Cats anes on a Cheefi did Iight» 
To which baith had an equal right ; 
But deputes, fic as aft arife, 
Fell out a (haring of the prize. 
Fair jday, faid ane, yc bite o'er thick, 
Thae teeth of your's gang wonder quick : 
Let's part it, elfclang or the moon 
Be cbang'd the kebuck will be doon. 

But wha's to do't ? They're parties baith, 

And ane may do the other fkaith. ^ 

Sae With confent away they trudge^ 

And laid the Cheefe before a judge : 

A Monkey with a campflio face, 

Ctek to a jufticc of the peace ; 

A judge he feem'd in jufticc ikill'd; 

When he his mafter's chair had fill'd. 

Now umpire chofen for divifion, 

Baith fware to ftand by his dectfion« 

Demure he looks. The Cheefe he pales 

He prive* — it's good — ca*s for the (bales ; 

His knife whops throw't. — in twa it fell \, 

He puts ilk hi^ in cither (hell : 

Said be, we'll truly weigh the cafe, 

ADd (Irideft juftice (hall have place ; 

Then lifting up the fcalcs, he fand 

The tane bang up, the other ftand : 

SyDe out he took the heavieft hafF, 

And ate a knooft o't quickly aff, 

And try'd it fyne ; — it now prov'd light : 

Friend 6tf//, faid he, we'll do yc right. 

Then to the ithcr hafF he fell, 

And laid till't teughly tooth and nail. 

Till weigh 'd again it lighteft prov'd. 

The judge wha this fweet procefs lov*d; 

Still weigh'd the eafe, and ftill ate on, 

'Till clients baith were weary grown; 

And tenting how the matter went, 

Cry'dy Come> come> fir, we*re baith conten^t. 

' ?2 ^^ 



3o8 Tiftf camele;on. 

Yc fools, quoth he, and Juftlce too 
Maun be content as well as yon. 
Thus grumbled they, thus be went on, 
Till baith the haves were near hand done: 
Poor Pouftes now the dafiin faw 
Of gawn for nignyes to the law ; 
And biird the judge, that he wad picafc 
To give them the remaining Cheefe : 
To which his woifliip grave reply'd, 
ne dues of court maun firjl he paid, 
>Jow Jujlice plcasM :-— what's to the fore 
VS iij but right fcrimply clear your fcore ; 
That's our decreet ;--gaebanie and fleep, 
And thank us yc'rc win aff fac cheap. 



The Camelbon. 

TJVA travellers, ai they were wa'king, 
'Bout the Cameliw fell a talking* 
(Sic think it /haws them metd'd men. 
To fay Tve fcen, and ought to ken ;) 
Says ane, 'tis a (Irange bead indeed, 
Fourfootcd, with a fifh'shead; 
A little bowk, with a lang tail, 
And moves far flawer than a foail ; 
Of colour, like a blawart blue ;— - 
Reply'd his nibour, Tbafs no true ; 
For well I nvat bis colour's green ^ 
J fane may true bis ain tns3a een ; 
For I in fun-Jhine fanu bimfair^ 
Wben be 'was dining on tbeair, ■ ■ 
Excufc me, fays the it her blade, 
1 faw him better in the fhade, 

And he is blue. He" s green Pmfure.**" 

Ye \\cd.-"Jfidye^re ibefin of a nvbore^^" 
Frae words there had been cu^ and kick. 
Had not a third come in the nick, 
\A'ha tenting them in this rough mood, 
Cry*d, Gcntlcmcoi what I are yc wood? 



The twa LIZARDS. ao^ 

What's ye'r quarrel* and 't may be fpeer't ? 
Troth, fays the tane> dv, ye fhall hear't : 
Thz Came/eon, I fay, he*8 blue ; 
He threaps he's green. — Nojv, what fay you ? - 
Ne'er fa(h ye'r fells about the matter. 
Says the fagacious arbitrator, 

He's black. Sae nane of you arc right, 

Iview'd him well with candle-light ; 
And have it in my pocket here, 
Row'd in my napkin hale and feer. 
Fj! (aid ae cangler, nvhat dye mean ? 
ill lay nty lugs ct^t^ that he^s green. 
Said th' ither, were I gawn to death, 
I'd fwear he's blue with my lad breath. 
He's black, the judge malntain'd ay (lout. 
And to convince them, whop'd him out : 
Bat to furprize of ane and a', 
The Animal was white as fnaw. 
And thus reprov'd them, * Shallow boys, 

* Away, away, make nae mair noife ; 

* Yc're a' three wrang, and a' three right ; 
' But learn to own your nibours fight 

* As good as yours. — Your judgment (peak, 
' Bat never be fae daftly weak 

* T imagine ithers will by force 

' Submit their fentlmcnts to yours; 
' As things in various lights ye fee, 
' They'll ilka ane refemble me.' 



The /iva Lizards^ 

BE N E A T H a tree, ae ihining day, 
On a burn-bank twa Lizards lay 
Becking themfelis now in the beams, 
Then drinking of the cauller (Ireaips. 
Waes me, fays ane of them to \W ithcr, 
How mean and filly live we, brither ? 
Beneath the moon is ought fae poor ! 
Kegardcd Icfs, or mair obfcure 1 



2T0 Tie inva LIZ A?.DS,. 

We breathe indeed, aod tbafsjufta*; ' 
But, forcM by dedlny^s hard law, 
On earth like worms to creep and fprawl : 
(Jurft fate to ane that has a faul I 
Forby, gin we may trow report, 
In Ni/ttj giant Lizards fport, 

Ca'd Crocodiles : ah ! had I been 

Of fie a fizc, upon the green, 
Then might I had my (kair of fame. 
Honour, refpedl, and a great name; 
And Man with gaping jaws have (hor'd, 
Syne like a pagod been ador'd. 

Ah, friend ! replies the ither Lizard^ 
What makes this grumbling in thy gizzard.? 
What caufc have ye to be uncafy? . 
Cannot the fweets of freedom pleafe ye ? 
Wt free frae trouble, toil or c^re. 
Enjoy the fun, the earth and air. 
The cryftal fpring and green-wood (haw, 
And bcildy hples, when tempeds blaw. 
W^hy (hould we /Vet, looL blae or wan, 
Tho' wcVe cpntcmn'd by paughty man ? 
If fae, lets in return be wife,, 
j^nd that proud animal defpife, 

O fy ! returns th' ambitious bead. 
How weak a fire now warms thy bread ? 
it breaks my heart to live fae mean ; 
Vd like t' attradlthe gazer's cen, 

And beadmir'd". What flatdy horns 

The Deer's majcflic brow adorns 1 
He claims our wonder and our dread. 
Where e'er he heaves his*haughty head. 
What envy a* my fpirit fires. 
When he in clearcft pools admires 
His various beauties with delyte ; 
I'm like to drown myfelf with fpite. 
Thus he held forth. — when ftraight a pack 
Of Hounds y and Hunters at their back. 
Ran down a deeir before 'thsir face, 
l^rCfithlcfs and wearied with the chaice. 



WE R CUR Y in ^eji eTPfcacfc 21 1 

The dogs upon the vidtim feize, 
And beugles (bund his obfeqaies. 
Bat neither Men nor dogs took tent 
Of oar wee Lizards on the bent,- 
While hungry Banvty^ Buff,, and Tray^ 
DcTOur'd the paunches of the prey. 

Soon as the bloody deed was pad. 
The Lizard wife the proud addreft ;. 
Dear coufin, now. pray let me heac 
How wad ye like to be a Deer P 

Ohon ! quoth he, convinced and wae, 
^ha wad have thought it anes a-day i 
Well, be a private life my fate, 
rilDCTerenvy mair the great: 
That we are little fowk, that's true f 
Bat iae*s our cares and dangers too... 



Mercury /> ^eji ^Peace. 

TH £ gods coofl out, as (lory gaes, 
Some being friends, fome being faes. 

To men in a bcficgcd city ; t 

'I'hus fome frae fpite, and fome frae pity. 

Stood to their point with canker'd ftridncfs. 

And Icftna itherin dogs likencfs. 

Jufio ca*d ^<f«»/ whore and bawd, 

^£nuf ca'd Juno fcauldin jad ; 

E'en cripple Fu/canbk^ the low, 

'^foiio ran to bend his bow ; 
Dis fliook his fork, Pailas her fhield, 
Neptune his grape began to wield. 
What plague, cries Jupiter, hey hoy ! 
Maun this town prove anither Troy P 
What, will you ever be at odds, 
Till mankind think us foolifh gods ? 

Hey ! raiftrefs Peace, make haftc— appear^* 
But madam was nae there to hear:. 



2X2 MERCURY //srJgi^e^ Peace. 
Come, Hermes, wing thy hccis and head, 
And find her out with a' thy fpeed : 
Trowth, this is bonny wark indeed, 

Hermes obeys, and ftaptna (hort. 
But flys direflly to the Court ; 
For fure, thought he, (he will be found 
On that fair complimenting ground. 
Where praifcs and embraces ran 
Like current coin 'tween man and man. 
But foon alake ! he was beguii'd, 
And fand that courtiers only fmiFd, 
And with a formal fiatt'ry treat ye. 
That they mair (ickerly might cheat ye : 
Peace was na there, nor e*er could dwell 
"Where hidden envy makes a hell. 

Nied to the ha, where juflice {lands 
With fword and ballance in her hands. 
He flew— no that he thought to find her 
Between the accufer and defender ; 
But fure he thought to find the wench 
Amang the fowk that fill the bench ; 
Sae muckle gravity and grace 
Appear*d in ilka judge's face : 
Even here he was deceived again, 
Vor ilka judge (lack to his ain 
Interpretation of the law, 
And vex*d thcmfells with Had and Drano, 

Frac thence he flew ftraight to the Kirir 
In this he prov'd as daft a flirk, 
To look for peace, where never three 
In cv*ry point cou'd e'er agree ; 
Ane his ain gate explained a text 
Quite contrair to his neighbour next. 
And teughly toolied day and night 
To gar believers trow them right. 

Then fair he figh'd — where can fhe be ? 

Well thought the univerfity, 

Science is ane, thefc maun agree. 
There did he bend his ftridcs right clever, 
But is as far miilane as ever : 



MERCURY in^eflofm^t. 213 

Fmr here contention and ill -nature 
HkI ni&kled ilka learo'd feature ; 
Ac party flood for ancient rules, 
Aobber ca'd the ancients fools ; 
Here ane wad fet his fkanks afpar. 
And roofe the Man fang Troy war, 
Aoither ca*s him Robin Kar. 

Well, (he's no here ; — away he flies 
Jo feek her amangd families. 
Tout, what fhou'd (he do there I wonder ? 
Dwells (he with matrimonial thunder, 
"Where mates, fome greedy, foraedeepdrinken, 
Gootend with thriftlcfs mates or jinkers ? 
This fays, 'tis black ; and that, wi' fpite, 
Stifly maintains and threeps 'tis white. 

Weary'd at laft, quoth he. Jet's fee. 
How branches with their (locks agree : 
Bat here he fand (till his midake ; 
Some parents cruel were, fome weak ; 
^^'hile bairns ungratefu' did behave, 
Aod wi(h their parents in the grave. 

Has Jove then fent me amang thir fbwk,. 

Cry*d Hermes, here to hunt the gowk ? 

Weil, L have made a waly rqund. 

To feck what is not to be found. 

Jttfton the wing towards a bqro 

A wee piece aff his looks did turn. 

There miArefs Peace be chanc'd to lee. 

Sitting beneath a willow- tree : 

Aod have I found ye at the laft ? 
He cry'd aloud, and held her faft. 
Here I re(ide, quoth (he, and fcaird» 
With an auld Hermit \n this wild. 
Well, madam, faid he, I perceive 
That ane may long your prefence crave. 

And mifs ye fiill ; but this fccms plain. 

To have ye, ane maun be alace. 

Th9^ 



' C 214 J 

The Spuing and the Sykv, 

FED by a living Spring, a rill 
Flowed eafily adown a hill ; 
A thoafand flowers upon its bank 
Floarifh'd fii' fair, and grew right rank : 
Near to its courfe a Syb did ly,. 
Wbilk was in (immer aften dry,. 
And ne'er recover'd life again. 
Bat after foaking (bowers of rain ; 
Then wad he fwell, look big and fprufh^ 
And o'er his margia proudly gufh. 
Ae day, after great waughts of wect. 
He with the cryflal current met. 
And ran him down with unco' din ; 
Said he, How poorly does thou rin I 
See with what flate I dafli the brae> 
Whild thou cand hardly make thy way. 

The Spring, with a fuperior air. 
Said, Sir, your brag ^ves me nae care % 
For Toon's ye want your foreign aid. 
Your paughty cracks will foon be laid. 
Frae my ain head I have fupply^ 
But you muft borrow, elfc rin dry. 



The Daft Bakgaiic. A Tale. 

A T market ancs, I watna how, 
•*^ Twa herds between them coft a cow :. 
Driving her hame, the necdfu' Hacky 
But ceremony ehanc'ii to k- — . 
Quoth Rab right ravingly to Rajff\ 
Gin ye'U eat that digefted draff 
0£ Crummy, I fhall quat my part.— - 
A bargain be't, with a' my heart. 
Raff {oon reply 'd, andlick'dhis thumb. 
To gorble't up without a gloom : 
Syae lill't he fell, and feem'd right yap 
His mcaltith quickly up to gawp \ 



r^/iutf CUT-PURSES, ATale. %!$ 
iaff done, his heart began to fcuDDer^ 
kit lootna on 'till Rab (trak under ; 
9i\A fearing fkair of cow to tine, 
At hi$ daft Bargain did repine. 
Well, well, quoth Raff, tho* ye was rafli, 
111 fcom to wrang ye, renfelefs ha(h ; 
Come, fa* to wark, as I ha*e done. 
And eat the ither hafF as foon, 
Ye's fave ye'r part.-— Content, quoth Rab — 
And flerg'd the reft o't in his gab : 
Now what was tint, or what was won, 
Iseithly feen. — My ftory's done. 
Yet frae this tale confederate ftates may learn 
To fave their cow, and yet no eat her /harn. 



The tv)a Cut-Purses. A Tale. 

INborrows-tow^there was a fair, 
And many a landart coof was there, 
Baith lads and lafTes bufked brawly, 
To glowr at ilka bonny-waly, 
Aod lay out ony ora bodies 
Od fma' gimcracks that pleased their noddles ; 
Sic as a jocktaleg, or fheers, 
Gonfeckit ginger, plums or or pears. 

Thcfc gaping gowks twa rogues furvey, 
And on their caih this plot they lay ; 
The tane, lefs like a knave than fool,- 
Unbidden clam the high cockibol, '^ 

And pat his head and baith his hands 
Throw holes where the illdocr (lands. 
Now a' the crowd with mouth and ecn 
Cry'd out, IVhat does thif idiot mean ? 
They glowr*d and leugh, and gathered thick. 
And never though t upon a trick, 
'Till be beneath had done his job, 
By tooming poutches of the mob ; 
Wha now pofleft of rowth of gear, 
Scour*d affas lang's the coft was dear. 



2t6 EpiflU to Robert Yarde, fyf / 

But wow ! the fcrly quickly <5haog'd. 
When throw their empty fobs they raog'd ; 
Some gim'd, and fome look'd blae wi' griefy 
While fome cry'd out, Fy had thi thief. 
But ne*er a thief or thief was there. 
Or cou'd be found in a' the fair. 
The jip wha flood aboon them a*» 
His innocence began to (haw ; 
Said he, my friends, I'm very forry 
To hear your melancholy ftory ; 
But fure where'er your tinfcl be, 
Ye canna lay the wyte on me. 



Epiflle /<? Robert Yard E, ^Devonfhire, Efy 

FR A E northern mountains clad with fnaw. 
Where whidliDg winds IncefTant blaw> 
In time now when the curling -(lane. 
Slides murm'ring o'er the icy plain, 
What fprightly talc in verfe can Tarde 
£xpe(5t frae a cauld Scoitijh bard. 
With brofe and bannocks poorly fed. 
In hoden gray right hafhly clcd, 
Skelping o'er frozen hags with pingle, 
Picking up peers to beer his ingle, 
While fleet tharfrcczcs as it fa's, 
Theeks as with glafs the divot Waws 
Of a laigh hut, where (ax thegither, 
Ly heads and thraws on craps of heather I 

Thus, (ir, of us the (lory gaes : 
By our mair dull and fcornfu' faes : 
But let them tauk, and gowks believe, 
While we laugh at them in our flccve ; 
For we, nor barbarous nor rude. 
Ne'er want good wine to warm our blood ; 

Have tables crown'd and heartfome bcilSf 

And can in Cumin' St Don's or Stei/*s^ 
Be fcrv'd as plcntcoufly and civil, 
J^iyon ifl Lindoa at the DfviL 



EfiPle to Robert Yardc, Efq: 217 

You« fir, yoarfelf wha came aod faw, 
Own*d that we wanted nought at a', 
To make ns as content a nation, 
At any is in the creation. 

This point premised, my canty mufc 
Cocks up her cred without excufe, 
And fcorns to fcreen her natural flaws 
With Ifs, and Buts, and dull B-caufi\ 
She pukes her pens, and aims a fl ghc, 
Throu' regions of internal light, 
Fracfancy*s field, thcfe truths to bring 
That you fhou'd hear, and (he (hou*d (ing, 

• Langfyne, when love and innocence 
Were human nature's beft defence, 
£ie party jars made lawtith lefs, 
By cieathing't .in a monkifli drcfs ; 
Then poets fliaw'd thefe evenly roads, 
That lead to dwellings of the gods. 
In thefe dear days, we'll ken'd to fame,. 
J^mni Vales was their name : 
It was, and is, and (hall be ay, 
While they move in fair virtue's way. 
Tho' rarely we to ftipends reach^ 
Yet Dane dare hinder us to preach. 

Believe me, fir, the neareft way 
To bappinefs, is to be gay ; 
^or fplcen indal^'d, will banifh reft 
I^'arfrae the bofbms of the beft ; 
Thoafands a-year*s no worth a prin, 
When e'er this fafhous gueft gets in : 
But a fair competent eflate 
Cao keep a man frae looking blate, 
Saeeithly it lays to his hand 
What his jufl appetites demand. 
Wha has, and can enjoy^ O wow .! 
How (moothly may his minutes flow ? 
A youth thus bled with manly frame, 
Enliven'd with a lively flame, 
Will ne'er with fordid pinch controul 
The faiisfa^ion of his foul. 



2i8 Epijlle to Robert Yardc, EJq: 

Poor is that mind, ay difcontcnty 
That canna ufe what God has lent ; 
But envious girns at a' be fees, 
That are a crown richer than he*s ; 
AVhich gars him pitifully hane, 
And hell's aie-middins rake for gain ; 
Yet never kcps a blythfome hour. 
Is ever wanting, ever fowr. 

Yet ae extreme (hou'd never make 
A man the gowden mean forfake, 
It (haws as much a Ihallow mind. 
And anc extravagantly blind. 
If carelefs of his future fate, 
He dafily wafles a good efUte, 
And never thinks 'tUI thoughts are vain. 
And can afford him nought but pain. 
Thus will a joiner's (havings bleez, 
Their low will for fome feconds pleafe ; 
But foon the glaring leam is pad, 
And cauldrife darknefs follows fafl : 
While flaw the faggots large expire. 
And warm us with a lading fire. 
Then neither, as 1 ken ye will, 
AViih idle fears your phrafures fpill ; 
Nor with neglc(5ling prudeat care. 
Do fkaith to your fucceeding heir. 
Thus fleering cannily throw life, 
Your joys (hall lafling be and rife : 
Give a' your paffions room to reel. 
As lang as reafon guides the wheel. 
DcTircs, tho' ardent, are nae crime. 
When they harmonioufly keep time : 
But when they fpang o*cr reafon 's fence. 
We fmart for't at our ain expence ; 
To recreate us we're allow *d. 
But gaming deep boils up the blood, 
And gars ane at groom porters baa 
The Being that made him a man, 
When his fair gardens, houfe and lands. 
Arc fii'a amongit the (harpers hands. 



Aq\ 



EpiJiU to Robert Yardc, Efq: 219 

^ebearfu' bottle (boths the mind, 
Gan carles grow canty» freeaod kind ; 
Defeats our care, and heals oar (Irife^ 
And brawly oyls the wheels of hTe : 
Bat when jaft quanturos we tranrgrefs. 
Oar bldEng turns the quite reverfc. 

To love the bonny fmiling fair, 
Naoe can their paffioos better ware ; 
Yet love is kittle and unruly, 

And fliou'd move tentiJy and hooly : 

For if it get o'er meikle head, 

'Tis fair to gallop ane to dead : 

O'er ilka hedge it wildly bounds. 

And grazes on forbidden grounds ; 

Where condantly, like furies, range 

Poortith, difcafes, death, revenge: 

To toom anes pouch to dunty clever, 

Or have wrang'd hufband probe ane's Uver, 

Or void aoe*s faol oat throw a (hanker^ 

10 faith 'twad any mortal canker. 

Then wale a virgin worthy you. 
Worthy your love and nuptial vow : 
Syne franJily range o*er a' her charms, 
I>riok deep of joy within her arms ; 
Beftill delighted with her bread, 
Aod op her love with rapture feall. 

May fhe be blooming, faft and young, 
^ith graces melting from her tongue ; 
I^rudent and yielding to maintain 
Vour love, as well as you her ain. 

Thus with your leave, fir, Tve made free 
To give advice to ane can gi'c 

As good again. But as mafs John 

Said, when the faod tald time was done, 
' Ha'e patience, my dear friends, a wee, 
' And take ae ither gl;£ frae me ; 
* And if ye think there's doublets duc» 

1 1 fhaiua baok the like frae you.' 

T 2 Tit 



[ 220 3 

Tit for Tat. 

BE-SOUTH our channel, where \\% comma 
To be pried* ridden, man and woman ; 
A father, ancs in grave procefHon, 
Went to receive a wight!s confefHon, 
A^ hafe fins, lang-gatber'd, now began 
To burden fair his inner man. 
But happy they that cat) wkh cafe 
Sling aflT fjc laids when e'er they pleafe. 
Lug out your fins, and eke your purfes, 
Arq foon your kind fpiritual nurfes *' 

^iJJ eafc you of ihcle heavy turfes. 

Cries, Hodge, and fighs, ah ! father ghoilIy» 
I Iang*d anes for fome jewels coftly, 
A d Uaw them frae a ineaking mifer, 
AVha was a wicked cheating fqueezer> 
And much had me and others wrang'd, 
For which I aften wifh'd him hang'd. 
The father fays, 1 own my fon, 
To rob or pilfer is ill done ; 
But I can eith forgive the faut> 
Since it is only Tit for Tat. 

The fjgh'ing penitent gade furder, 
And own'd his anes defigning murder ; 
l^hat he had lent ane's guts a fkreed, 
Wha had gi'en him a broken head. 
Replies the prieA, My fon, 'tis plain 
That's only Tit for Tat again. 

But dill the (inner fighs and fbbf » 
And cries, Ab ! thefe are venial jobs 
To the black crime that yet behind 
Lyes like AuldNick upon my mind : 
I dare na name't ; I'd lure be (hung 
Up by the neck, or by the tongue. 
As fpe»k it out to you : believe me» 
The faut you never wad forgive me. 
The haly man, with pious care, 
intrcatcd, piay'd, and (pake him fair. 



Epijile/rom Mr S T A RK A T. * aril 
Qmjur'd him, as he hop'd for heavco> 
To tell his cri(ne> and be forgiven. 

Well then, fays Hodge , if it raaun be, 
Prepare to hear a t^e frae me, 
That when 'tis tald, I'm unko feard 
Yc'U wifh it never had been b^ard. 
Ah mc ! your reverencic's^^r. 

Ten times I carnally have kift her, 

All*8 fair, returns the reverend brother^ 
l*vc done thefxmen with your mother 
Three times as aft ; and fae for that 
We're on a level. Tit for Tat, 



iftjile fromr MrV^ii.\\kVi Star rat, Teacher of 
Mathematics at Straban in Ireland, 

A E windy day ladowk. Til ne*cr forget, 

^ I think I hear the haildanes rattling j ci y 

Od trochan bafs my hirdfell took the lee,. 

As ane wad wifli, juft a* beneath my ee ; 

I b the bicld of yon auld birk-trec fide, 

Poor cauldrife Coly whiDg*d aneath my plaid, 

Right tozylie was fet to eafe my (lumps, 

Weel hap'd with bountitb-hofe and tvva foU'd pumps ;; 

9yoe on my four-hours luntion chew'd my cood. 

Sic kilter pat me in a merry mood : 

My whifUc frae my blanket-nook I drew. 

And lilted ow^e thir twa three lines to you. 

Blaw up my heart-firings, ye Pierian quincSr 
That gae the Grecian bards their bonny rbimes. 
And leam'd the Latin lowns fie fprings to play. 
As gars the world gang dancing to this day. 

In vain I feck your help ; 'tis bootlcfs toil 
TV'ith fie dead ale to muck a moorland foil ; 
Give me the mufe that calls pad ages back. 
And (haws prouds foutherofanglkrs their mifldk, 
That frae their Thames can fetch the laurel noixb, 
hDdbig,/^ar/^^^!u/ OQ the frhh of Forth* 

T 3 1^5= 



322 EplfiUfioin y»fr S T A R R A T.' 

Thy bread alanc this gladfome gucft docs fill 
With (liains, that warm our hearts like caoncKgtIK 
And learns thee, in ihy umquhilc gutchcr's toivgQe> 
Thy blythed lilts that e'er my lugs heard fung. 
Ratnfay ! for ever live : for wha like you 
In deatbleis fang fic life-like pidures drew ? 
Not he wha whilome with his harp cou*d ca' 
The dancing (bncs to big the Thebanw^' ; 
Nor he (fiiaracfa's fool-head) as ftorits tcU 
Could whiOle back an auld dead wife frae hell ; 
Nor e'en the loyal brookcr of Bell-treesy 
Wha fang with hungry wame his want of fees ; 
Nor Habbyz drone cou'd with thj wind-pipe pleafe. 
AN'hen in his well kend clink thou manes the death 
Of Lucky Wood and Spence (a matchlefs (kaith 
To Canigate) fae gafh thy gab-trees gan^ 
The carlincs live for ever in thy faug. 

Or, when thy country bridal thou purfu«s, . 
To redd the regal tulzie fets thy roufc, 
'Ihy foothing fangs bring canker'd carles to ca(c> 
Some lowps to LuUer^s pipe, fomc birls babies. 

But gin to graver notes thou tunes thy breath. 
And fmgs poor Sandy's grief for Edie^% death, 
Or Matth^z lofs ; the iambs in confort mac. 
And lanefome Ring'voood youls upon the brae. 

Good God ! what tunelefs heart firings wadoa twa 
"When love and beauty animates thy fang ? 
Skies echoe back, when thou blaws up thy reed. 
In Burchc.Cs praife for clapping of thy head: 
And when thou bids the paughiy 6z^rftand yon. 
The wandought fcems beneath thee on his throne. 
Now, be my faul, and I have nought behin. 
And well I wat faufe fwcaring is a fin, 
I'd r.ithcr have thy pipe, and Jwa three (hcep. 
Than a' the gowd the monarchs coffers keep. 

Coly^ look out, the few we have's gane wrang, 
This fe*i3tcen owks I have not piay*d fae lang ; 
ha; Crummy, ha, — trowth I maun quat my lang ; 
jBui, 'ad, neift mirk ^e*U to the haining drive, 
Whco m irclh lizat iViC^ t^t ^^\^^x w^ wf: \ 



r(?;»fr WILLIAM STARR AT. 215 
The royts will reft> aod gin ye like my play, 
I'll whiflic to thee all the live-lang day. 



To Mr William Starrat, on receiving the abov^ 

EpiftU. 

FR A E fertile fields where nae curPd ethers creep> 
To dang the herds that in ra(h-bufles deep; 
Frae where faint Patrick's blefHngs freed the bogs 
Frae taids, and aiks, and ugly cretpbg frogs; 
'Welcome to me the found o£Starrat*z pipe. 
"Welcome, as wefllen winds, or berries ripe, 
"When fpceliog up the hill, the Dog- days heat 
Gars a young thirty fhepherd pant aod fweat : 
Thus while I climb the mufes mount with care. 
Sic friendly praifes give refrefhiog air. 
O ! may the lafles loo thee for thy pains, 
And may thoo lang breathe healfome o<er the plains : 
Lang mayft thou teach, with round and nooked lineSf 
Sobdantxal ikill, that*s worth rich filler mines ; 
To (haw how wheels can gang with greated eafe. 
And what kind barks fails fmootheft o*er the feas ; 
How wind-mills (hou'd be made^-and how they work 
The thumper that tells hours upon the kirk : 
How wedges rive the aik :*- -How puiliefes 
Can lift on highed roofs the greated trees; 
Rug frae its roots the craig of Edinburgh cadle. 
As eaOly as I cou*d break v^y whidle. — 
What pleughs fits a wet foil, and whilk the dry ; 
And mony a thoufand ufeful things forby. 

I own *tis cauld encouragement to fing, 
"When round ane's lugs the blatran haiidanes ring ; 
But feckfu' folk can front the bauldcd wind, 
And flunk thro* moors, and never fafh their mind. 
Aft have I wid throu' glens with chorking feet, 
"When neither plaid nor kelt cou*d fend the weet ; 
Yet blyihly wald I bang out o*cr the brae, "j 

And dend o'er burns as light as ony rae, C 

Hopmg the mora aught fTovt a beitc& day ». . > 



aa 4 On the Earl of Weray (ii^ 

Then let's to lairds and ladies leave the fpleeiv 
\Vfaile we can dance and whiftle o'er the green*^ 
Mankind's account of good and ill's a je(l, 
Fancy's the rudder, and content's a feafl. 

Dear friend of mine, ye but o'er meikle roofe 
The lawly mints of my poor moorland mufe, 
Wha looks but blate, when even'd to ither twa^ 
That lull'd the deel, or bigg'd the Theban wa' ;. 
But trowth 'tis natural for us a' to wink 
At our ain fauts> and praifes frankly drink : 
Fair fa' ye then, and may your i]ocks grow rife^ 
And may nac elf twin Crummy of her life. 

The fun /hinea fweetly, a' the lift looks blur» 
O^er glens hing hovering clouds of rifing dew j 
Maggy y the boonied lafs of a' our town, 
Brent is her brow, her hair a curly brown, 
I have a tryft with her, and maun away. 
Then yc'll cxcufe me 'till antther day, 
When I've niair liroc ; for fhortly I'm to fing 
Some dainty fangs, that fall rouod Crochan ring» ' 



An Oi>E, luith a Paftoral Recitative, on the marriage of 
th Right Honourable ]kyiii& Earl of Wsmyss and 
Mrs Jan-et Chart&ris. 

R E C IT AT^IV E. 

LAST morn young Rofalind, with laughing een. 
Met with the finging fliepherd on the green ;. 
Armyas height, wha us'd with tunefu' lay 
To plcafc the ear, when he began to play : 
Him with a fmile the blooming Jafs addreft j 
Her chcarfu' look her inward joy confeft. 

ROSALIND. 
Dear (hephcrd, now exert your wonted fire,. 
I'll iclJ you news that fhall your thoughts infpire.- 

ARMYAS. 



1^^ Oot wi' them, bonny lafs, and if they'll bear,. 
Hr Bfttceremogi^ jovu^iaB^ftva^Vi^DA^ 



RO- 



I 



I 



Ode on the Earl of Wemyft* #25 

ROSALIND. 
They'll bear, and do invite the biytheft ftr^ ; 
The beauteous Cbarierija of thefe plains. 
Still to them dear, wha late made us fae vae« 
When we heard tell (he was far afFto gae. 
And leave oor heartfome fields, her native land, 
Now's ta'cn in time, and fix'd by Hymen\ band. 

A R MY AS. 
To whom ? fpeak faft ;<— I hope ye dinna jeer. 

ROSALIND. 
No, no, my dear, 'tis true, as we (land here. 
The Thane of Fife, who lately wi' his Plane ^ . 
And Visy leel, made the Blyth Bowl his ain ; 
He, the delight of baith the fma' and great, 
Wha*s bright beginning fpae his fonfy fate. 
Has gain'd her heart ; and now their mutual flame 
Retains the fair, and a* her wealth, at hame. 

A R MY A S. 
Now Rofalind, may never (brrow twine 
Sae near your heart, as joys arife in mine. 
Come ki(s me, laiHe, and you's hear me fing 
A bridal faog that thro' the woods (hall ring. 

ROSALIND. 
Ye're ay fae daft, come take it, and ha'e done ; 
Let a' the lines be faft, and fweet the tune. 

Akmy AS J/»gs. 

COME, (hepherds, a' your whiAIes join. 
And (haw your bly theft faces ; 
The nymph that we were like to tine. 

At hame her pleafure places. 
Lift up your notes both loud and gay. 

Yet fweet as Philomella'tt 
And yearly (blemnize the day 
When this good luck befel us. 

Hail to the Thane defcended frae 

Macduff rcnown'd inftory, 
Wha Albion frae tyrannic fway 

Reftor'd to anticnt glory : 



336« OdeoHihe Earl rf WcmjrTK 

Hit early UofToms load prochim. 

That frac this (lem he rifcs, 
IVhafe merits gires him right to fame, 

Aod to the higheft prizes. 

Hb bvely Couotefi fing, ye fwains, 

Nae fttbjefi cao be fweeter ; 
The bed of blood flows in her veins. 

Which makes ilk grace compleater : 
Bright are the beauties of her mind 

Which frae her dawn of rea(bn» 
With a' the rays of wit bath Hiin'd, 

Which virtue ftill did feafon. 

Straight as the plane her features fair. 

And bonny to a wonder ; 
Were Jove rampaging in the air. 

Her fmiles might (lap his thunder. 
Rejoice in her then, happy vouth. 

Her innate worth's a trealure ; 
Her fweetnefs a* your cares will footb. 

And fumifh endlefs pleafure. 

Lang may ye live t' enjoy her charms^ 
And langy lang may they bloflbm. 

Securely fcreen'd within your arms. 
And lodged in your bofbm. 

Thrice happy parents, judly^may 
Your breads with joy be fired, 

When you the dariing pair furvey» 

. ^y a* the warld admired* 



C aa? ] 
infieif^tU Archbrs diverting themjelvet at the^\% 

At the defire of Sir waiiam Bcnnct, 

Nequefimper arcum tendit Apolh. 

Apollo aft flings by his bows, 

And plays the Broom of Cowden- knows ; 

He fometimes drinks 

His Demand. 

' Tir\ H E Rovers and the -5«// you Taw, 

X, * And him who gives dcfpotic law ; 
' la numbers fing what you have feen 
' Both in the garden and the green, 

And how with wine they closed the day 

In harmlefs toads, both blyth and gay : 

This to remember be*t thy care. 

How they did judice to the fair.' 

The Answer, 

S4 R, I with much delight beheld 
The royal Archers on the field ; 
Their garb, their manner, and their gaSnc, 
•Vakes in the mind a martial flame. 
To fee them draw the bended yew, 
(rings bygane ages to our view, 
Vhen burnifh'd fwords and whizzing flaaes 
'orbadc the Norwegens and Dafies, 
Romans and Saxons^ to invade 
L nation pf nae foes afraid ; 
Vbafe virtue and true valour fav*d 
"hem bravely from their b*ing enHav'd : 
ileembg't greater not to be, 
'ban lofe their darling Liberty', 

low much unlike ! But mum for that, 

^me beaux may fnarl if we (hould prat. 
Vhen aw'rice, luxury and eafe, 
i tea-fac*d geacratioo pieafe> 



4138 On feeing ibe ARCHERS, (sc, 

Whafe j^thlefs limbi in filks o*cr-clad| 
Scarce bear the lady-baoded lad 
Frae's looking-glafs ioto the chair« 
'Which bears him to blaflum the fair, 
\Vha by their aftioos come to ken 
Sic are bat in appearance meo. 
Thefe ill cou*d bruik, without a beild> 
To fleep in boots upon the field ; 
Yet rife as glorious as the fun, 
To end what greatly they begun. 
Nor couM it fuit their tafle and pride 
To eat an ox bollM in his hide ; 
Or quaff pure element, ah mt ! 
Without ream, fugar and bohea. 

Hail noble ghofls of each brave (ire ! 
Whore fauls glow'd with a god -like fire I 
]f youVe to guardian pofls aflign'd, 
And can with greatnefs warm the mind ; 
Breathe manly ardours in your race. 
Communicate that martial grace. 
By which through ages you maintained 
Tlic Caledonian rights unftain'd ; 
That when our nation makes demands, 
She may ne'er want brave hearts and hands. 

Here, fir, I rouCl your pardon afk. 
If I have flatted from my tafk ; 
For when the fancy takes a flight. 
We feldom ken \^here it will light. 

But we return to view the band, 
Under the regular command 
Of * ane wha arbitrarly fways, 
And makes it law whatever he fays : 
Him honour and true reafon rule, 
Which makes fubmifEon to his will 
Nae flav'ry, but a jufl delight, 
Whiles he takes care to keep them right ; 
Wha never lets a caufc dcp<?nd 
'Till the purfuer*s power's at end ; 

Hfeb • * Mr D^vid DramuDtvd , ^ccGient of the cooncil. 



On fieh^ li^ AR C H E RS, e^. 229 

Bat, like a minider of fate. 
He fpeaks, and there's no more debate : 
Bcft government, were fubjedh furc 
To find a prince fit for fie powV. * 

But drop we cafes not defir'd, 
To paint the Archen now rctir'd 
From healthfu' fport, to chcarfu* wine. 
Strength to recruit,^ and wit refine ; 
Whire innojcnt and bJythfome talc 
Permits me foarncfs 10 prevail : 
Here, fir, you never fail to plcafe, 
Wha can in phrafe adapt with cafe, 
Draw to the life a* kind of fowks. 
Proud (haups, dull coofs, and gabbling gowks, 
Giclaingers, and each greedy wighr, 
You place them in their proper light ; 
And when true merit comes in view, 
You fully pay them what's their due. 

WHilc circling wheels the, hearty glafs. 
Well flavoured with fome lovely lafs ; 
Or with the bonny fruiifu' dame, 
Wha brightens in the nuptial flame* 

My lord, your toaft, the praefes cries : 
To lady Char lot te^ he replies. 
Now, fir, let's hear yonr beauty bright : 
To lady Jean^ returns the knighr. 
To Hamilton a health gaes round. 
And GDC to Eglintoun is crown'd. 
How fwcet they tafte !— Now, fir, you fay r 
Then drink to her that's far away, 
The lov'd Southcjk, Ncift, fir, you name : 
I give you Bafil'% handfome dame. 

Is't come to me ? then toad the fair 

That's fawn, O Cockbum, to thy fkdir. 

How hearty went thcfi: healths about ! ^ 

How blythly were they waughtcd out ! 

To a' the flately, fair and young, 

Frae Haddington and Hoptoun fprung ; 

To Lithg(y\xi\ daughter in her bloom. 

To dear Mackay^ and comely Home r 

U To 



330 Gfifieing the AKCHEKSf ifc. 

To Creightons every way divine. 

To Haldane ftreight at any pine. 

O how delicious was the glafs 

Which was perfum'd with lovely Befsl 

And fae thefe rounds were flowing gi'eo, 

To fifters Nisbet^ Nell and Jean, 

To fweet Montgomery (hbing feir. 

To Priejlfield twins, dclightfu' pair. 

To Katies four of beauteous fiunei 

Stuart and Cochran lady clainii 

Third Hamilton, fourth Ardrefi name. 

To Pegglet Pentland, Bang and Bell^ 

To Minto'z mate, and lively Nell : 

To Gordon*% raviftiingly fweet, 

To Maule in whom the graces meet, 

To Hepburn wha has charms in ftore» 

To Pr ingle harmony all o'er ; 

To the polite Kinloch and Hay^ 

To Wallace beautifu' and gay, 

To Campbells Sheen and Rutherfoord, 

To Maitland fair the much ador*d. 

To Lockhart with the fparkling een, 

To bonny Crawford ever green, 

To Stuarts mony a dazzling bairn, 

Of Invernytie and Denairn, 

To gracefu' Sleigh, and Oliphant, 

ToNaf7mthy Baird, Scot, Crier Sind Grant: 

To Clerk, Anjlruther, Frank and Grabamf 

To Z)^tf/2/ agreeing with her name. 

Where are we now ? Come, to the bcft 

In Chrijlendom, and a' the reft. 

(Dear nymphs nnnam'd, lay not the blame 

On us, or on your want of fame. 

That in this lid you do not liand ; 

For heads pivc way : — But there's roy hand, 

The neift time we have fie a night, 

Wc*ll not ncglcil to do ye right.) 

Thus beauties rare, and virgins fine. 
With blooming belles enlivened our wine, 
'Till a* our noles *gaQ to (hine. 



On Lady SomcrvUc'/ Book ^Scots Sangs. 231 
Then down wc look'd upon the Great, 
Who're plaga'd with guidbg of the flate» 
Apd pity'd each flegmatic wight, 
Whofe creeping fauls ken nae deh'ght. 
But keep themfelves ay on the gloom, 
Startled with fears of what's to come* 
Poor paffion ! fare by fate defign'd 
The mark of an inferior mind. 
To heaven t filial fear we awe, 
Bot fears nane elfe a man (hou'd (haw. 

Lads, cock your bonnets, bend yourbows^ 
And, or in cameft, or in mows. 
Be iHll faccefsful, ever glad. 
Id Mars*% or in Venus^ bed ; 
Sae bards aloud (hall chant your prailc. 
And ladies (hall your fpiriu raife. 

Thus, fir, I>e fung what you requir'd, 
As Mars and Venus have infpir*d. 
While they infpire, and you approve, * ' 

I'll (iDg brave deeds, and fafter love ; 
'Till great /^ppollo fay well done. 
And own me for bis native Ton. 



IFrofg on Laify SouERYiL%*s Book ^Scots Sangs* 

GA £, caoty book, and win a name; 
Nae lyrics e'er (hall ding thee : 
Hope large e?leem, and lafHog fame, 

If Somervilla (ing thee. 
If (he tby finlefs faults forgive^ 

Which ber fweet voice can cover, 
Tboa (halt, in fpite of critics, live 
SctU grateful to each lover* 



U2 - T^h9 



[ 232 ] 

rke NUPTIALS, tf Mafquc*, oni he Marriage »f 
his Grace Jamks Duke ^/^ Hamilton anel Beam- 
do n, i/c. 

Calliope, playing upon aViolencello^ftngs^ 

JO Y to the bridegroom, prince of Llyde^ 
Lang may his blifs and greatnefs blofTom ; 
Joy to his virtuous charming bride, 
"Who gains this day his grace's bofom. 

* An unknown ingenious friend did me the hononr of the fol- 
lowing introdu^ion to the Londm edition of this Mafqoe; and 
and being a Poet, my vanity will be pardoned for infcrting of it 
here. 

• The prefcnt Poem being a revival of a good old form of poc- 

• try, in high repute with us, it may not be amift to fty (bme- 

* tiling of a divcrfion cnce (b agreeable, and To long inteiruptcd, 

• or difufed. The original of MaHjues, fecms to be an imUatioo 

• of tiic interludes of the ancients, prefented on occafiob of ibmc 

• ceremony performed in a great and noble family. The aftori 

* in this kind of half-<!ramatic poetry have formerly beeo Cfca 

* kings, princes, and the fird perfbnagcs of the kingdom ; and io 

* private families, the noblcfl and ncateft branches. The ma- 

• chincry was of the greatcft magnificence ; very (hewy, coAly, 

* and not uncommonly contrived by the ablcA architects, as well 

• as the bcft poets. Thus we fee in Ben John(bn the name of Inigo 

* Jones, and tl)e fame in Carew ; whether as the modeller only 
« or as poet in conjunction with them, fcems to be doobtfiil, there 
« being nothing of our Englifti Vitruvius left (that I know of) 

• that places him in the clafs of writers. Theft fhewf we trace 

• backwards as far as Henry VIII. from thence to Qqeen Eliza- 

* beth, and her fucceflor King James, who was both a great en- 

* couragcrand admirer of them. The laQ Maf^e, and the bed 

• ever written, was that of Milton, prefented at Ludlow Caftle, in 

• the praife cf which no words can be too many : and I remen- 

* ber to have heard the late excellent Mr Addifbn agree with me 

• in that opinion. Coronations, princely nuptials, public fcafts^ 
« the entertainment of foreign quahty, were the oiiial'OCcalJoos 
« •f this performance, and the bed poet of the age was courted to 

* be the author. Mr Ramfay has made a noble and fuccefifid 

* attempt to revive this kind of poely, on a late celebrated account. 

* And tho' he is often to be admired in all his writtings, yet. I 

• think, never more tljan in his priftnt compofition. A particular 
' fiicnd gave it a ftcoi d edition in England, which, I fancy, the 
•public xviil agree that it dcfcrvcd, 

Appear, 



rhe NUPTIALS. 233 

Appear, great genius of his line, "*^. .^. 

And bear a part in the rejoicing; ^f^ 

Behold yoar ward, by powers divine, ^ 

Join'd with a mate of their ain choofing. 

Forfake a while the Cyprian fcene. 

Fair queen of fmiles and faft embraces^ 
And hither come, with a' your train 

Of beauties, loves, and fports, and graces. 

Gome, Hymen, blefs their nuptial vow, 

And them with mutual joys infpire. 
I>efceod, Minerva ; for 'tis you 

With virtue beets the haly fire. 

At the clofe of this fang, enters the genius of the fa* 
tniiy clad in a fear let robe, nvith a dtike^s coro- 
net on his head, a floield on his left arm, nuitb 
the proper hearing ^Hamilton. 

GENIUS. 
Eair miftrefs of harmonious founds, we hear 
Thy invitation gratefu" to the ear ; 
Of a* the Gods, who from the Olympian height 
Bow down their heads, and in thy notes delight, 
J we keeps this day in his imperial dome, 
Audi to lead th* invited guefis am come. ' 

Enter Venus, attended by three Graces, 'with Minerva and 
Hymen, all in their proper drejfes, 

CALLIOPE. 
Welcome, ye bright Divinities y that guard 
The brave and fair, and faithfu' love reward > 
All hail, immortal progeny of Jove, 
Who plant, prcfervc, and profper facrcd love, 

GENIUS. 
Be ftill auipidous to th* united pair, 
And let their pureft pleafurcs be your care ; 
Your (lores of genial bleflings here employ, 
To crown th' Illuftrious Touth and Fair-ane's joy» 
V E N.U S, . 
V\\ breathe eternal fwects in cv Vy air ; 
]P£ fhall look always great. She efci fais^ 



234 ^'^^ NUPTIALS. 

Kind rays fliall mix the fparkies of his cyc, 
Round her the loves in fmiling crowds fhall By, 
And bear frae ilka glance, on downy wings. 
Into his ravifli*d heart the fafieft things : 
And foon as Hy^nen has performed his rites, 
rii ihower on them my hale Idalian fwccts ; 

They fhall poffcfs, 

lo each carefs, 

Delights fhall tire 

The mule's fire. 
Id highed numbers to exprefs. 

HYMEN. 
X\\ bulk their bowV, and lay them gently dowD» 
S.yne iika langing wifh with raptures crown ; 
The gloomy nights fhall ne'er unwelcome prove> 
That leads them to the filent fcenes of love. . 
The fun at morn fliall dart his kindefl rays. 
To chear and animate each dear embrace ; 
Fond of the Fair, he falds her in his arms ; 
She bluflies (ccret, confcious of her charms* 
Rejoice, brave youth. 
In fie a fouth 
Of )oys the gods for thee provide \ 
The rofy dawn, 
The flow'ry lawn, 
That fpring has drcfs'd in a' its pridc> 
Claim no regard 
When they're compar'd 
"With blooming beauties of thy bridc*^ 

MINERVA. 
Fairefl of a* the goddeiles, and thoa 
That links the lovers to be ever true, 
The gods and mortals awn your mighty power. 
But 'tis not you can make their fweets fecure t 
That be my tafk, to make a friendfhip rife, ^ 
Shall raife their loves aboon the vulgar iize. 
Thofe near related to the brutal kind, 
Ken nathing of the wedlock of the mind; 
^ii I can make a life a kituiy laooo. 



7he NUPTIALS. ' 23J 

A* thcfc fma' fprmgs, whence cauld rcfcrvc and fplecn 
Take their firfl rife, and favoured flow mair keen, 
I (hall difcQver in a proper view, 
To keep their joys unmix'd^ and ever new. 
Norjealoufy, nor envious mouth, 
Shall dare to blaft their love ; 
But wifdom, condancy and truth> 
Shall ev'ry blifs improve. 

GENIUS. 
Thrice happy chief, fo much the care 

Of a' the family of Jove^ 
A thoufand bleffings wait the fair, 
Who is found worthy of his love. 
Lang may the fair attractions of her mind 
Make her {till lovelier, him for ever kind. 

MINERVA. 
Theancefiors ofmightieft chief and kings, 
Nae higher can derive than human fprings ; 
Yet frae the common foil each wondVous root, 
Aloft to heaven their fpreading branches (hoot : 
Bauld in my aid, thefe triumphed over fate, 
Fam*d for nnbounded thought or Hern debate^ 
Bom high upon an undertaking mind, 
Superior raife, and left the crowd behind. 

GENIUS, 
Frae thefe defcendbg, laurell'd with renown^ 
My Charge thro' ages draws his lineage down. 
The paths of lie For been lang may he trace^ 
And fhe be Mother \^ as fam'd a race. 

When blue difeafes £11 the drumly air. 
And red-het bowts thro* flaughts of lightning rair. 
Or mad'ning fadioo (hakes the fanguine fword, 
With watchfu' eye Til tent my darling lord. 

And hb lov*d mate tho* furies fhou'd break loofirj^ 

Awake or ikepiog, (hall enjoy repofe. 

\. G R A C E. 
W^hile gods keep haly-day, and mortals fmile» 
Let nature with deKghts adorn the iik : 
Be hulk, bauld North, Fan^oniuj only blaw» 
Attt cc^^ bkak clomiSf, to /bed cr wecioc Ssa:9\ [ 



• 236 7be NUPTIALS. 

Shine bright, thou radiaot ruler of the year» 
And gar the fpring with earlier pride appear. 

II. GRACE. 

Thy month, great queen of goddelTes, make ga j, 
Which gains new honours frae this marriage-day. 
On Glotta% banks, ye healthfu' bynds, refort^ 
And with tlie landart lafTes .blythly fport. 

III. GRACE. 

Wear your bcft faces and your Sunday* % weeds. 
And roufe the daoce with your maiA tunefu' reeds ; 
Let tuncfu* voices join tbe rural found» 
And wake refponCve echo all around. 

I. GRACE. 
Sing your great raaftcr, Scotia's cidcft (on, 
And the lov'd angel that his heart has won ; 
Come, fibers, let's frae arts hale (lores QoWzdi 
Whatever can her native beauties deck. 
That in the day (he may eclipfe the light. 
And ding the conflcllations of the night. 

VENUS. 
Ccafe, bufy maids, your artfu' bu(klng8 raiife 
But fniall addition to her genuine rays ; 
Tho* ilka plain and ilka Tea combine 
To make her with their richcft produ<5l (hinc. 
Her lip, her bofom, and her fparkling een, 
Excel the ruby, pearl, and diamond (been : 
Thefe lefler ornaments, illu(lnon8 bride, 
Asbarstofafterbleifingf, fling afide; 
Steal frae them fweetly to your nuptial bed, 
As frae its body Aides the fainted (hade ; 
Frae loath'd redraint to liberty above, 
Where all is harmony, and all is love : 

Hafte to thefe bleffings kifsthe night away. 

And make it ten times pleafanter than day. 

HYMEN. 
The whifper and earefs (hall (horten hours. 
While kindly as the beams on dewy flowers, 
Thy Sun^ like him who the frcfh bevragc fips, 
Sbi\\ fcaft upoQ the rwcetoefs of thy lips : 



ri< NUPTIALS* ^7 

My haly hand maun chaftly now uoloofe 

That Zone which a' thy virgin chaniis cndofe: 

That Zone fhou'd be le& gratefu' to the fair 

Than cafy bands of fafter wedlock are. 

That Jang unbuckled grows a hatefu* thing. 

The langer Thefe are bound, the mair of honour bring. 

MINERVA. 
Yes, happy pair, what e'er the gods infpirc, 
Purfue, and gratify each juft defire: 
Eojoy your paffions, with full tranfports mixt ; 
But (Hil obferre the bounds by vertue fixt. 

Enter BACCHUS. 
What brings Minerva here this ran tin night ? 
She's good for nathing but to preach or fight : 

Is this a time for either ! fwith away. 

Or jeam like us to be a thought mair gay. 

MINERVA. 
Peace, Thehan Roarer, while the xtvMtx powers 
Qive entertainment, there's nae need of yours ; 
The pure re£cdtion of our calmer joys 
Has mair of heaven than a' thy flafhy noife. 

BACCHUS. 
Ye canna want it, faith \ you that appear 
Ancs at a bridal but in twenty year : 
A fcrly 'tis your dorti/hip to fee ; 
But where was e'er a wedding without me ? 
Blue Eeny remember, I'm baith hap and faul 
To Venus there ; but me, (he'd ftarve o' caul. 

VENUS.- 
We awn the truth.— Minerva, ceafe to check 
Our jolly brother with your dirrcfpe(5l ; 
He's never abfcnt at the treats of Jove, 
And fhoa'd be prefcnt at this fcaft of love. 

GENIUS. 
Maift welcome power, that chcars the vital dreams. 
When Pa/ias guards thee frae thy wild extremes j 
Thy rofy vifage at thefe folemn rites, 
My generous charge with open fmlling greets. 



23t The NUPTIALS. 

BACCHUS. 

Vm nae great dab atfpeeches that maun clink» 
But there's my paw I (hali fon tightly drink 
A hearty health to thir fame lovely tnua^ 
That are fae meikle dauted by you a' ; 
Then with my juice a reeming bicquor crown^ 
ril gi'e the toa(l, and fee it fairly round. 
Enter Canymed^ luith a flagon in one hand^ and a glafi 

in the other, Speaks^ . 

To you, blyth beings, the benign dire^or 

Of gods and men — to keep your fauls in tift— 
Has fent you here a prefeot of his nedar, 

As good as e'er was browen aboon the lift. 

B ACC HU S. 
Ha, Canj^, come, my dainty boy, 

Skink*t up, and let us prive ; 
"Without it life wad be a toy : 
Here, gi'e me't in my nive. 
[Takei the Good health to HaMtftan, and his 
g/afi.^ L07*d mate :- — O father Jeve, wc €«?• 

Thou It grant them a lang tack of bKfi, 

And rowth of bonny bairns and brave. 
Four on them, frae thy endlels ftore, 

A' bennifons that are divine, 
"With as good will as 1 waught o'er 
This flowing glafs of heav'oly wioe* 
(Dr/nh andcaufes all the company to drink r<mtid.) 

Come fee't aboor, and fyne let's all advance. 
Mortals and gods be pairs, and tak a dance $ 
Minerva mim, for a' your morals door, 
Ye fliall with billy Bacchus fit the floor : 
Play up there, laffie, fome blyth Scottijh tunc. 
Syne a' be blyth, when wine and wit gae round. 

(Xhe health about f mujtc and dancing hegin, — The 
dancing over^ before her Grace retires nuitb the 
ladies to be undrefs'd, Calliope fings the 

EPITHALAMIUM, 
Bright is the low of lawfo* love. 
Which (hiniog fauls impart ; 

B 



Oft tie Marriage of the Ld, Ramfay* 2 J9 

It to perfcdion mounts above, 

Aod glows about the heart. 
It is the flame gives lafltpg worth. 
To greatnefs, beauty, wealth and birth, — 
On you, illuflrious youthfu' pair, 
Who are high hcaven^s delight and care ; 
The blifsfu' beam darts warm and fair, 

And (hall improve the reft 
Of a' thefe gifts baithf reat and rare. 

Of which ye are poffeft. 

Bacchus 9 bear off your dinfome gang, 
Hark, frae yon howms the rural thrang 
Invite you bow away ; * 

While ilka hynd. 

And maiden kind. 

Dance in a ring, 

While fhephcrds fiog 
In honour of the day ; 

Gae drink and dance 

'Till morn advance, 
And fet the twinkling fires. 

While we prepare 

To lead the fair 
And brave to their defires. 

Gae, loves and graces, take your place. 

Around the nuptial bed abide ; 
Fair Venus heighten each embrace, 

And fmoothly make their minutes (lide. 
Gae, Hymen^ put the couch in cafe,' 

Minerva^ thither lead the bride ; 
Nei((, all attend his youthfu' grace, 

And lay him fweetly by her fide. 



I 
I 



Ode on the marriage of the Right Hon. GEoacE Lord 
Ramsay and Lady Jean Maule. 

HA I L to the brave apparent chief, 
Boaft of the Ramfiys c'anifh iiame. 



d40 On the Marriage of the Ld. Ramfaj. 
Wbofc anccftors (lood the relief 
Of Scotland, ages known to fame. 

Hail to the lovely Hie, whofe charms. 
Complete in graces, meets his love ; 

Adom*d with all that greatnefs warms, 
And makes him grateful bow to Jove* 

B6th from a line of patriots rife. 
Chiefs of Dalhoufie and Pamnure^ 

"Whofe loyal fames (hall flains defpiCr, 
While ocean flows and orbs endure. 

The Ram/ays ! Caledonia^ % prop ; 

The Maules ! ftruck ftill her foes with dread j 
Now joined, we, from ttie union, hope 

A race of heroes (hall fucceed. 

Let meaner fouls tranfgrefs the rules 
That's fix'd by honour, love and truth. 

While litde views proclaim them fools, 
Unworthy beauty, fenfe and youth. 

Whilft you, bicfl pair, belov'd by all 
The powers above, and bleft below. 

Shall have delights attend your calf, 
And lafHng pleafures on you flow. 

What fate has fix'd, and love has done, 

The guardians of mankind approve: 
Well may they finifh what's begun. 

And from your joys all cares remove. 
We wifli'd when flraight a heavenly voice 

Infpir'd we heard the bhie-ey*d maid 

Cry, IVho dare quarrel nvith the choice ? 

The choice is tntne^ be mine their aid. 
Be thine their aid, O wifcfl power. 

And foon again we hopc\o fee 
Their plains return, fplendid their tower, 

And bloffom broad the '^ Edge'well-Tree* 
Whilft he with manly merits ftor'd. 

Shall rife the glory of his clan ; 
She for celeflial fWects ador'd, 
Shall ever charm the gracefu* man. 

. • See note, p. \%\. 



Oft the Birth of the M. o/Dmilsmlg. 2^t 

Soon may their * Jloyal Bird extend 

His fable plumes, and lordQiips claim, 
Which to his valiant (kes pertain 'd. 

Ere earls in J/ifion were a name. 

Ye parents of the happy pair. 

With gcn'rbus fmiles confcnting, owa 
That they dcfcrve your kindefl care : 

Thus with the gods their pleafure crowtu 

Hade, ev'ry Grace, each Lovestnd Smrfe^ 

From fragrant Cyprus fpread the wing ; 
To deck their couch, exhauftyour iflc 

Of all the beauties of the fpring. 

On them attend with homage due, 

lo him are Mars and Phoebus fcen ; 
And in the noble nymph you'll view 

The fage Minerva and your ^leen. 



Ode on the Birth of the Moji Honmrahk M^r^tiii ^ 

DUMLANRIG, 

HELP me, fome god, with fie a mufe 
As Pope and Granvile aft employ. 
That I may flowing numbers chufe, 
To hail the wclcoiiie princely boy. 

But, bred up far frae (hining courts, 

In moorland glens, where nought I fee, 
But now and then fome landart lafs. 

What founds polite can flow frae me X 

Yet my blyth lafs, amang the lave. 

With honeft heart her homage pays'; 
Tho' no fac nice ihe can behave, 

Yet always as flie thinks (he fays. ^ 

Arife, ye nymphs, on Nytha's plains, 

And gar the craigs and mountains ring ; 
Roufc up the fauls of a' the fwains, 

While you the lovely Infant fing. 

• The Spread Eagle fable, on a field Jrgtnt, is the arms cf t^4t 
^vlofDalhouae. 



242 On the Birth of the M, of Dumlanrig. 
Keep haly-day on ilka howm, 

With gowan garlands gird your brows ; 
Out o'er the dales in dances roam, 

And (hout around the jovial news. 

By the good bennifon of heaven, 
To free you frae the future fright 

Of foreign lords, a Babe is given, ' - 

To guard your intVcft and your right. 

With pleafure view your Prince, who late 

Up to the (late of manhood run. 
Now, to complete his happy fate. 

Sees his ain image in a Son. 

A Son, for whom be this your prayV, 
Ilk morning foon as dawn appears, 

God grant him an unmeafur'd Ikair 
Of a* that grac'd his great forbeers : 

That his great Sire may live to fee, 

Frae his dclightfu' infant fpring, 
A wife and (hi wart progeny, 

To fence their country and their king. 

Still blefs her Grace frae whom he fprung, 
With blythfome heal her (Ircngth renew. 

That throw lang life (he may be young, 
And bring forth cautioners enow. 

Watch well, ye tenants of the air, 
Wha hover round our heads unfecn; 

Let dear Diimlanrig be your care. 
Or when he lifts or fteeks ihis eea. 

Ye hardy Hirces^ whafe brave pains 

Defeated ay th' invading rout, 
Forfakc a wee th' Elyftan plains. 

View, fmiie and blefs your lovely fprout. 

Yc fair, wha've kcnd the joys of love. 
And glow with chearfu' heal and youth, 

Sic as of auld might nurfe a Jovc^ 
Or lay the breaft t' Alcide^% mouth ; 

The bcft and bohnicft of ye a' 
Take the fwect babie in your arms ; 



Maj 



Epiftlc to Mr Qk Y. 343 

May he nought frac your bofom draw, 
'But nc^ar to nurfe up his charms. 

Harmonioufly the notes cxprcfs. 

When (inging you his dumps debar. 
That difcord never may imprefs 

Upon his blooming mind a jar. 

Sound a' the Poet in his ears, 

E'en while he's hanging at the breafl : 
Thus moulded when he comes to years. 

With an exalted guft he'll feaft 

On lays immbrtal, which forbid 

The death of Douglafs' doughty namc> 
Or m oblivion let lie hid 

The H^des their beauty and their fame. 



Epiftlc /« Mr John Gay, Author of the Shepherd's 
Week, on hearing her Grace the Dutchefs of Quecfif-* 
berry commend feme of his Poems. ^ 

DEAR lad, wha linkan o'er the lec. 
Sang Blowzalind and Bowzjbee, 
And, like the lavrock, merrily 

Wak'd up the morn, 
When thou didft tune, with heartfome glee. 
Thy bog -reed horn. 
To thee, frac edge of Pent land height, 
Where fawns and fairies take delight. 
And revel a' the live-lang night, 

O'er gleiis and braes, 
A bard that has the fecond fight 

Thy fortune fpaes. 
Now, lend thy lug, and tent me, Ga^^ 
Thy fate appears like flowVs in May^ 
Frcih fiourlfhing, and lading ay, 

Firm as the aik. 
Winch envious winds, when critics bray. 
Shall never (hake.. 

X 2 Cotcv^^ 



Come, ffiaw your loof.— Ay, there's the line 
Fortclls thy vcrfe fhall e?er (hinc, 
Dawtcd v^bild living by the nine, 

And a' the bcft, 

i^nd be, when paft the mortal line. 

Of fame poffcft. 

Immortal Pepf, and fkilfu' JoAn, 

The learned Leac/f frae Ca/lidon, 

"With mony a witty dame and don, 

0*er lang to tzmt. 
Are of your roundels very fon, 

And found your fame* 

And fa c do I, wha.roofe but few. 
Which nae fraa* favour is to you : 
For to my friends I f!and right true, 

With fhanks a (par ; 
And my good word (ne'er gi'en but due) 
Gangs unko far. 
Here mettled men my rnuie maintain^ 
And ilka beauty is my friend ; 

Which keeps me canty, bri/k and beio^. 
Ilk wheeling houfj 
And a fwom fae to hatefu* fplcen. 

And a' that's four. 

But bide ye, boy, the roam^s to fayi^ 
Clarinda bright as rifing day^ 
Divinely bonny, great and gay, 

Of thinking even, 
Whafc words and looks, and fniiles difplay 

Full views of heaven. 
To rummage nature for what's braw^ 
Like lilies, rofes, gems and fnaw j 
Ccmpar'd with her's, their luflre fa'. 

And bauchly tell 
Her beauties : (he excels them a', 

And's like her fell. 
. As fair a form as e'er was bleft. 
To have an angel for a gue(i ; 
•^' .' *h^ prince who is pofieft 

Of&ca^T\2£» 



EpBieU Mr GAY. ^45 

Whofc vcrtucs place her with the beft 

Beneath the fkies. 
O fonfy Cay ! this heavenly born, 
Whom ev'ry grace ftrivcs to adorn. 
Looks not upon thy lays with fcorn ; 

Then bend thy knees. 
And blefs the day that ye was born 

With arts to plcafe. 
She fays, thy fonnet fmoothly fings, 
9ae ye may craw and clap your wings, 
And finile at Ether-capit (lings 

With carelefs pride. 
When fae much wit and beaaty brings 

Strength to your Sdc. 
Lilt up your pipes, and rife aboon 
Your Trivia and your moorland tune. 
And fing Clarinda late and foon, 

In touring drains, 
'Till gratefu' gods cry out, well done. 

And praife thy pains* 
Exaltthy voice, that all around 
May ecboei>ack the lovely found 
Frae Dover cliffs, with famphirc crowned. 

To Thule^ fhore, 
Where. northward no more Britain^ found. 

But feas that rore. 

Thus fing whilft I frac Arthur^ height^ 

O'er Chiviot glowr with tired fight. 
And langing wifh, like raving wight, 

To be fet down, 
Frae coach and fax, baiih trim and tight, 

\ci London XQi^Vi. 
But lang I'll gove and bleer my ec> 
Before, aJake ! ihat fight I fee ; 
Then, bed relief, I'll drive to be 

Q«iet and content,. 
And ftreck my limbs down cafylie 

Upon the bent. 
There fing the gowans, broom and treca,. 
The cij/iia/. ham and w£Hlio breeze,, 

X 3* T>ftsi 



246 Odc/<? t^eCounte/s 0/ ABOyiA^ 
The bleeting flocks^ and bify bees. 

And blythfome fwains^ 
Wha raDt and dance, ^th kiltit dees. 

O'er mofly plains^ 
Farewell ;— but, e'er wc part, lets pray, 
God fave Clarinda night and day. 
And grant her a' (he'd wifh to ha'e, 

Withoutten end !— 
Nae mair at prefcnt I've to fay. 

But am your friend. 



Ode to the Right Honourable Grace Counteftofh'^'^^ 
on her Marriage'Day* 

IN niartial fields the heroe toils, 
And wades throw blood to purchafe fame ;. 
O er dreadful waves, from dlflant foils, 
The merchant bnngs hi^ treafures hamc*^ 

But fame and wealth no joys bedow. 

If plac'd alane xhty. cyphers (land ; ^ 

'^ris to the figure Love they owe * 

The real joys that they command. 

Blcft He who love and bekuty gains,^ '| 

Gains what contefling kings might claim> /■. 

Might bring brave armies to the plains, ^ J 

And loudly fwell the blaft of fame. 

How happy then is young Aboyn! < 

• Of how much heaven is he pofleft ( 

How much the care of pow'rg di?ine, 
A^'ho lies in lovely Lockhart'z breaft ! 

Gazing in raptures on thy charms. 

Thy fparkling beauty, fhape and youth,. .'* 

He grafps all foftnefs in his arms. 
And fips the nedtar from thy mouth. 

If (ympathctic likenefs crave ,■ 

Indulgent parents to be kind, ■ 

£ach pow'r (hall guard the charm they gave, 
^ Veinus thy face,, Poiioi.^^tDbd^. 



E P I G R A M» 342 

O mufc, wc could— but (lay thy flight ; 

The field is facred as 'tis fweet ; 
Who dares to paint the ardent nighty 

When ravi/h'd youth and beauty meet i 

Here we muft draw a veil between^ 

And (hade thofe joys too dazling clear» 
By ev'ry eye not to be feen. 

Nor to be heard by evVy ear. 

Still in her fmiles^ ye Cupid/, play *, 

Still in her eyes your revels keep f 
Her plcafure be your care by day, 

And whifper fweetnefs in her (leep^ 

Be bamfti'd each illnatur'd care. 

Safe offspring of fanta(tic fpleen f 
Of accefs heje you muft dcfpair, 

Her breaft for you is too ferene. 

May guardian angels hover round 

Thy head, and ward a(F all annoy ; 
Be all thy days with raptures* crown'd. 

And all thy nights be bleft with joy. 

E P I G R A M^ 

1 NE R VA wand'ring in a myrtle grovcj 
_- Accoftcd thus the fmiling queen of love,. 
;vcnge yourfcif, youVe caufc to be afraid, 
^our boafted pow'r yields to a Britljh maid ^ 
She feems a goddefs, all her graces (kine ; 
Love leads her beauty, which eciipfes thine. 
£ach youth, I know (fays Venus) thinks (he's me } 
Immediately (he fpeaks, they think (he*s thee : 
Good Pallas^ thus youVe foLl'd as well as I. 
Ha„ha J (crys Cupid) that's mjr ISUlly Sleigh. 



E 24& 3 

On the Marriage of Alexahdei. Brodie ^ Bn 
Lord Lyon King of Arm 9 and Mrs M ably Sluv 

WHEN, time was youog, and mnocence. 
With tender lovcgovcrn'd this round. 
No mean defign to give offence 
To conftancy and truth was found ; 
All free from fraud, upon the flow*ry fward, 
Lovers cared with fond and chadc regard* 

From eafy labours of the day >" 

Each pair to leafy bowers retired ; 
Contentment kept them ever gay. 

While kind connubial fweets confpir'd^ 
With frailing quiet and balmy health throu' life> 
To make the happy hufband and the wife. 

Our modern wits in wifdom Icfs, 

With fpirits weak, and wavering mbds^ 
Void of refolve, poorly confefs 

They cannot relifh aught that binds. 
Let libertines of tade fae wondVous nice» 
Defpife to be confin'd in par jBife. * 

"While Brodie with his beauteous Sleigh, 

On pureft love can fafely feaft, 
Quaff raptures from her fparkling eye, 
Andj.udge of heaven within her breaft s 
No dubious cloud to gloom upon his joy ; 
pofleffing of what's good can never clay. 

Her beauty might for ever warm, 
Altho' her foul were lefs divine, 
The bri^htnefs of her mind could charm* 
Did lefs her graceful beauties fhine : 
Bi>t both united, with full force infpirc. 
The warmed wi(h, and the moft lading fire* 

Id your accomplifh'd mate, young nane^ 

Without rcfcrve ye may rejoice; 
The heavens your happincfs fudain, 
And all that think, admire your choice. 
Ashck)d your treafure circling arms entwine, 
iM^di thy plcafure hci's, «[kd W^ V^^vbi&^« 



To JOSIAH BURCHET, Efy; 54} 
Rejoice, dear Mary^ m thy youth, 

The firft of his brave ancient clan, 
Whofe ibul delights in love and truth. 
And viewed in every light a roan, 
To whom the fates with liberal hand have givea 
Good fenfe, true honour, and a temper even. 

When love and reafon thus unite 

An equal pair b facred tics> 
They gain the human blifs complete* 
And approbation from the ikies, 
Sbce yoQ approve, kind heaven, upon them poQt 
The beft of bleHings to their latefl hour. ' 

To you who rule above the fun. 

To you who fly in fluid air. 
We leave to finifh what's begun. 
Still to reward and watch the Pair. 
Thus far the mufe, who did an anfwer wait. 
And heard the gods name happipefs their fate. 



whaai 



^p JosiAH BuRCHET, Efq; OH hU htng chofinMm* 
bcr of Parliament, 

Y iurcheh name f well plcas'd, I 6w 
Aman^ the chofcn leet, 
are to give Britannia law. 
And keep her rights complete. 

: Omay the reft wha filfthc houfc 

Be of a mind with thee. 
And Britifli liberty efpoufe ; 

We glorious days may fee. 
The name of Patriot is mair great 

Than heaps of ill -win gear : 
What boots an opulent eftate, 

Without a confdence clear \ 
While (neakbg fauls for ca(h wad troke 

Their Country, God and King, 
With pleafure we the villain mock» 
- Aad bate the worthlefi t)mg. 



tiO r/5tf GENERAL MISTAKE. J 

•With a' your pith,, the Kkc of you ') 

Superior to what's mean, 
Should gar the truckling rdgues look blue. 

And cow them laigh and clean. 
Down with them— down with a' that dare 

Oppofe the nation's right ; 
Sae may your fame like a fair ftar 

Throu' future times (hine bright. 

Sae may kind heaven propitious proTC* 

And grant what e'er ye crave ; 
And him a corner in your love, 

Wha is your humble flave. 



T'itf General Mistake: -^Satire. Infcnbed to tic 
Right Honourable Lord Er s Ki n E. 

TH E iinifh'd mind in all its movements bright, 
Surveys the fclf-made fumph in proper Hghtj 
Allows for native weakncfs, but difdains 
Him who the chara^er with labour gains : 
Permit me then, my Lord (fincc you arifc 
With a clear faul aboon the common fize) 
To place the following (ketches in your view s 
The warld will like me, if Tm roos'd by you. 

Is there a fool, frae Senator to Sixjain ? 
Take ilk ane's verdid for himfcll,- -there's nane. 
A thoufand other wants make thoufands fret, 
But nane for want of Wifdom quarrels fate. 
Alas ! how genVal proves the great miftakc, 
"When others throu' their neighbours failings rake ? 
Detra<5lion then, by fpite, is born too far, 
And reprefents men warfe than what they are. 
Come then, Impartial Satire^ fill the ftagc 
"With fools of ilka ftaiion, fex and age ; 
Point out the folly, hide the perfon's name» 
Since obduration follows public fhame : 
Silent convi<5lion calmly can reform, 
While open fcandal ra^es to a Aorm. 

Proceed, 



7ie GENERAL MISTAKE. 2$\ 

Proceed, bat in the lift, poor things forbear, 
VJho only in the human form appear. 
Scarce animated with that heavenly fire 
Which makes the foul with boundlefs thoughts afpire ; 

Such move our pity, nature is to blame— 

'Tis fools, in fome things wife, that fatire claim ; 
Such as Nugatory mark his foleroo mien. 
Suy'd are his features, fcarcely more his ecn. 
Which deep beneath his knotted eye-brows fink, 

I And he appears as ane wad guefs to think ; 
Even fae he does, and can exa(5lly fiiaw 
t How roony beans makes five, .tak three awa ! 

^Dccp read in Latin Folios^ four inch thfck. 
He probs your crabit points into the quick ; 
Delights in dubious things to give advice, 
Admires your judgment, if you think him wife : 
I And ftifly Hands by what he anes thought right, 
I Altbo oppos'd with reafon's cleareft light. 
I On him ilk argument is thrown away» 

Speak what you will, he tents not what you fay : 
He hears himtell, and currently runs o'er 
All on the fubjedt he has fatd before : 
'Till glad to cafe his jaws and tired tongue, 

Th* opponent refts, Nugator thinks him dung. 

Thou folemn trifler ken thou art dcfpis'd. 

Thy ftiff pretence to wifdom, nathing priz'd 
By fie as can their notions faufe decline, 
When truth darts on them with convi(fling fliinc. 
How hateful's dull opinion ! prop'd with words. 
That nought to any ane of fcnfe affords. 

But tirefome jargon. Learn to laugh, at leaft. 

That part of what thou fays may pafs for jeft. 

Now turn your eye to fmooth Chicander next, 
lo whom good fenfefcems with good humour mixt; 
Bat only fecms : —for envy, malice, guile. 
And fie bale. vices, crowd behind his fmile. 
Korean bis thoughts beyond mean q-jirks extpid. 
He thinks a trick nae crime that gains his end ; 
A crime 1 no, 'tis his brag ; he names it Wit^ 
And txiamphs o'er a better man he*as bit. 



1 



95^ rhe GENERAL MISTAKE. 

Think (hamc, Chicander^ of your creeping flighty 

True wifdom in finccrity delights ; 

The fumphifti mob of pcrictration (hawl. 

May gape and ferly at your cunning faul. 

And make ye fancy that there is deferc 

In thus employing a' your fneaking art. 

But do not think that men of clearer fenfe 

Will e'er admit of Gc a yiJe pretence. 

To that which dignifies the human mind. 

And ads in honour with the bright and blind. 

Reverfe of this faufc face, obferve yon youth, 
A (lri(5l plain dealer, aft o'er-flretcbing truth ; 
Severely fowr, he's ready to reprove 
The Icafl wrang (lep in thofe who have his love ; 
Yet what's of worth in them he over-rates ; 
But much they Vc to be pitied whom he hates ; 
Here his miflake, his weaked fide appears. 
When he a charader in pieces tears ; 
He gives nae quarter, nor to great or fma'. 
Even beauty guards in vain ; he lays at a\ 
This humour, aften flowing o'er due bounds. 
Too deeply mony a reputation wounds ; 
For which he's bated by the fu£rering crowd. 
Who jointly 'grec to rail at him Jtloud, 
And as much ihun his fight and bitter tongue. 
As they wad do a wafp that had them flung. 
Cenjoriousy learn fbraciimes at faults to wink. 
The wifcfl ever fpcak lefs than they think ; 
Tho' thus fupeiior judgment you may vaunt. 
Yet this proud worm-wood fliow o't, (peaks a want : 
A want in which your foily will be feen, 
'Till you increafe in wit, and have \ch fplcen. 

Make way there— when a mortal god appears ! 
Why do ye laugh ? Kin); Midas wore fip ears — 
How wife he looks ? Well, wad he never fpeak. 
People wad think him neither dull nor weak : 
Bnt ah \ he fancies, 'caufe he's chos'n a tool. 
That a furr'd gown can free him frae the fool ; 
Straight he, withpaughty mien, and lordJy glooms, 
A vile afFeded air, not his, afTumes; 

Stawks 



^ 



\ 



I 



lie GENERAL MISTAKE. 153 

Buwks (tifly by, when better men falute, 
Difco?ering left of fenator than brute. 
Yctj is there e'er a wifer roan than he ? 
Speerat himfell ; and if he wiJi be free. 
He'll tdl yo«,^ iVijw.— WiU jodges tell a lie ? 

But \ti him pafs» and with a fnaile obferve 
Yon Utter'd (hadow, amaift lit^ to (Urve ; 
And yet be ftrats, proud of his vaft inginc. 
He is an author, writes exquifitc fine:^ 
Sac fine, in faUh ! that every vulgar head 
Caooot conceive his meaning while they read. 
He hates the world for this ;— with bitter rage 
He damns the (lupid dulnefs of the age. 

The printer is unpaid. BookfcIIers fvvear 

Ten copies w31 not fell in ten lang year ; 

W wad not that fair fret a learned mind, 

rp fee thofe (heu'd be patrons prove fae Wind, ' 

Not to approve of what cofl meikle pains, 

Ncgledl of bus^efs, fleep, and waftc of brains f 

And a' for nought, but to be vilely us'd. 

As pages are wbilk buyers have refused. 

Ah ! feHow-lab'rers for the p^efs^, take heed. 

And force nae fame that way, if ye wad fpccd : 

Mankind rauft be (we hae na other) judge. 

And if they are difpleas*d, why (hou'd we grudge? 

If happily you gain them to your fide. 

Then bauldly mount your Pegafus, and ride : 

V^alue your fell only what they defire ; 

V\^hat does not take, commit it to the fire. 

Next him a penman with a bluffer air, 
kands 'tween this twa bed friends that lull his care, 
Nam'd Money in bait h Pouches — -*with three line* 
Ifclept a bill, he digs the Indian mines, 
}obs, changes, lends, extorfes, cheats and grips* 
And no ae turn of gainfu' usVy Hips, 
Till he has won, by wife pretence and fnell, 
\% meikle as may drive his bairns to hell, 

*s ain lang hame. This fucker thinks nane wife, 

5ui him who can to immcnfe riches rife : 
-«ar, honour, vertoe, and lie heavenly beams, 
To bini appear but idle airy dreams. 



d54 The GENERAL MISTAKE. 
Not fit for men of bufinefs to miody 
That are for great and golden ends defign'd. 

Send for him, de'el ! 'till then, good men, take care 

To keep at diftaace frae his hook and fnare ; 
He has nae rewth, if coin comes in the play. 
He'll draWy indorfe, and horn to death his prey. 

Not thus Macfomno pafhcs after praiic. 
He treats, and is admired in all he fays ; 
Caih well beftow'd, which helps a man ta pafs 
.For wife in his ain thinking, that's an afs : 
Poor (kybalds, curs'd with lefs of wealth than wit, 
Blyth of a gratis Caudeamus^ (it 
"With look attentive, ready all about. 
To give the laugh when his dull joke comes oat ; 
ACcuftom'd with his convcrfation bright'^ 
They ken as by a watch the time of night. 
When he's at lie a point of fie a tale. 
Which to thcfc parafitcs grows never ftale, 

Tho' often tald. Like Lethe % ftrcam, his wine 

Makes them forget ! that he again may (hioe. 

• Fy ! fttirc, hald thy tongue, thou art too rude 
« To jeer a charadter that Teems fae good : 
< This man may beet the poet bare and clung, 
« That rarely has a (hilling in his fpung. 
Hang him !- -there's pairons of good fenfccnew 
To cherifh and fuppor t the tuneful few, 
Whofc penetration's never at a lofs 
In right diftinguifhing of gold frae dro(s : 
Employ me freely, if thou*d laurels wear, 
F.Kpcricnctf may teach thee not to fear. 

But fee anithef gives mair caufe for dread, 
lie ihraws his gab, and aft he (hakes his head; 
A (lave to felf-conceit, and a' that's fowV, 
T' acknowledge merit, is not in his power : 

He reads. but ne'er the author's beauties minds, 

And has nae pleafure where nae faults he finds. 
Much hated gowk, iho' vers'd in kittle rules, 
To be a wirry-kow to writing fools ; 
Thy fell the greateit, only Icarn'd in words, 
\Viiicli ttiiithing but ihe cauld and dry affords. 

- Dar'ft I 



Tia PHOENIX and the OV/L. 355 

Dar*ft thou of a' thy betters (lighting fpeak. 
That have nae grutten fae meikle learning Greek ? 
Thy depths well kend, and a' thy (illy vaunts. 
To ilka folid thinker (haw thy wants. 
Thus cowards deave us with a thoufand lies 
Of dangerous vi^'ries they have won in pleas. 
Sac (hallow upftarts (Irive with care to bide 
Their mean defcent (which inly gaws their pride) 
By counting kin, and making endlefs faird, 
If that their grany's uncle*s oye's.a laird. 
Scar-crows, hen-hearted, and ye meanly born, 
Appear juft what ye arc, and dread nae fcorn ; 
Labour in words-— keep hale your fkins : why not ? 
Do well, and nane your laigh extra(5l will quote. 
But to your praifc.-— Walk aff, till we remark 
Yon little coxy wight, that makes C\c wark 
^ith tongue and gate : how croudy does he (land ? 
His taes tum'd out, on his left haunch his hand ? 
The right beats time a hundred various ways. 
And points the Pathos oyxx. in a' he lays. 
Wow ! but he's proud ! when amaifl out of breath. 
At ooy time he clatters a man to death, 
Wha It oblig'd foroetime t' attend the for. 
To lave the captiv'd buttons of his coat. 
Thou dinfome jack-daw, ken *tis a difeafe 
This palfy in thy tongue that ne'er can pleafe ; 
Of a* mankind, thou art the maili miftane 
To think this way the nam^ of Sage to gain. 

Now, left I (hou'd be thought too much like thee, 
ril give my readers leave to breathe a wee ; 
If they allow my pidture's like the life, 
Mae fliall be drawn ; originals are rife. 



^ 



The Phoenix and the Owl, 

PHOENIX the firft, th' Arabian lord. 
And chief of all the fcather'd kind, 
A hundVed ages had ador'd 
The fun, with fan^ity of mind. 

y 2 Xtx, 



2^6 7%f PHOENIXtf/yi/ib 0W£. 
Yet, mortal, he maun yield to fate, 

He heard the fummoos with a fmile. 
And unalarm'd, without regret. 

He form*d himfell a funVaJ pile. 
A Homjfet, bird of mean degree. 

Poor, dofen'd, lame, and doited auM^ , 
Lay lurking in a ncTghb*ring tree, 

Curfing the fun loot him be cauld. 
Srtid Phoenix^ brother, why fo gricv'd, 

To ban the being gives thee breath ? 
Learn to die better than thou'd liv^d ; 

Believe n)e, there's nae iU in death* 
Bcl'evc ye that ? the O^ml reply'd ; 

Preaeh as ye will, death is an ill : 
A\ hen yoi3ng I ifka pfeafurc try'd. 

But now I dieagainft my will. 
For you, a fpecics by yoaHeJJi 

Near eeldins with the fun your god» 
Nae ferly 'tis to hear you teU, 

Yc'rc tired, and incline to nod. 
It /hou'd be fae ; for had I been 

As lang upon the warld as ye, 
Nae tears (liou'd e'er drap frae my tco^ 

For tinfcl of my hollow tree. 
And what, rcturn'd th' Arabian fagc, 

Have ye t* obfcrvc ye have not fcen ? 
Ae day's the pi^ure of an age, 

'Tis ay the fame thing o'er agaiih 
Come, let us baith togitber die : 

Bow to the fun that gave thee life ; 
Rtpent thou frae his beams did fiee, f 

And end thy poortith, pain and ftrifc» 
Thou wha in darknefs took delight, 

Frae twangs of guilt couId*ft ne'er be free : 
l^^hat won thog by thy fliunning light ?— — 

But lime flees on ;-— I hade to die. 
Ye r fervant, (ir, reply'd the Onvi^ 

I likena in the dark to lowp : 
The byword ca's that chiel a fool, 

That flips a certainty for hope. 



•i 



To Sir JoHH Clerk, o» the death rfhh Sg». 2§J 
Then flraight the zealous feather'd king 

To's aromatic nefl retired, 
Coliedcd ruD*beams with his wing, 

And in a fpicy flame expir'd. 
Mean time there blew a weftlln gale. 

Which to the H owlet bore a coal ; 
The faint departed on his pile, 

But the blafphemer in his bole. 
He died for ever- — fair and bright ; 

TTic Phoenix frae his aflies fprang. 
Thus wicked men (ink down to night, 

While juft iDen join the glorious thrang. 

To the Honourable Sir John Clerk ^ Pennycuik, 
Bari. one of the Barons of the Exchequer ^ on the Deatk 
of bis moft accomplifhed Son, John CleHk, Efq: 
ivio died in the 20th Tear of his Age. 

IF tears can ever be a duty found, 
'Tis when the deaths of dear relations wound ; 
Then you mnft weep, you have too jufl a ground. 

A fon whom all the good and wife admir'd, ^iMk 

Shining with ev'ry grace to be de(ir*d ; 

Rais'd high your joyful hopes, and then retir'd. 

Nature mud yield, when fuch a weighty load 
Rouzes the paiions, and makes reafon nod : 
But who may contradict the will of God ! 

By his great Author, man was fent below. 
Some things to learn, great pams to undergo. 
To fit him for what further he's to know. 

This end obtain*d, without regarding time. 
He calls the (bul home to its native clime, 
To happmefs and knowledge more fublime. 

Thus fomc b youth like eagles mount the fleep, 
^Vhich leads to man, and fathom learning's deep ; 
Others thro' age with reptile motion creep. 

Like lazy ftreams which fill the fenny firand, 
In muddy pools they long unadive Hand, 
'I'm fpent in ii^^}iT, or i/nmers'd in faDd. 

y 3 ^^ 



2 53 7i? 5/V Jo H N Cl F R K , <?« //6(f Jeoth of his Som. 

But down its flinty channd, without ftaiD, 
The mountain rill flows eagerly to gaio, 
Vtich a full tide, its origin the themaio. 

Thus your lov'd Touthy whofe bright afpiring miad 
Could not to lazy minutes be confined, 
bail'd down the dream of life before the wind. 

Pcrform'd the tafk of man, fo well, fo foon^ 
He reach 'd the fea of blifs before his noon^ 
And to his memory lading laurels won. 

When life*s tempeftuous billows ccas'd to rorc> 
And e'er his broken veflel was no more. 
His foul ferencly vicw'd the heavenly ftiore. 

Bravely refign'd, obeying fate's command. 
He fix'd his eyes on the immortal land, 
W here crowding feraphs reach 'd him out the hand. 

SouiheJka% fmiling cherub * Crft appear'd. 
With Gar lies' confort f , who vaft pleafuxes fliar'd, 
Coodu<fbing him where virtue finds reward. 

Think in the world of fp'rits, with how much jof 
His tender Mother would receive her boy. 
Where fate no more their union can deftroy. 

His good Grandfire^ who lately went to reft,. 
How fondly would he grafp him to his bread. 
And welcome him to regions of the blefl ! 

From us, 'tis true, his youthful fweets arc gonc> 
Which may plead for our weakncfs, when we moao ; 
The lofs indeed is ours, he can have noQC^ 

Thus failors with a crazy veflel crod,. 
Expecting every minute to be lod, 
W iih weeping eyes behold a funny coad. 

Where happy land-men fafely breathe theaif^ 
Bsfk in the fun, or to cool ftiades repair, 
Tbey longing figh, and wifh themfelves were there« 

But who would after death to blifs lay claim. 
Mud, like your Son^ each vicious pallion tamcj 
Fly from the crowd, and at perfcflion aim. 

Tbcft 
♦ James Lord CaTnc^\c, Set ^, i^s. 
f jLady Garlics, 9, 196. bo\i \A4utw icWvqsa* 



) 



Tbe FAIR ASSEMBLY. 959 

Then grieve no mere, nor vex yourfclf in rain^ 
To latefl age the chara^r maiotain 
You now pofiefs, yoQ'll find your Son again. 



On receiving a letter to he prefent at the Burial of Mr 
Robert Alexander ^Blackhoufe. 

THOU fablc-bordcr'd flicct, begone. 
Harbour to thee I mufl refufe ; 
Sure thou canft welcome find from none. 

Who carries fuch ungrateful news. 
"Who can attend thy mournful tale, 

And ward his foul from piercing woe ? 
In viewing thee, grief mufl prevail, 

And tears from gulhing eyes overflow. 
From eyef of all that knew the man. 

And in his friendfhip had a (hare ; 
Who all the world's affections won. 

By vertues that all natural were. 
His merits dazzle, whi-Ie we view ; 

His goodnefs is a theme fo full. 
The mufe wants flrength to pay what's due. 

While eflimation prompts the will. 
But fhe endeavours to make known 

To farrefl down poftcrity. 
That good Blackhoufe was fuch an one 

As every one Ihould wifh to be. 



Tbe Fair Assembly: A Poem. 

A WAKE, Thalia, and defend, 
/\ ^^'"h chearfu' carroling, 
Thy bonny care, — thy wings extend. 

And bear me to your fpring ; 
That harmony full force may lend 
» To reafons that I bring :--- 
Kow Caledonian nymphs attend. 
For 'tis to >ou J ikig. 



K% 



36o The FAIR ASSEMLBY. 

As lang at nuDds mauo organs wear, 

Ckmipos'd of flcih aod blood. 
We ought to keep them hale afad clear, 

* With cxcrcife and food. 
Then, but debate, it will appear 

That daocing mud be good, 
Itftagnant humours fet a (leer. 

And fines the purple blood. 
Difeafes, heavinefs and fpleen. 

And ill things mony mae. 
That gar the lazy fret and grane, 

With Tifage dull and blae. 
'Tis dancing can do mair alane. 

Than drugs frae far away. 
To ward affthefe, make nightly pain. 

And fowr the fhining day. 
Health is a prize ; yet mciklc mair 

In dancing we may find ; 
It adds a luftre to the fair, 

And, when the fates unkind 
Cloud with a blate and aukward air 

A genius right refined, 
f The fprightly art helps to repair 

This blemiih on the mind. 
How mony do, we daily fee, 

X Right fcrimp of wit and fcnfc, 
Wha gain their aims aft eafily 

By well-bred confidence ? 

. • The wife for health on excrcife depeik], 

God never made his works for man to nend. D 

f Since nothing appears to me to give children i:^ moi 

coming confidence and behaviour, and fo rai(e them to tb< 

veriation of tho(e above their age, as dancing; I think 

(hould be taught to dance as (bon as they are capable of les 

it. For tho* this confifls only in outward gracefiilnefs of mc 

yet I know not how, it gives oianl^ thoughts and carriage 

than any thing. L* 

I It is certain, that for want of a competent knowledge u 

art of dancing, which (hould have been learned when young 

public lofcs many a roan of cxf^usTite intcllcAuals and unb; 

probity* purely for want of that (b ncccflary accompliOiJ 

ji/lurance; while tbcprcfling knave oi fool (boulders himou 

^ecf the prizck , Ms Wsa' 



Tie PAIR ASSEMBLY. stfi 

rheo what e*er helps to qaalifie 

A roftic negligence, 
Hauo without doubt a duty be. 

And fhon'd give oae offence, 

ieirs doctrine's dung, when equal pairs 

Together join their hands, 
^od vow to (both ilk other's care. 

In baly wedlock bands : 
lac when to dance the maid prepares. 

And flufh'd with fweetnefs (lands, 
^t her the wounded lover flares, 

And yields to heaven's command^, 

rbe'firft comtnaod * he foon obeys^ 

While love infplres ilk notion ; 
Tis wiihing look bis heart difplays. 

While his lov'd mate's in motion : 
ie views her with a blyrii amaze. 

And drinks with deep devotioo 
That happy draught, that throo' oar dayt 

Is owo'd a cordial potion. 

rbe cordial whids conierves oar Mc, 

And makes it finootb and eaiy ; 
rbcD, ilka waoter, wale a wife, 

Ere eild and humdrums feize ye, 
Vbafe charms can filcnce dumps or Arife, 

And frae the rake releafe ye, 
attend th' AJfmbly, where there's rife • 

Of i^rtuous maids to pfeafe ye. 

*bcfe modefl maids infpire the mule. 

Id flowing drains to (haw 
lieir beauties, which (he likes to rooici 

And let the envious blaw : 
"hat tafk (he caona well refufe, 

Wha finle fays theni na. 

o paint Belinda fird we ebufe> 

With breads like driven fnaw. 

ke lily-banks fee how they rife, 
With a fair glen between, 

* Pisit cil DeaS| foetificate, au|[efcite, Ac implcte ttRam* 



262 the FAIR ASSEMBLY^ 

"Where liTiDg dreams^ blue as the fldcs. 

Are branching upward feen, 
To warm her mouth, where rapture lyes i 

And fmilesy that banifli fpleeut 
Wha (Irikes with love and faft furpriTe^ . 

"Where e'er (he tumi her een. 

Sabella^ gracefully complete. 

Straight as the mountain-pbe» 
Like pearl and rubies fet in jet» 

Her lovely features fliine ; 
In her the gay and folid meet. 

And blended are fae fioCf 
That when flie moves her lips or feet,. 

She feens fome power divme. 

O Daphne! fweeter than the dawn. 

When rays glance on the height, 
DifRifing gladncfs o'er the lawn, 

Withlfa-akes of rifiog light. 
The dewy flowers when newly bltwn« 

Come (hort of that delight, 
"Which thy far frc(her beauties can 

Afford our joyfu' fight. 
How eafy fits fweet Celiacs dre&. 

Her gait how gently free ; 
Her fteps, throu'out the dance, exprefi 

The jufteft harmony : 
And when (he fings, all muft confefs, 

Wha're bicft to hear and fee. 
They'd deem't their greateft bappincft 

T 'enjoy her company. 

And wha can ca* bis heart ^% ain. 

That hears Amlnta fpeak \ 
Againft love's arrows, (hields are vain. 

When he aims frae her cheek ; 
Her cheek, where rofes free from (huoj 

In glows of youdith.beek : 
Unmingrd fwects her lips retain ; 

Thefe lips (he ne'er fhou'd fteek. 
Unlefs when fervent kiffes clofe 

That av'nue of her mind, 



72v FAIR AS^EMBLY^ ^63 

rkro* wluch true wit in torreots fbw9« 

As fpeaks the nymph dclign'd : 
The brag and toaft of wit» and beaas. 

And wonder of mankind ; 
Wbafe bread will prove a bfeft repofe 

To him with whom (he'll bind. 

See with what gayety, yet grave, 

Serena fwims alang ; 
She moves a goddefs 'mang the lave» 

Difbnguifli'd in the thrang. 
Ye foorocksy hafflincs fool, haf knave, 

Wha hate a dance or fang,- 
Tofee this (lately maid behave, 

Twad gi'e your hearts a twang. 

Yoor hearts ! faid I» trowth I'm to blame, 

I had amaifl forgotten. 
That ye tonae (ic organ claim ; 

Or if ye do, 'tis rotten. 
A faol with (ic a thowlefs flame, 

Is fure a filly fot ane : 
Ye fcandalize the human frame. 

When in our (hape begotten. 

Tbele lurdanes came juft in my light. 

As I was tenting Chloe, 
With jct*black een that fparkle bright, 

Shc*s all o'er form'd for joy ; 
With neck and waift, and lirabs as tight 

As her's wha drew the boy, 
Frae feeding flocks upon fhe height, 

And fled with him to Troj, 

Now Myra dances ; mark her mien, 

Sae difengag'd and gay, 
Viix'd with Uiat innocence that's {coa 

In bonny ew-bught May^ 
A' ha wins the garland on die green 

Upon fome bridal day; y 

^ct (he has graces for a queen 

And might a fccpter fway. ' 

Wh^it 



>64 ^Tk FAIR At^BMBLY. 

Svhat lays, Calijlay can commend 

The beauties of thy face ! 
Vliafe fancy can fae touring (lend. 

Thy merits a' to trace ! 
Frae 'boon the ftams, fome bard, defcend. 

And fing her ev'ry grace, 
Whafe wond'rous worth may recommend 

Her to a god's embrace. 

A feraph wad our y^/'/OsMM painli 

Or draw a lively wit ; 
The features of a happy faint. 

Say, art thou fond to hit ? 
Or a Madona compliment. 

With lineaments maid fit ? 
Fair copies thou need'A never want, 

If bright Cii/(/?« fit. 

Mella the heavieft heart can heez. 

And fowrcft thoughts expell. 
Her (lation grants her rowth and eafe» 

Yet is the fprightly Belle 
As active as the eydent bees, 

Wha rear the waxen cell ; 
And place her in what light you pleafe, 

She dill appears herfeli. 

Beauties on beauties come in view 

Sae thick, that I'm afraid 
Khali not p^y to ilk their due, 

*Tiil Phoebus lend mair aid : 
But this in genVal will had true. 

And may Be fafely faid, 
There'f ay a fomething (hining new 

In ilk delicious maid. 

Sic as againft th* AJfemhly fpcak. 

The rudeft fauls betray, 
When Matrons noble, wife and meek, 

Condufb the healthfu* play . 
Where they appear, nae vice dare keck. 

But to what*s good gives way, 
Like night, foon as the morning creek 

Has u(hcr'd in the day. 



On the Rtyal Company e^ Archers, 4^^ 

Dear Ed'nburghy fhaw thy gradtpdc, 
~ And of (ic friends make fure, 
Wha drive to make our minds lefs rude^ 

And help our wants to cure ; 
Acting a ^enVous part and goodi 

In bounty to the poor : 
Sic vertues, if right uoderftood, 

Shou'd evVy heart allure. 



OntbeKo^zX Company of Archers Jho(ning f^ .fi$ 
Bowl, July 6//^, 1724. 

■4. 
OnnvbichDay bis Grace ]kut.s Duke ^ Ham it ton 
mkis cbofen their Captain General ; and Mr Daw^B 
Dkummonb tbeir Fraefes nvon the Prissy 

AC A I N the year rettims the day^, 
That's dedicate to joy and play, 
. To Bonnets^ Bows and JVine. 
Let all who wear a fullen face, 
This day meet with a due difgrace. 

And in their fowVncfs pine ; 
Be ihun'd as ferpents, that wad dang 
The hand that gi*cs them food : 
Sic we dehar frac lading fang, 

And all their grumbling brood. 

While to gain fport and halcfome aft", 
Thcblythfome fpirit draps dull care. 

And darts frae bus'nefs free : . 
Kow to the fields the Archers bend. 
With friendly minds the day to fpcnd^ 

In manly game and glee ; 
Firft ftriving wha ihali win the bowi, 

Aod then gart flow with wine : 
Sic manly fport refrcfh'd the foul 

Of ftalwart men lang fyne. 

Ere parties thrawn, and intVcd vilc^ 
Debftuch'd the grandeur of our ijQc, 

2, \1^\ 



266 0^ tie Raj^ai Can^any of Archers. 

And made ev'o bretbrcD faes ;' 
Sync truth frac fricndfhip was cxil'd. 
And faufc the boned hearts beguil'd. 

And led them in a maze 
Of politics ; with cunning craft. 

The IJfachars of ftatc, 

Frac haly drums £r{l dang us daft. 

Then drowo'd us in debate. 

Drap this unpleaCng thought, dear mufe ; 
Come, view the men thou likes to roofe ; 

To Brunt sfield'^ttxi let's hy, 
And fee the royal Bomitnen ftrive, 
Wha far the feathered arrbws drive^ 

All fouching thro' the fky ; 
Hk ettling with his utmoft ^itl. 

With artfu' draught and (lark, 
Extending-nerves with hearty will. 

In hopes to hit the mark. 

See Hamilton, wha moves with gracQt 
Chief of the Caledonian race 

Of peers ; to whom is due 
All honours, and a' fair renown ; 
Wha lays a(ide his ducal crown« 

Sometime to (hade his brow 
Beneath St Andrei ^ bonnet blue. 

And joins to gain the prize : 
Which (haws true merit match'd by few. 

Great, affable and wife. 

This day, with univcrfal voice. 
The Archers him their chicftian chofe.; 

Confcnting powers divine, 
They blcfs the day with general joy. 
By giving him a princely boy. 

To beautify his line ; 
Whofe birth-day, in immortal fang 

Shall (land in fair^i^cord, 
While bended firings the Archers twang. 

And beauty is ador'd. 

Next Drummwdv'ic^, who gives their Jaw, 
Jx £i«di our hearts lo fee him draw 



On the Royal Comftany of. Archers. 267 

The bow, and guide the Band; 
He, like the faul of a' the lave. 
Does with (ic honeur ftill behave, 

As merits to command. " 
BIyth be his hours, hale be his hearty 

And lang may he prcfide : 
Laog the juft fame of his defert 

Shall unborn Archers read. 
How on this fair propitious day. 
With conquefl leal he bore away 

The Bonjjlsv6kQx\o\}S\y\ 
With following ftiafts in number four, ^ 
Succefs the like ne*er kend before, ' 

The prize to dignify. 
Hafle to the garden then bedeen, 

The rofe and laurel pow. 
And plet a' wreath of white and grcen^ 

Tobaik the vigor's brow. 

The vi^or crown^ who with bis bow. 
In fpring of youth and amorous glow, 

Juft fifty years finfyne, 
The filver arrow made his prize. 
Yet ceafes not in fame to nfe, 

And.with new feats to (hine* 
Maj every Archer drive to fill 

His bonnet, and obferve 
The pattern he has fet with Ikill, 

And praife like him dcfcrve* 



%z 9^ 



I m : 

Qn the Royal Company of Archers, marchittg under iht 
Command of his Grace the Duke ^Hamilton, in 
their prcper habits, tofhoot.for thf Arrow at Muflcl* 
borgh, Auguft 4, 1724. 

A p P 9 L o , Patron of the Lyre, 

And of the valiant Archers Bowt 
Me nuith fic fentimenti infpire. 
As may appear from thee they flow. 
When by thyfpecialivill^ and high conwiattd^ 
IJingthe merits of the Royal Band. 

■ . f. 1— — iW^W^M 

NO W like ihcmfclls again the Archers raifc 
The Bow, in brav^e array, and claim our layv* 
Phoebus well pleased, (hincs from the blue ferene, 
C\klU on the ftream, and gilds the chequered greep.. 
The winds ly hufh in their remotcft caves, 
And Forth with gentle fwell his margin leaves, 
^e to his /Iiore, the gathering thoufands roU^ 
As if one j^cn'ral fp'rit informed the Whole. 
The bonnieft fair of a' Great Britain'^ ifle, 
From chariots and the erowdcd cafcmcnts fmilc ;: 
Whilft horfe and foot promifcuous form a lanCf 
Extending far along the dcftin'd plain, 
Where^ like Bellondh troops, or guards of lovc. 
The Archers in their proper habits move. 

T-licir guardian faint, from yon etherial height^. 
JDifplays th* aufpicious crofs of blazing light ; 
"XA^hile on his care he chearfully looks down. 
The pointed thiftle wears his ruby crown, ^ 
Ar*d leems to threat, arm*d ready to engagCj 
No man unptaiip? d floall provoke my rage, 
Weil plcas'd the rampant Lyon fmoothshis manCi. 
And gambols gay upon his golden plain. 

Like as the fun, when wintfj clouds arc paft, 
And fragvaat gales fucceed the ftormy blaft. 
Shines on the earth, the fields look frclh and gay': 
$0 /ecm- the Archer i on xK\s 'p^&i ix\ \ 



0» the Royal Company of Archers. 2^9 

Whilft^with his graceful mien, and afpedl kind,* 
Their Leader raifes every follower's mind, • : 
Who love the cooduifl of a youth, whofe birtli 
To DOthiog yields but his fuperior worth \ 
And happier js with his felefled train. 
Than Pmlip's fon who Arove a world to gain. 
That Prince whole nations to deftruftion drove^ 
This Princk delights his country to improve. 
A monarch rais'd upon a throne may nod. 
And pafs amongft the vulgar for a god ; 
'Whilft men of penetration juftly blame 
Thofe who hang on their anceftors. for fame ; 
Bat own the dignity of high defccnt. 
When the fuccefTor's fpirit keeps the bent, 
Which through revolving ages gracM thie line. 
With all thole qualities that brightcfl fhine : 
The Archers chieftain thus with adlive mind^ 
in all that's worthy never falls behind. 
The(c noble charadlers, from whom he fprung, 
in bift'ry fam'd : whom ancient bards liave fung.. 
.See, from his (leady hand, and aiming eye. 
How ftraight in equal lengths the arcows fly :. 
Both at one end clofe by the mark they (land, 
Which points him worthy of his brave command ; 
That as they to his numVous merits bow. 
This vidkory makes homage fully due. 

Sage Drummond next, the chief, with counfcl gri^yi; , 
Becomes his po^, inflru^ng all that's brave : 
.80 Pallas feera'd, who Mentor' % form put on, 
To make a heroe of Vlyjfes' Too. 

Each officer his character maintains. 
While Ipvc and honour gratify their pains. 
cNo view inferior brings them to the field. 
To whom great chiefs of clans with pleafure yiel^* 

No hidden murmur fwclls the ArcherW^^^xx^ 
While >each with gladnefs a<fts his proper part. 
No fadh'ous ftrife, nor plots, the banc of ftaics. 
Give birth tojealoufies or dire debates^t- 
^x leis their pleafure wiio obedience pay, 
"Iffg^ oricT to^refcrve, as thofe who fway. 



270 To the Society of Briti(h Antiquarians. 

O fmillng mufe, full well thou knows the fair 
Admire the courteous, and with pleafare (hare 
7 heir love with him that's generous and brave» 
Acd can with manly dignity behave; 
T hen hafte to warn thy tender care with (peed. 
Led by fomc random-fhaft their hearts may bleei 
Yon dangerous youths both Mars and Venus an 
\V hiie ^vith their double darts thiey threat and cl 
7 hofc at tlicir (idc forbid invading foes. 
With vain attempt true courage to oppofe ; 
While Ihafts mair fubtile, darted from their eye 
Thro' fofter hearts with filent conqucfl fly. 



To the Right Honourable the Eart ^Hartfos 
Peircy, Prefidentt and the reft of the Hi 
Members of the Society of Britifh Antiquari 
Scots OpE. 

TO Hartford and his learned friends, 
Whafe fame for fcience far extends, 
A Scottifh mufc her duty fends, 

From Pi^ijh towers : 
Hcahh, length of days, and happy ends, 
Be ever yours. 
Your generous cares make light arifc 
From things obfcure to vulgar eyes. 
Finding where hidden knowledge lies, 

T' improve the mind ; 
And mod delightfully furprife, 

With thoughts rcfin'd. 
When you the broke infcription rcad> 
Or amjQngft antique ruins tread, 
And view remains of princes dead. 
In funeral piles, 
Your pcBCtration feems decreed 

To biefs thefe ides. 
Where Romans form'd their camps of oId> 
Tiicir gods ^i^ mxxa q( cv)i\q^ iiiold» 



To the Society ^Britifli Antifuariant. 471 
Their medals flruck of brafs or gold, 

'Tis you can (how> 
And truth of what's in (lory told. 

To you we owe. 
How beneficial is the care. 
That brightens up the claffic lear ? 
When you the documents compare. 

With authors dc^ 
You ravifb, when we can fo fair 

Your light behold* 
"Without your comments, each old book 
By all the world would be forfook : 
For who of thought woa'd deign to look 

On doubtful works. 
Till by your fkilful hands they're ftruck 
With (lerliog marks I 
By thb your learning men are fir'd 
With love of glory, and mfpir'd 
like ancient heroes, who ne'er tir'd 
To win a name ; 
And, by their god -like adls, afpir'd 
T' immortal fanic. 
Your ufeful labours fhall endure, 
True merit fliall your fame fecure. 
And will pofterity allure, 

To fcarch about 
For truth, by demonRration fure, 

Which leaves no doubt- 
The mufe forfces brave Hartford\ nadie 
Shall to all writers be a theme, 
Tolafl while arts and greatnefs^ claim 

Th' hiftorian's ikUl, 
Or the chief inflrument of fame, 

The poet's quill. 
Pembroke^ a name to Britain dear> 
For learning and brave deeds of weir ; 
The genius (liil continues clear 

In him whofe art, 
]|p your rare fellowfhip can bear 
^^ A ^^reatapart* 



1^^ 



tj% To tia SceUty rf BrifUi AnlipaHam, 

Bards yet unborn (hall tune their lays, 
And monuments hafmooious raUe 
To Wincbelfea and Devon' % pratfe, 

Wboie high defert. 
And virtues bright, like genial rays. 

Can life impart. 
Nor want we Caledomam iage^ 
Who read the painted. velium pagt» 
No flraogers to each antique (bge» 

And Druids cells* 
And iacred ruins of each age. 

On plains and fells. 
AmoDgft all tbofe of the firft rate. 
Our learned * Clerk bled with the fate 
Of thinking right, can bed relate 

Thefc beauties all, 
Which bear the marks of ancient date, 

Be-north the wail. 
The wall which Hadrian firft beguo* 
And bold Sever us carried on, 
From riiing to the fctiing fun, 

On Britain's coaft, 
,Our anceftors fierce arn;i8 to (huo, 

Which gaird them moft. 
But now no need of walls pr towers, 
Ag'd enmity no more endures, 
,£rave Britain joins her warlike powers. 

That always dare, 
To open and to (hut the doors 

Of peace and war. 
Advance, great men, your wife deGgo^ 
And profpcr in the.ta^ divine ; 
,Draw from antiquity's deep mine 

The precious ore, 
i4nd in the firitijh annals (hine 

'Till pme's no rnone*. 

'^^rJohnClcck of^cnnycuik, Biirftv 



t 273 T 



hibe Marquis of Annanoale'/ eouveying me a P^t* 
fent of Guineas in my Soaff-millt afttr be bad tMhmii 
all the SDufF. 

*Tr^ H E 6X/y rcquir'd my SnifHii)g«mi]]^ 
X A-nd weU it was beftow*d ; 
The Patron, by the rarcft fkUJ, 

TQrn'd all the fnuffto gowd. 
'owd ftampt with royal Anna\ face. 

Piece after piece c^rae forth ; 
*he pi<5lures Trailed, gi'en with fuch grace: 

By ane of fo mpch worth* 
ire thus the patronizing Roman 

Made Horace fpread the wing j 
bus Dorfet^ by kind deeds onconmiOOi, 

Rais*d Prior up to fing, 

hat there are patrons yet for me. 

Here's a cooirincing proof, 
t)^ Annandale gives gowd as free 

4^ I cao part witb (buff. 



Advice to Mr^-^-^m bit Marriage* 

VL L joy to you and your AmeUe^ 
May ne'er your purfe nor vigour fail ye;, 
It have a care how you employ 
bem baith ; and tutor well your joy. 
"ae me an auld dab talc advice, 
id bane them baith, if ye be wife ; 
9r warld*s waders, like poor cripples, 
3ok blunt with poverty and ripples: 
here's an auld faw to ilk ane notum^ 
Ttter to (ave at braird tb^n bottom ; 
^hich means, your purfe and perfon ufe 
I canny poets do their mufe ; 
r whip and fpurring never prove 
h&Wt or in v^rfe or Jofc* 



274 ^^ ^''^ ^* ^' ^^ ^^^ Painting* 

Sac far, my friend, in merry drain, 
IVe given a doufe advice and plain, 
And honefUy difcharg'd my confcience 
In lines (tho* hamely) far frae nonfenfe* 
Some other chiel may daftly fing, 
That kens but little of the thing, 
And blaw ye up with windy fancies 
That he has tbigit frae romances. 
Of endlefs raptures, condant glee. 
That never was, nor ne'er will be* 
Alake ! poor mortals are not gods. 
And therefore often fall at odds ; 
But little quarrels, now and than. 
Are nae great faults, 'tween wife and man x 
Thefe help right aften to improve 
His underOanding and her love. 
Your rib and you, 'bout hours oi drinking^ 
May chance to differ in your thinking ; 
But that's juft like a fhower in May^ 
That gars the fun -blink feemmair^ay. ^ 
If e'er ihe tak the pet„ or fret. 
Be calm, and yet maintain your ftate ; 
And fmiling, ca' her little foolie. 
Syne with a kifs evite a toolie. 
This method's ever thought the braver. 
Than either cuffs, or cli(h-ma-claver : 
It fhaws a fpirit low and common. 
That with ill-nature treats a woman : 
They're of a make fae nice and fair, 
They muft be manag'd with/ome care ; 
Refpe(5l them, they'll be kind and civile 
But difregarded, prove the devil. 



To Mrs M. M. on her Painting. 

TO paint his Venus ^ awld Apelles^ 
Wal'd a' the bonny maids oi Greece : 
Thou needs nae mair, but paint thyfell^ la6| 
To ding the Painter and his Pieee» 



C 275 3 ' 

The Lure: ATaU. 

TH E fun juft o'er the hills was peepingi 
The hyods arifiDg, gentry deeping. 
The dogs were barking, cocks were crawing, 
Night-drinking fots counting their lawning ; 
Clean were the roads, and clear the day. 
When forth a falconer took his way, 
Nane with him bat his (he-knight-errant. 
That adls in air the Woody tyrant ; 
"While with quick wing, fierce beek and claws, 
She breaks divine and human laws ; 
Ne'er pleas'd, but with the hearts and livers 
Of peartricks, teals, moor-powts and plivers ; 
Yet is (he much edeem'd and dandl'd, 
Clean lodged, well fed, and faftly haadl'd. 
Reafbn for this need be nae wonder. 
Her parafites (hare in the plunder. 
Thus fneato g rooks about a court. 
That mak^ppreflion but their fport, 
Wiil praife a paughty bloody king. 
And hire mean liac|cney-poets to (Ing 
His glories ; while the deel be licket 
He e'er attempt but what he (licket. 

So, fir, as I was gawn to fay. 
This falconer had tane his way 
O'er Calder-mo^x ; and gawn the mofs up. 
He there forgaiher'd with a goffip : 
And wha was't trow ye, but the de'ei 
That had difguis'd himfcll fac weel 
In human fhape, fae fnug and wylie ; ' 
Jude took him for a burlic-bailic : 
His cloven cloots were hid with fhoon, 
A bonnet coor'd his horns aboon : 
Nor fpat he fire, or brimftone rifted, 
Nor awfome glowr'd ; but cawmly lifted 
His een and voice and thus began. 
Good morning i*ye, honeft man^ 
Te*re early out : — Honjj far gae ye 

.This gate ? Im blyth ofcomfarvf 

What 



Stl6 TiehVtLE, 

JVb/itfowl is that, may arte demand ^ 
Thatjlandsfae trtgiy on your hand? 

* Wow, m^n I quoth Juden^ where won ye? 

* The like was never fpcer'd at me ! 

* MaOy 'tis a Hawk^ and e'en as good 

* As ever flew, or wore a hood.' 

Friend^ Vm a Ji ranger ^ quoth auld Syihful^^ 
I hope ye* II no he angry nvi* me ; 
The ignorant maun ay be /peering 
^ejiionsi Uili they come to a clearing* 

Then tell me mair *Mihat do ye w'tf 

lit good toftng ? or good to eat ? 

* For neither, anfwer'd (imple Juden ; 

' But helps to bring my lord his food in i 
< When fowls dart up that I wad hae, 

* Straight frae my hand I let her gae ; 

* Her hood tane afF, (he b not laogfome " 
' In taking captives, which I ranfome 

* With a dow's wing, or chicken's leg.* 
Trowth, quoth thede'cl, thafs nice! I be^ 
Te'll be fae kind^ as let me fee ^ 
Hoijj this fame bird of yours can flee, 

* T'oblige ye, friend, I winna ftand.'— — 
Syne loos'd the Falcon frae his hand, 
iJnhoodcd, up (he fprang with birr. 
While baith (lood flaring after her, 

But hovj d'ye get her back ? faid ^ick. 

* For that, quoth Jude, I have a trick : 

* Ye fee this L«rff,— it (hall command 

* Her upon fight down to my hand.' 

Syne twirl'd it thrice, with whieu-whieu-whicfl— — 

And flraight upon't the Falcon flew. 

As Vm a /inner ! crys the dc'el, 

I like thispa/iime ^wonder fweel^ 

And /tnce ye've been /ae kindly /reC', 

To let her at my bidding flee^ 

ril entertain ye in my gate. 

Mean time it was tlie will of fate, 

A hoc 



The LURE. 277 

d friar (anc of that clan 
dc(criv*d by father * Gaxmn^ 
fr-kejj) came up ; good faul ! 
a» cicek'd up by the fpaul, . 
afFhis hood, and without mair, 
I a tofs up in the air. 
V the fon of faint Loyola^ 
artled Juden gave a Hola / 
d with wonder, ftlll. he flood. 
yhad 'maid crudled hb blood, 
monk mount like a facoo, 
to doubt if he was wakin ; 
lid he rub his een to clear, 
Ing mafler'd part o*s fear, 
^ence be about us a' ! 
^est the like I never faw : 

e ! he like a iavrock tours 

eek the darns in twaV three Iiours ! 

•ffible to bring him back V 

» quoth Nick, / have knack ; 

my Birds J nuant na Lures^ 

age them as ye do your* s : 

•tfV ane comings hie gate, hither^ 

n bring down the haly brithcr, 

ivas a frcfh young I and wart Lafs, 
eeks like cherries, een like glafs ; 
ts (he wore, and they were kiltedi 
hn come kifs me now) (he liltect 
dft o'er the benty knows, 
the bught to milk the ews ; 
is hand flee Belzie hint up, 
IS ye wad do a pint-iloup, 
, wav'd her round his head ; 
•u;^/>«--he whiftled, and with (peed 
[uick as (hooting darns, the pried 
ufe upon the lafs's bread. 

rcvciwl Anthony Gja in, formerly a Spanilh Roman 
Pried, now an Irifh Trctcftant miniftcr, uho lath htc- 
:hrec voliimes on the trirks and whoredoms ot* the pvic(U 
i wbicli bock he names Matter- keys to Po^w^. 

A a '^Vvc 



578 ^« ANACREONTICK(?«Lofc. 

The moral of this tale (hews plainly 
That carnal minds attempt but vainly 
Aboon this higher warld to mount. 
While flaves to Satan. 



An Anacreontick on Loye. 

WH E N a* the warld had closed their een« 
Fatigu'd with labour, care and din. 
And quietly ilka weary wight 
Knjoy'd the Glence of the night : 
Then Cupids that ilNdcedy gctt, 
With a' his pith rapt at my yett. 
Surpriz'd, throw flcep, I cry'd, Wh^'s that ? 
Quoth he, A poor young nuean a' luat i 
Oh! hajleye apen^-^Jear nae Jkaith^ 
Elfefoon thisjlonn mil be my death. 

With his complaint my faul grew wae. 
For as he faid I thought it fae ; 
I took a light, and fad did rin 
To let the chittering infant in : 
And he appeared to be nae kow, 
Fort* his quiver^ wings and bow* 
His bairnly fmiles and looks gave joy. 
He fecm'd fae innocent a boy : 
I led him ben but any pingle, 
And bcckt him brawly at my ingle ; 
Dighted his face, his bandies thow'd, 
'Till his young cheeks, like rofes, glow'd. 
But foon as he grew warm and fain, 
Let^s tryy quoth he, if that that the rain 
Has nxirang d ought of my [porting gear ^ 
Ar.d if my bonujiring^s hale and fie r. 
M ith that his archVy graith he put 
In order, and made me his butt ; 
Mov'd back a-piece,— his bow he drew. 
Fad throw my bread his arrow flew. 
Tliat done, as if he'd found a neft. 
He leugh, and with unfoofy jeft, . 

Cry* 



Addnfs U Prwoji Drummoad, i;c. 379 
]!i7'd, Nihourt PfH nght hlyth in mind^ 
That in good tift my iow I find : 
Did not my arronvJUe right fm art P 
y II Jind it flicking in your heart. 



In Mr DrummondV being chofen one of the Honourable 
Commijjioners of the Cufloms, An Epigram. 

rH E good arc glad, when merit meets reward ; 
And that they (hare the pleafure of another, 
iVhiJc little minds, who only fclf regard, 
Will ficken at the fucccfs of a brother, 
leoce I am pleas'd to find myfelf right clafs^d, 

Even by this mark, that's worthy of obferving ; 
t gives me joy, the patent lately pafs'd 
In favour of dear Drummond^ moil deferving. 



The Addrcfi of the Muse td the Right Hon. GsaRGE 
DrvmmonDj Efq ; Lord Provoji^ and Council of 
Edinburgh. 

E JT Y Lord, my.patroD, good and kind, 

iy±, Whofe eTcry a£l of gcneroos ^e \ * •; 

1 he patriot (hews, and trudy friend ; 

^hile favours by your thoughts rcGn'd^ 

Both public and the private (hare. 
To you the mufe her duteous homage pays, 
iVluJe Edinburgh'% intereft animates her lays. 

Nor will the bed fome hints refiife : 

The narrow foul, that leaft brings forth* 
To ao advice the rareft bows ; 
Wbi^h the exteofive mind allows, 
Being confcious of its genuine worth, 
''cars no eclipfe ; nor with dark pride declines, 
^ ray from light, that far inferior (hbes. 

Our reafon and advantage call 
Us to prefcrve what we eftccpi ; 

A a 2 And 



58o Addrefi to Provqfl Drummood, 6c, 

And each fliould contribute, tho' fmall. 

Like filrcr rivulets that fall 

In one, and make a fpreading dream. 
So fhould a city all her care unite, 
T'engagc with entertainments of delight. 

Man for fociety was made. 

His fearch of knowledge has no bound ; 
Through the vad deep he loves to wadc^ 
But fubjcifls ebb, and fpiriis fade, 
On wilds and thinly peopled ground. 
Then where the world, in ralnature, employs 
Its various arts, the foul its wifh enjoys. 

Sometimes the focial mind may rove. 

And trace, wiih contemplatioD high^ 
The natural beauties of the grove, 
Pleas'd with the turtle's making Jovc^ 
While birds chant in a fummer fky. 
But when cold winter fnows the naked fields. 
The city then its changbg plcafure yields. 

Then you, to whom pertains the carCy 

And have the power to a6t aright. 
Nor pains, nor prudent judging fparc. 
The Good Town's failings to repair. 
And give her lovers more delight 
Much you have done, both ufeful and polite ; 
O never tire ! 'till every plan's complete. 

Some may obje<5l, we money want. 
Of every projeft foul and nerve. 
'Tis true ;— but fure, tbc parliament 
V^'ill ne'er refufe frankly to grant 
Such funds as good defigns deferve. 
The thriving well of each of Britain^ towns, 
Adds to her wealth, and more her grandeur cr4)ivns* 

Allow that fifteen thoufand pounds 

Were yearly on improvements /pent ; 
If luxury produce the funds, 
And well laid out there are no grounds 
For murmuring, or the leafl complaiDt : 
Materials all within our native coafl. 
The poor's employed, we gain, and nothing's loft. 

Tw< 



Mdrefs to Provoji Drummond, (tc. 281 

Two hundreds, for five pounds a day, 

Will work Jikc Turkijh gallcy-flavea ; 
And c*er they flecp, they wiJl repay 
Back alJ the public forth did lay, 
Forfmall fopport that nature craves. 
Thus kept work, few twangs of guilt they feci. 
And are not tempt' by pinching want to iteal. 
Mod wifely did our city move, 

When ♦ Hope^ who judges well and nice, . 
Was chofen fittefl to improve, 
From rulhy tufts the pleafing grove, 
JProm bogs a rifing paradife. 
Soce canh's foundation, to our prefent day, 
The beauteous plain in mud neglected lay. 

Now, evenly planted, hedg'd and drain'd. 
Its verdures pleafe the fcent and fight ; 
And here the Fair may walk unpainM, 
Her flowing fllks and (hoes unflain'd. 
Round the green Ctrcus of delight : 
Which (hall by ripening tfme flill fwcetcr grow. 
And Hope be fam'd while Scot/men draw the bow. 

Ah ! while I iing, the northern air, 

Throu' gore and carnage gives offence ; 
Which fhould not, while a river fair. 
Without our walls flows by fo near ; 

Carriage from thence but fmall expencc : 
The uiefnl Corporation too would And, 
By working there, more health, and cafe of mind. . 

Then fwect our northern flow'rs would blow, 

Andfweet our northern alleys end : 
Sweet all the northern fprings would flow. 
Sweet northern trees and herbs would grow. 
And fi'om the lake a field be gain'd : 
IVhere on the fpring's green margent by ihe dawn, 
[)ar maids might wafh, and blanch their lace acd lawn. 

• Mr Hope of Rankeilonr, who has beautifully plarKcd, hcdgcj 
nd drained Stxaiton'i Meadow, which was formerly ihc botiom 
•fa lake. 

A a 3 *For 



a 82 Addreff toPrcvofl Drummond, 6^. 
* Forbid a nady pack to place 
. On (Ulls unclean their herbs and rooCf , 
' On the high (Ireet a vile difgracCy 
And tempting to oar infant-race. 
To fwallow poifon with their fruits. 
Give ihem a Hation, where lefs fpoil'd and feen^ 
The heahhful herbage may keep frefh and deao* 

BeHdcs they (Iraiten much our flreet. 

When thofe who drive the hack and dray^ 
In drunk and rude confuHon meet, 
We know not where to turn our feet ; 
Mortal our hazard every way. 
Too oft the ag*d, the deaf, and little fry, 
liem'd in with flails, crufli'd under axles lie. 

Clean order yields a vad delight, 

And genius's that brighted (hine. 
Prefer the pleafure of the fight 
Judiy, to theirs who day and night 
Sink health and adivc thought b wine. 
Happy the man that's clean in houfe and weed^ 
1 ho' water be his drink, and oats his bread. 

Kind fate, on them whom I admire, 

fiedow neat rooms and gardens fair. 
Pictures that fpcak the painter's fire. 
And learning which the nine infpirc, 

With friends that all his thoughts may fhare ; 
A houfe in Edinburgh^ uhen the fullen ftorm 
Defaces nature's joyous fragrant form. 

O I may we hope to fee a ftagc, 
f iird wiih the be(l of fuch as can 

« Wiib the more freedom (bmc tltoughts in tlufc fltoza's arc 
advanced, bccaufc fcvcral citizens of the btft thinking, both in 
and oot of ihe magiftracy, incline to, and have focb vievi>8, if they 
were not ofpos*d by fomc of grofs old fafhion'd notiona. Such 
>»UI tell you. O! the ftrcet of Edinburgh is the ^cA garden of 
Scotland, And how (an it otherwife be, coofideriog how well 
» t4s dung'd every night ? But this abufe we hope to fee reformed 
ibon, when the cart and warning-bcli ftiail leave the lazy flatcfQ 
Wxthott cxcufe, after tcu at nig|ht, 

* Snile 



On bis Grace tie Duke ^HaimltOD> ifc. 283 
Smile down the follies of the age, 
Goiredt doll pride and party-rage, 
. And cultivate the growing man ; 
And fhew the virgin every proper grace. 
That makes her mind as comely as her face« 
Nor will the moft devout oppofe, 

When with a flridt judicious care. 
The fcenes mod vertuous (hall be chofe. 
That numerous are, forbidding thofe 
That (hock the modeft, good and fair. ^ 
The bed of things may often be abus'd ; 
That argues not, when right, to be refus'd. 
Thus, what our fathers wa(Ung blood. 
Of old from the fouth Britons won. 
When Scotland reach'd to Humber*z flood. 
We (hall regain by arts le(s rude. 
And bring the beft and faireft down, 
From England*^ northern counties, nigh as far 
Difbmt from court, as we of PiSlland are. 
Thus far bfpirM with honeft zeal, 

Thefe thoughts are ofFer'd with fubmiffion. 
By your own bard, who ne*er (hall fail 
The mtereft of the common weal. 

While you indulge and grant permiffion 
To your oblig'd, thus humbly to rehcarfe 
His honeft and well-meaning thoughts in verfc* 



On his Grace the Duke o/Hamiltoh^s /hooting an Ar- 
row through the Neck of an Eel. 

AS from a bow a fatal ilane, 
*^ Train'd by Jp-Alo from the main. 

In water pierc'd an Eel ; 
Sac may the Patriot's power and art. 
Sic fate to fouple rogues impart, 

That drumble at the common weal. 
Tho' they, as ony Eels, are flid, 
And thro' what's vile can I'cud, 
A bolt may reach them, tho' deep hid 
They fculk beneath their mud. 



C ^84 ] 

Betty a»dKAT2 : J Pafloral Farenvell io Mr Air- 
man, nvben be *went for London. 

B ETTT. 

DEAR Katie, Willf% c'cn away ! 
Willy, of herds the walc, 
I'o feed bis flock, and make his hay 

Uponadiftaotdale, 
Far to the (buthward of this height 
^ Where now we dowie dray ; 
Ay hortfome wheo he cbear'd our fights 
And leagh with us a' day. 

KATE. 
O Willy, can dale dainties pleafe 

Thee mair than moorland ream ? 
Does Ifts flow with fweecer eafe 

Than Forihdi gentle dream ? 
Or takes thou rather mair dely t 

In the drae-hatted roaid» 
Than in the blooming red and whyt 

Of her that wean the plaid ? 

BETTY. 
Ka> Kate, for that we needna mourn. 

He is notgi*en to change ; 
But fauls of fie a fhining turn, 
For honours like to range : 
Oar laird, and a' the gentry round, 

Who mauna be faid nay. 
Sic pleafure in his art have found, 

i'hcy winna let him day. 
Biyth 1 have dood frac mom to eeo. 

To fee how true and wccl 
He cou*d dclyt us on the green 
VV ith a piece cawk and keel. 
On a did danc, or fmoother date. 

He can the picture draw 
Of you or me, or fliccp or gait, 

7 he liked c'tr ye faw. .- 

Lafs, thinkna (liaine to cafe your miod^ 
J fee yc'rc like to greet ; 

Let 



Betty i^dKzic: J Pajl^raf. 2S5 

Let gae thefe tears, 'tit juftly kind. 

For (hepherd fae complete. 

KATE. 
Far, far ! o'er far frac S/>ey and Cfyde, 

Stands that great town of Lttd, 
To whiik oar bed lads rin and ride. 

That's like to put us wood : 
For findle times they e'er come back^ 

Wha anes are heftit there. 
Sare, Be/}, thtr bills are no fae black> 

Nor yet thir howms fae bare. 
B E TTT. 
Oar rigs are rich> and green our heights. 

And well our cares reward ; 
Bat yield, nae doubt, far lefs delights* 

Iq abfence of our laird. 
Bot we maun cawmly now fubmit, ^ 

And our ill luck lament. 
And leave't to his ain fenfe and wit * 

To find his heart's content. 
A thoufand gates he had to win 

The love of auld and young. 
Did a' he did with little din. 

And in oac deed was dung. 

K y^TE. 
William and Mary never fail'd 

To welcome with a fmile. 
And hearten us, when ought we ail*d, 

Without deCgning guile. 
Lang may (he happily pofFcIs 

Wha-s in his breail infeft, 
And may their bonny bairns bcreafe, 

And a' with rowth be left. 
OWilliamf win your laurels faft, 

And fyoe we'll a' be fain, 
Soon as your wand'ring days are paft| 

And yon're return'd again. 

BETTY. 
Refivc her joys by your return, 
. To whom you firft gave pain i 



986 To Mr DAVID MALLOGH. 
Judge how her paffiooi for you burD, 

By thcfe you bear your aiD, 
Sae may your kirn with fatuefs flow» 

And a' your ky be fleck ; 
And may your hearu with gladnefs glow,. 

laBndiog what ye feck. 



To Mr David Malloch, on hh Departure /rem 
Scotland. 

SINCE fate» with honour, bids thee leave 
Thy country for a while, 
It is nae friendly part to grieve, 

When powers propitious fmilc. 
The tafk aflign'd thec's great and good . 

To cultivate two Grahamt^ 
Wha from baulB heroes draw their blood 

Of brave immortal names. 
Like wax the dawning genius takes 

Impreffioos, tbrawin or eveo ; 
Then he wha fair the molding oiakcf , 

Does journey work for heavco. 
The four weak pedants fpoil the mind 

Of thofe beneath their care, 
W*ho think inftruAioD is confin'd 

To poor grammatic ware. 
But better kens my friend, and eta 

Far nobler plans defign. 
To lead the boy up to a man 

That's fit in courts to (hine. 
Frae Grampian hdghtt, fome may olijcO, 

Can you fic knowledge bring ? 
But thofe laigh thinkers ne*er itfledl. 

Some fauls ken ilka thing. 
With vafter cafe at the firft glance. 

Than roifty minds that plod 
And thrcfh for thought, but ne'er advance 

Their ftawk aboon their clod. 

But 



To CALISTA: AnEpigr^m. 287 

But he * that could in tender Araios 

Raifc Margaret's plaining (hade. 
And paint didrefs that chills the veins. 

While WilUam'% aimes arc red ; 
Shaws to the worId» cou'd they obferve, 

A dear deferving flame 

Thas I can roofjb without referve, 

"When truth fupports my theme. 
Gacy Lady and win a nation's love. 

By makbg thofe in truft, 
UktWallace^s Achates \i prove 

Wi&y generous, brave and jud. 
Sac may hb grace, th* illuftrious Sire^ 

Willi joy paternal fee 
Their riUng blceze of manly fire. 

And pay his thanks to thee; 



71? C A L I s T A : An Epigram* 

A NESwifdora, majefty and bean ty, 
^^ Contended to allure the fwain, 
Wha fain wad paid to ilk his duty ; 

Bat only ane the prize could gain. 
Were Jove again to redd debate 

Between his fpoufe and daughters twa. 
And were it dear Calijia\ fate 

To bid amang them for the ba* : 
When given to her, the Hiepherd might 

Then with the fingic apple lervc a' ; 
Since (he's poffeft of a* that's bright 

lo Juno^ Venus, and Minerva. 

* WtBam and Margaret^ t balled in imitation of the old man- 
ner, whereiu the (Irength of thought and paiHon is more obferved 
than a rant of unmeaning words. 

f The heroic Sir John Graham, tlie glory of his name and 
nation, (and deared friend of the renowned Sir William Wallace) 
•nccdor of his grace the Duke of Montrose. 



C 288 3 

INSCRIPTION on the Tombjione of Mr Alexah- 
D E R W A R D L A w, late Chamberlain to the Right Hon, 
the Earl of Wigton, ereSfed by hit Son Mr Johh 
Wardlaw in the Church ^Bi^ar, 

HERE lies a man, whofe upright heart 
With virtue was profufely (lor'd^ 
Who a<fVed well the honed part 

Between the tenants and their lord. 
Between the fands and flinty rode 

Thus (leer*d he in the golden mean. 
While his biyth countenance befpoke 

A mind unrufH'd and fcrene^ 
As to great Bruce the Flemings prov*d 

Faithful, {q tp the Flemings heir 
Wardlanu behav'd, and was belov'd 

For's judice, candor, faith and care. 
His merit (hall preferve his fame 

To latcft ages, free from ruft, 
*TiIl the arch-angel raife his frame 

To join his foul amoogft the juft. 



y^n Ode /acred to the Memory of her Grace Amni 
Dutcljejs ^Hamilton. 

WH Y founds the plain with (ad complaint ? 
Why hides the ffin his beams ? 
Why fighs the winds fae bleak and cauld ? 
Why mourn the fwelling (Ireams ? 

Wail on, ye heights ; ye glens, complain ; 

Sun, wear ihy cloudy veil : 
Sigh, winds, frac frozen caves of fnaw ; 

Clydtft mourn the rueful talc. 

Shc*s dead, the beauteous /!nna\ dead ; 
All nature wears a gloom : 

Alas ! 



Ode t9 the Memory ^ &c, ^^ 

Alas ! the comely budding flower 

Is faded in the bloom. 
Qos*d in the weepiog marble- vaatr, 

Now cauld and blae (he lies ; 
Kae niatr the fmiles adorn her cheeky 

Nae mair (he lifts her eyes. 
Too foon, O fweeteft, faired^ bed, 

YoQog parent, lovely mate. 
Thou leaves thy lord and infant (on ^ 

To weep thy early fate. 
Sot late thy chearfu' marriage-day] 

Gave gladneis all around ; 
But late ia thee, the youthful chief 

A hcavea of ble(Eog3 found. 
His bofbm fwells, for much he lov'd; 

Wards fail to paint his grief: 
He ftarts in dream, and grafps thy (hade. 

The day brings nae relief. 
The fair iilufion (kirns away. 

And grief again returns ; 
4Ufe's pleafares makes a vain attempi;, 

DifooofotiXte he mourns. 
He mourns his lofs, a nation's lofs* 

It claims a flood of tears, 
When fie a lov'd illuftrious (lar 

Sac quickly difappears. 
With rofes and the lily-buds. 

Ye nymphs, her grave adorn, 
Aod weepmg tell, thus fweet (he was. 

Thus early from us torn. 
To Glent twiKghtihades retire^ 

Ye melancholy fwains. 
Id melting notes repeat her praifcy 

In iighing vent your pains. 
But hade, calm reafon, to our aid. 

And paining thoughts fubdue, 
Sy placing of the pious Fair 

In a mair pka(ing view^ 
Whofe white immortal mind now iHioes, 

And fiiall for ever bright, 

a b 'KSt^^ 



290 To the Memory of Sit I&ac KewtOD* 
Above th* infulc of death and paio. 

By X\\t firjl fpring of light. 
There joins the high melodious thrang. 

Thai llrikcs eternal firings : 
In prefence of Omnipotence^ 

She now a Seraph (\ug%. 
Then ceafc great James thy flowing tears. 

Nor rent thy foul in vain : 
Fiae bowers of blifs (he*ll ne*er return 

To kind arms again. 
^\^ith goodnefs fiill adorn thy miody 

True greatocfs dill improve ; 
Be fiill a patriot jud and brave, 

And meet thy Saint above. 



Ode to the Mefnory of Sir Isaac Newtow. Infc 
to the Royal Society of London, for the Impr 

of Natural Knywledge, 

GREAT Newton's dead.— fuU-ripc bis fame j 
Ceafe, vulgar grieF« to cloud our foog ; 
\Vc thank the Author of our frame. 

Who lent him to the earth fo long. 
The god like Man now mounts the (ley, 

Exploring all yon radiant fpheres ; 
And with one view can more defoy, 

Than here below in aghty years ; 
Ttio' none, with greater ftrength of foul. 

Could rife to more divine a height, 
Or range the Orbs from Pole to Pole, 

And more improve the human fight. 
Now with full joy he can furvcy 

Thcfe worlds, and ev'ry fliining blaze. 
That countlcfs in the Milky fVay,' 

Only thro' glafles (hew their rays. 
Thoufands in thoufand arts exccll'd, 

6ut ofico to one part confip^d ; * 



To tie Memory of Sir Ifaac Newton. 29^ 

While cv'ry fcience ftood rcvcal'd 

And clear to his capacious mind. 
Hit penetration, mod prjofbund, 

Launch'd far in that extended Tea, 
Where baman minds can reach no bounds 

And never div'd fo deep at he. 
Sont of the eaft and weftem world, 

When on tbit Leading Star ye gaze. 
While magnets guide vthe fail unfurrd^ 

Pay to bis memory due praife. 
Thro' ev'ry maze» he was the guide ; 

While others crawl'd, he foar'd above : 
Yet modefty, onftain'd with pride, 

Increas'd his merit, and our love. 
He (hnnn'd the ibphifhy of words. 

Which only hatch cor^tentidus fpite ; 
Hit kammg tom'd on what affords 

^^Dihmfiration moft delight. 
tritam may honourably boa(l. 

And glory in her matehlefi Son^ 
Whole genins has invented rnofk^ 

h^fimjh^d\i\ax the rcll begun. 
Ye FellvwB of the Royal Qafs^ 

Who. hooour'd him to be your Head^ 
Ercd in fined done and brals ^ 

Statues ti the Illufirioiu Dead, 
Altho* more lafiing than them all. 

Or ev'n the Poefs hig^ieil ftrain» 
Ris Worh^ as long as wheels this ball. 

Shall his great memory fuftain. 
May from your Learned Band arifc 

Ne^vtons to fhine thro' future times, 
Aod bring down knowledge from the fides. 

To plant 00 wild Barbarian cHmes. 
Tdl oatioiis, few degrees from brates» 

Be brought into each proper road. 
Which leads to wifilom's happied fruits. 

To know their Saviour and their God. 

B b 2 T^ 



[ 292 ] 

7a William SoMERviLE ^ Warwlckfliirc, Efj; m 
reading feveral cfhh excellent Poems. 

SI R, I have read, acd much admire 
Your mufc's gay and cafy flow, 
M arm'd with that true Idalimi fire 

I'hat gives the bright and chearful glow, 

I C0D*d each line with joyous care^. 

As I can fbch from fun to fuo ; 
And like the glutton o'er his fare 

Delicious, thought them too foondonc. 

The witty fmile^ nature and art» 

In all your numbers fb combiney 
As to complete their juft deferti 

And grace them with uncommon flitoe. 
Delighted we your mufe regatdf 

V\ hen fhe like Pindar*% ipreadr her WMp.% 
And virtue being its own reward* 

Exprcflcs by the Sifter Springs^ 

Emotions tender croud the mind. 

When with the royal bard you go^ 
To figh in notes divinely kiodt 

The viightyfai'n on m^nt Gilbo* 

Muchfurely was the virgin'^ joy^ 

Who with the J/iad hgd your lays f 
For e*er, and (ince the fiege of Troy, 

We all delight in love and prai^. 

Thcfe heaven-born pafDons, fuch dcGrc,. 

1 never yet cou*d think a crime ; 
Bur (iril-rate virtues which infpirc 

The foul to reach at the fublimc. 

But often men miftake the way. 

And pump for fame by empty boafF, 
Like your gi/t ^/j, who (lood to briy, 

'Till in a flame his tail he loft. 

Him th' incurious bencher hits, 

With hi&own laie, to tight and clean. 



To waiiam Somcfvifc, Ej^j 293 

That while I read, dreams ga(t^, by £ts 
Of hearty laughter, from my ceo. 

OU Chancery btrd of vaft inginc, 

Fontaine aod Prior ^ who have fung 
Biyth tales the bed; had they heard thine 

On Loby they'd own'd themfelvcs out-done. 
The plot's purfu'd with fo mtich glee, 
I The too officious Dcg and Prieft, 
'vht 'Squire opprefs*6, I own, for me, 

I never heard a better jcd. 

P^e well dcfcrib'd an Ombre Game^ 

And King revenging Captive ^een ; 
He merits ; bat had won more fame. 

If author of your Bowling-green. 

You paint your partiesi play each bowV 

So natural, jud, and with fuch eafe. 
That while I read, upon my foul J 

I wonder how I chance to pleafe. 

^ct I have pleas'd, and pleafe the bed; 

Aod fure to me laurels belong, 
Since Britijh fair, and 'mongd the bed, 

Somerviie'% confort likes my fbng. 

lavidi'd I heard th' harmonious fair 

Sing, like a dweller of the iky, 
\Iy Tcrfes with a Scotian air ; 

Then faints were not fo bled as I. 

io her the valu'd charms unite ; 

She really is what all would feem, 
aracefnlly handfome, wife and fweet \ 

'Tis merit to have her edeem. 

four noble kiofman her loT'd mate, 
Whofc worth claims all the world's rcfpcifl, , 

'let in her love a fmiliog fate. 
Which has, and mud have good eiFc^. 

^OQ both from one great lineage fpring, 

Both from de Somervile^ who came 
Vith William^ 'England^ conquering king, 

To win fair plains, and lading fame. . 

B b 3 IVbkkn^ut 



?94 ^« Ts^Mcfrow Mr SOM^RV I LE. 

JVhichnour he left to's cldcft foo. 
That firil-born chief you rcprcfent ; 

liis fecond came xo'Cahdon, 

From whom our S&merlt takes defceot. 

Oi) him and you may fate beftow 
Sweet balmy health and cheerful fire, 

As loDg*s ye'd wi(h to life below^ 
Still bled with all you wou'd defirc. 

Sir I oblige the world, and fpread 
In print * thofe and yonr other lays ;. 

This (hall be better'd while they read, 
And after-ages found your praife. 

1 cou'd enlarge but if I (hou'd 

On what you've wrote, my Ode wou'd ma 

Too great a length your thoughts fo ckkx^ 

To note them all, Td ne'er hafc done. 

Accept this offering of a mule, 

Who on her P i(^ /and hi\\% ne'er tires ; 

Kor (hou'd (when worth invites) refufe 
To fmg the perfon fhe admires. 



y^n Epiftleyr^ttr Mr Somiryile.. 

NEAR fair Jvona^s filver tide, 
Whofe waves in foft meanders glidc» 
I read, to the delighted fwains. 
Your jocund fongs, and niral flratns. 
Smooth as her dreams your numbers flow^ 'y 

Your thoughts in vary'd beauties fhow, v 

Like flowVs that on her borders grow.. S 

M hile I furvey, with ravi(h*d eyes. 
This f friendly gift, my valu'd prize, 
Where (Ider Jrii, with charms divine, 
Ia their full bloom and beauty fhine, 

♦ Since the writing of thif OJe, Mr Soflservile's poems arc 
printed by Mr Liniot in an 8vo Vol. 

t Lord Somervilc was pleaftd to fend wp his owo mOarc, sod 
>Jr Ramfay 'd workSk 

Alter- 



An Epijihffm Mr SOKERVILE. 89s 
Alternately my Ibul is bleft. 
Now I behold my welcome gueft. 
That graceful, that engaging air. 
So dear to all the brave and fair. 
Nor has th' ingenious artift ihowo 
His outward lineaments alone. 
But in th' exprefEve draught defign'd 
The nobler beauties of his mind ; 
Tme friendfhip, love, benevolcocey. 
Uoftodied wit and manly fenfe. 
Thed, as your book, 1 wander o'er, 
And feaft on the delicious ftore, 
(Like the laborious bufy bee, 
Pleai'd with the fweet variety) 
V^ith equal wonder and furprize, 
I fee refembling portraits rife. 
Brave archers march in bright array». 
In troops the vulgar line the way. 
Here the droll figures flUy Incer, 
Or coxcombs at full length appear. 
There woods and la^ns, a rural fceoe. 
And fwaios that gamool on the green. 
Yoor pen can a6t the pendl's part 
With greater genius, fire and art. 

Believe me, bard, no hunted hind 
That pants againft the fouthern wind. 
And feeks the (tream thro^ unknown ways ; 
No matron in her teeming days, 
£*cr felt fuch longings, fuch defires. 
As I to view thofe lofty fpires, 
Thofe domes, where fair Edina^XQMAt 
Her tow'ring head amid the clouds. 
But oh ! what dangers mtcrpofe ? 
Tales deep with dirt, and hills with fnows. 
Proud winter-floods with rapid force, 
Forbid the pleafiog intercourfe. 
But fure we bards, whofe purer clay 
nature has mixt with lefs allay. 
Might foon find out an eafier way. 
Do not fage matrons mount on high, 
And Twitch their broom-Aicks thro' the (kv \ 



I 



%96 An Efiftb/rm Mr SOMEILVILE. 

Ride poft o'er hills, and woods, and fcM* 

From 7X«/^ to th' * Hef^rides f 

And jet the men of Greflmm own 

That this and ftraoger feats arc done, 

By a warm fancy's power akme. 

This granted ; why can't yon and I 

Stretch iDrth our wings and cleave the fky ? 

Since our poetic brains, you know. 

Than theirs rouft more intenfely glow. 

Did not the Theban fwan take wing, 

SublinKly foar^ and fweetly fing f 

And do not we of humbler vein, 

Sometimes attempt a loftier (train. 

Mount fheer out of the reader's fight, 

Obfcurely loft in clouds and night ? 

Then climb your Pegafut with fpced, 
I'll meet thee on the banks of Tweed i 
Not as our fathers did of yore, 
To fwell the flood with crimfon gore ; 
Like the Cadmean murd'ring brood. 
Each thirftingfor his brother's bloods 
For now all hoftile rage (hall ccafe ; 
Lull'd in the downy arms of peace, 
Our honed hands and hearts fkall join. 
O'er jovial banquets, fparkling wine. 
Let Peggy at thy elbow wait. 
And I mall bring my bonny Kate. 

But hold oh ! take a fpccial care, 

T' adroit no prying Kirkman there ; 
1 dread y^t Penitential Chair, 
'What a (Irange figure fhou'd I make, 
A poor abandon'd Englijh rake ; 
A fquire well-born, and fix foot high, 
Pcrch'd in that facred pillory ? 
Let fpleen and zeal be banifh*d thence. 
And troublefome impertinence, 
That tells hb ftory o'er again t 
Ill-manners and his faucy train, 

* The Scilly IflaoJi were ig call; J by chc antknts, at Mr Can* 
4c» obiervcs. 



jf/t Efifife/rm Mr SOMEKYlhE. 297 
jf-conccit, and AifF rumpt pride> 
grin at all the world befide ; 
:aDdal, with a load of Iies> 
es, rencounters^ prodigies ; 
( bufy hawker, light as air» 
feeds on frailties of the fair : 
hypocrify, deceit, 
part3C'rage, and warm debate ; 
1 the hell-hoands that are foes 
md(hip, and the world's repofe. 
Tth indead, and dtrnpling Imilesi 
it, that gloomy care beguiles ; 
ikc, and pun, and merry tale, * 

•afts, that round the table fail t 
laughter^ buriling thro' the crowd 
ies, tells our joys aloud. 

the (hrill piper mounts, on high> 
'oods, the ftreams, the rocks reply»^ 
I far-founding melody. 
I each lab* ring (qaeeze prepare 
» of modulated air 
e Croudero^t active bow, ^' 

id fiill nodding to and fro» > 

et, his cheeks with raptures glow^ ■> 

e the baihful nymphs aidvaDce>. 
id the regulated dance, 
ftill, the fwains purfqjng, 
tb backward glances wooing, 
this (hall be the joyous fcene \ 
anton elves that fkim the greea 
MC fo bleft, fo blyth, fo gay» 
; regard what dotards fay. 
'fe (hall then your Thtjfle greety. 
Jnion fhall be more compleat ; 
ji a bottle and a friend, 
)ational difpute (hall end^ 

Anfmr 



I 398 ] 

jfijhver toibe above Epiflle from William Somv 
VILE, Efq: rf Warwckfliirc. 

SIR, I had yonr'Sy and own my pleafare. 
On the rcceit, exceeded meafure. 
You write with fb much, fp'rit and glee» 
Sae fmooth» fae firong, corre^ and free; 
That any he (by you allowed 
To have fome merit) may be proud. 
If that's my fault, bear you the blame, 
"Whav'e lent me (ic a lift to fame. 
Your ain tours high, and widens far. 
Bright glancing like a fir(!-rate (lar. 
And all the world beftow due praife 
On the CoUe^ion of your lays ; 
Where various arts and turns combine, 
Which even in parts firft poets (hbe : 
Like Mat and Snvift ye fing -with eafe. 
And can be Waller when you pleafe. 
Condnne, fir, and (hame the crew 
That's plagu'd with haring nought to do. 
Who fortune in a merry mood 
Has overcharg'd with gentle blood. 
But has deny'd a genius fit 
For aAion or afpiring wit ; " 
Such kenna how t' employ their time. 
And thbk activity a aime : 
Aught they to either do, or fay, 
Or walk, or write, or read, or pray ! 
When money, their Fa6lotum'% able 
To furnifh them a numerous rabble, 
Who will, for daily drink and wages* 
Be chair-men, chaplains, clerks, and pages : 
Could they, like you, employ their hottit 
In planting thefe delightful flowers, 
Which carpet the poetic fields, 
And lading funds of pleafure yields ; 
Nae mair they'd gaunt and gove away. 
Or ileep or loiter out the day, 



Anfnoer to -/Wr SOMERVILEV EftfiVe. 299 
Or wafle the night damniog their fauls 
In deep debauch, and bawdy brawls : 
Whence pox and poverty proceed 
An early eild, and fpirits dead. 
Reyerfe of you ; — and hira you love, 
VVhofe brighter fpirit tours above 
The mob of thoughtlefs lords and beaus, 
AVho in his ilka adlion fhows 
True frUndfl?ipy loWt benevolence^ 
Vnfludfdnuit^ and manly fenfe. 
Allow here what you've faid yourfelly 
Nought can b* expreft To jud and well : 
To him and her, worthy his love. 
And every blelEog from above, 
A (on is given, God fave the boy. 
For theirs and every S^^Vi/'s joy. 
Ye wardens, round him take your place. 
And raifehim with each manly grace ; 
Make his Meridian vertues (hine. 
To add frefh ludres to his line : 
And many may the mother fee 
Of fuch a lovely progeny. 

Now, (ir, when Boreas nae mair thuds 
Hail, {haw and fleet, frae blackened clouds ; 
While Caledonia^ hills are green, 
And a' her Straths ^ delight the een ; 
While ilka flower with fragrance blows, 
And a* the year its beauty (hows ; 
Before again xhz winter lour. 
What hinders then your northern tour? 
Be fure of welcome : nor believe 
Thefe wha an ill report would give • 
To Edinburgh and the land of cakes. 
That nought what's neceilkry lacks. 
Here plenty *s goddefs frae her horn 

Pours fi(h and cattle, claith and com. 

In blyth abundance ; and yet mair. 

Our men are brave, our ladies fair. 

Nor will North Britain yield for fouth 

Of ilka thing, and fellows couth, 

To ony but her fiftcr South. 



\ 



tt>\^. 



"> 



jOO Reafmsfor not ofifwersng the ScrihUcn* 

True, rugged roads are curfed dreigh. 
And fpcau aft roar frae moantaiot hiegh : 
The body tires, — poor tottering day, 
And likes with cafe at bame to (lay ; 
"While fauls (Iride warlds at ilka ftend» 
And can their widening views extend. 
Mines lees you, while you chearfu' roam 
On fwcct Avon(^% flow'ry howm. 
There recolledling, with fall view, 
Thefe follies which mankind purfae ; 
While, confeiouf of fuperior merit ; 
You rife with a correcting Ipirit ; 
And, as an agent of the gods, 
La(h them with (harp fatyric rods : 
Labour divbe ! — Next, for a change, 
0*er hill and dale I fee you range 
After the fox or whidding hare, 
Confirming health in pureft air ; 
While joy frae heights and dales refounds, 
Rais'd by the Hola^ Horn and Hounds : 
Fatigu'd, yet pleas'd, the chace out-run> 
I fee the friend, and fetting fun, 
Invite you to the template bicquor. 
Which makes the blooid and wit flow quicker* 
The clock ftrikes twelve, to reft you bound. 
To fave your health by deeping found. 
Thus with cool head and healfbme breafl 
You fee new day dream frae the eaft : 
Then all the mufes round you fhine, 
Infpiring every thought divine ; 

Be long their aid Your years and blcBcs, 

Your fervant Allan Ram/ay wifhcs. 



Reasons for not anfiverine the Hackney Scribble 
obfcure Enemies^ 

THESE to my biyth Indulgent friends ; 
Dull faes nought at my hand defcrve : 
To pump an anfwer's a' their ends ; 
But not ae Uac, li xluc^ (Kovi'd ftarrc. 



I 



Reafom for not dnfaiering the. Scribblers. g Of 
VJhz e'er ihall with a mtdding fight. 

Of vidory will be beguil'd ; 
Oealers in dirt will be -to digbt. 

Fa' they aboon or 'oeath> they're fil'^. 
it helps my character to heez» 

When I'm the butt of creeping tools ; 
Tbcwaild» by their daft medley fees, % 

That I've nae enemies but fools. 
Bat lae it Ijas been, and will be> 

While real poets rife to fame. 
Sic poor Macflecknos will let flee 

Their venom, and Qill mifs their ai.iu 
Should ane like Toung or SovtprU write. 

Some canker*^ coof can fay 'ti\. wrang : 
On Pope fie murigrcls flfiaw'd their fpitc ; 

And ihot at Adds/on their fiang. 
Bat wcR-dear Spec the fccklefs aflcs 

To wieft infc(5l8 cvcn*d and painted. 
Sic as by magnifying glafies 

Are only kend when throu' them tented* 
The bhmdering fellows ne'er foryet. 

About my tade to f ■» their fancies. 
As if, forfooth, I wad look blatc 

At what my honour maift advances, 
Aald Homer fang for's daily bread ; 

Surprizing Shake/pear fin'd the wool ; 
Great Firgii creels and bafects made ; 

And famous B^n employed the trowel: 
Yet Dorfet^ Lanfdonun^ Lauderdale^ 

Bucks^ Stirling^ and the fon of Angus^ 
EvoQ mooarchs, and of men the wale. 

Were proud to be inrow'd amang us. 
Then, hackneys, write till ye gae wood, 

Dradge for the hawkers day and night ; 
Tour malice cannot move my mood, 

Add equally your praife I flight. 
I've gotten mair of fame than's due, 

Which is fecurM amang the bc(t ; 
And (hou'd I tent the like of yoo, 

A little (aid wad be confe(}. 

C c \^'5«. 



^o3 ^* receiving a Prefent^ &c, 

Nae madive minds a yamphiog car ; 

A craig deiies a frothy wave ^ 
Nor will a lyoo raife his fur, 

Altho* a monkey mifbcbave. 

Nam fat is eft equitem mibs plaudere^ 



To MrDosALDyLACtwtn, Jevfclter^atStVctcrfbargn 

T TO W far frae hame my (riend feeksfiunc ! 
±JL And yet I canna wytc yc, 
T'cnploy your fire, and (lill a^e 

By vertues that delyte ye* 
Should fortune lour, 'tis io your power. 

If heaven grant bawmy health, 
T'enjoy ilk hour a faul unfowr ; 

Content's nae bairn of wealth. 
It is the mind that's not confin'd 

To paffions mean and vile, 
That's never pm'd, while thoughts refined 

Can gloomy cares beguile. 
Then Donald mzy be e'en as gay 

On Ru£ia*s didant fhore. 
As on the Toy, where Vfquebae 

He us'd to drink before. 
BJt howfoe'er, hafle gather gear, 

And fyne pack up your treafure ; 
Then to Auld Reekie^ come and beck yc. 

And dole your days with pleafure. 



To the fame, on receiving a Prefent from bim of a SeJp 
Homer's Head finely cut in Cryfial^ and fit in Gold. 

TH A N K S to my frank ingenious friend ; 
Your prefent's mofl geoiSe and kin8, 
Baith rich and fhioing as your mind ; 

And that immortal laurelPd pow. 
Upon the gem fae well dcfjgn'd 
Aod execute, feu mc oa low. 

Tfae 



O/i Lady Katherinc Godiran. 303 

heavenly fire inflames my breaft> 
I unweary'd am in que(l 
^ and hope that ages nieft 
do their highland bard the grace, 
leir ieals to cut his creft, 
blytheft flrakes of his (hort face. 

efs great Homer ever thought 
hCy harmonious beggar ! fought 
ed throa' Greece^ he (hould be brought 
Ruffia'z fliore by Captain * Hugh^ 
Hand plains, (ae finely wrought 
redoas /lone, and fct by you. 

:^s^x^x^x^x«»x4»x«»x^x^k^s i»x4» 
ji Ballad on bonfiy Kate. 

. A S E, poets, your caoning deviling 
)f rfaimes that low beauties o'er rate ; 
J], like the ftars at the rifing 
^boebuSf mnft yield to hix Kaie. 

g, and we think it our duty . 
admire the kind bleffings of fate, 
as favoured the earth with fuch beauty, 
bines fo divinely m Kaie. 

fmiles, in her features and glances, 
graces dune forth in full (late, 
the god of love dangVoufly dances 

^he neck and white bofom of Kate. 

>. 

raight, how well-turu'd, and gentile, are 
limbs ! and how graceful her gait ! 
hearts made of (lone, or of (lecl arCt 
t are not adorers of Kate. 

\ what a fad palpitation 
!s the heart, and how fimpic and Uate 
ic look, almoft dead with vexation, 
o(e love is fixt hopelcis on Kate? 

all the charms oi Adonis^ 

1 galleons freighted with plate, 

pt Hugh Ecdei^inttoof a fioe merchant IbSp, which he 
be unhappy fire at St Pcuribai;g, 

c c a lA 



^04 STc D)- J. C, c..- 

^3 Schmcn wife; I'd think oodc is 
So worthy of a!l» as dear KaiCm 

Ah \ had ilic for roe the fame paffioOy 

\\\ tune the lyre early and late ; 
The fage's fong on his Qrcaffian, 

Should yield to my (boncts on Kate. 

iiis pleafure each moment (hall btoflbm. 

Unfading, gets her for his mate ; 
Hc*il grafp every blifs in his bofom. 

That's linked by Hymen to Kate. 

Fiile envy may raife up falie (lories, 

And hell may promp malice and liate; 
Tiut nothing fhall fully their glories, 

Who arc fliielded with virtue like KaN. 

This name. Ay ye» many a lafs has» 

And c'apply it may raife a debate ; 
]kt furc he as dull u an afs is, 

Thar cannot join Cochran to Kati. 

To Z>r J. C. ni:h£&f tbt /ongoing to give ii the jmmg 
Lady. 

HERE, happy poAor, take this foonet^ 
Bear to the Fair the faithful Arains : 
Bow, make a \cg, and d'ofF your bonnet ; 
And get a kifs, for Allan'z pains. 

For fuch a ravi/hing reward. 

The Cloud Compeller\ felf would try 
To imitate a Britifh bard, 

And bear his ballads from the fky. 

PROLOGUE, befoi^e the ading ^ Auhenczebe and 
//y' Dr u M M E R , by the young GentUfnen of the Graffi? 
7Miir'Sch^oI o/Hiiddlngtoa, Augufl ijij/jpiiie fy Mr 
Charles Cockburn, Son to Colonel Cockburo. 

BE hufh, ye crowd, who prcffing round appear 
Only to flare we fpcak to thofc can hear 

The licrvous phrafe, which raifts thoughts more bigb^ 
MS ben added a^loa leads ihcm thro^'the eye. 



EPILOGUE. 30J 

To paint fiur vertue, humours and miflakes, 
Ii what our fchool with plcafare undertakes. 
Thro* Tarious incidents of life kd on 
By Drydeut and immortal Addifon s 
Thofe ftudy'd men> and knew the various fprings 
That mov'd the minds of Coachmen and of Kings* 
Aitho' we're young— allow no thought fo mean^ 
That any here's to aft the Harlequin : 
We leave fuch dumb-fhow mimickry to foolsi 
Beneath xhtf^ntoi Caledonian Schools. 
Learning's our aim> and all our care, to reach 
At elegance and gracefulnefs of fpeech, 
And the Addrefs from bafhfuloefs relio'd, 
Which hangs a weight upon a worthy mind. 
The Crarnmar'i good, but pedantry brings down 
The gentle Dunce below the fprightly Clcnxin, 
Get [even fcore verfe o/Ovid*s Trill hj heart, 
To rattle oW, elfe IJhall make you /mart. 
Cry (barling Dominies that little ken : 
Such may teach parrots, bur our * Lejlj men. 



EPILOGUE, after the aHing of the Drummer, 
fpohby Mr Maurice Cockburn, another fon ofColoml 
Codcbum'/. 

•^U R plays are done— now criticifc, and fpare not ; 
\^ And tho' you are not fully picas 'd, wc care not. 

We have a reaibn on our fide and that is, 

Your treat has one good property \\s gratis. 

We've pleas'd ourfelvcs ; and if we have good judges^ 
We value not a head where nothing lodges. 
Ilie generous men of feofe will kindly piaife us, 
And, if we make a little fnapper, raife us : 
Such know the afpiring foul at manly dawn. 
Abhors the fow'r rebuke, aod carping ihrawin ; 
But rifes on the hope of a great name. 
Up all the rugged roads tliat lead to fame. 

• Mr John Lefly, maflcr of the fchool, a gtnileman of true 
IcaroiDg, who, b^ bis excellent method, ii.oll woriiiily fills his 
plftce. 

Cc J ^>« 



,36 PROLOGUE. 

Our breads already pant to gain renown 
.\t Senates t CoMrtj, by jfrmSf or by the Gcnun / 
Or by improveroenta of Paiirnal ficldf, 
Which never failing joy and plenty yieldi;' 
Or by deep draugYitt of the CaJUdiem fpriagf. 
To fear with Mantuan or Horatiem wingk 

Hey boys ! the day's our ain f the LhAs finilc!' 
Which over recompenfes all onr toiF ! 
Delights of mankind, tho* in (omc fma/l Partf 
We are deficient, yet our wills and hearts 
Are yours ; and, when more perfed, fluU endeafOHr^ 
By a/iifig better^ to fecure your favour :. 
To fpinoets then retire, and play a fev tunes, 
'Till we get thro' our Gregories and Nc^om ;; 
And, fome years hence, we'll tell another tale ; 
'Till then, ye bonny blooming buds,— farewell. 



PROLOGUE fpoken hy Mr Anthony Afton, tbcfrfif 
- Night he a^ijed in Winter, 1 7 26. 

;^nr^ I S I, — dear Caledofiians^ biythfbme 7!w^, 

J[ That oft, lad winter, pleas 'd the brave andbonny 
With medley, merry fong, and comic fccnc ; 
Your kindnefs then has brought me here again : 
After a circuit round the queen of ides. 
To gain your frieodfhip and approving fmOes, 
JUxperience bids me hope;— —tho' fouth the Tmxed 
The dadards faid, ' He never will fucceed : 

* W' hat .' fuch a country look for any good in ! 

* That does notrelifh plays, — nor pork,— nor pudding !* 
Thus great Columbus^ by an idiot crew. 

Was ridicnl'd, at fird, for his judview ; 
Tct his '.mJaunted fpirit ne'er gave ground* 
'Till he a new and better world had found. 

5)0 I ^laugh on the (imilc is bold ; 

But faith 'tis jud : for 'till this body's cold, 
(klumhus likc^ I'Jl pudi for fame and gold. 



t 



E 307 J 

A Ghaiactbr. 

Jr\S jodgmeot jaft, and fancy cleaiv 
\^ Indaftrioaiy jtt not avaridoua;. 
No (lave to groundlefs hope andibar» 

Chearfbly yet hating to be vitioot. 
FhMD enty five, tho' prait'd not vaiD, 

Ne'er a^g without honour's warrant ; 
Still equal, generous and humaneV 

As hu(band, mafter, friend and parent* 
So oodcft, u fcarce to be knowa 

By glaring, proud, conceited afles>. 
WhoTe litdc fpirits aften frown 

On fnch as their lets worth furpallb* 
Yc'll owa he's a dcferving man. 

That in theie out-Hnes (land before ye ;; 
And trpwth the pK^ture I have drawo^ 
- Ir?ery like my friend * . 



Ode /0 Alexander Murray e^Brughtoo, E/^; en 
his Marriage luith Lady Euphemia, Daugbttr t^ 
the R^hi Son. the Earl o/'Galloway. 

' ^ I ^ I S conquering love alone can move 

I The bed to all tiiat's great.;. 
Jc iweetly binds two equal minds> 
And makes a happy (late, 
"Wheo fuch as Murray^ of a temper even,. 
And hoooui*d worth, receives a mate from heaven*. 

Joy to you, Sir, and joy to her j 

Whofe fofter charms can fboth, 
"With fmiling pow'r, a fullcn hour. 

And maikc your life flow fmooth. 
Man's but unfinifh'd, till by Hymen'% ties 
His fweeter half lock'd in his bofom lies. 

The general voice approve your choice,. 
Their fentiments agree, 



* The Character, tho' tnie, hasfometbingin it (b ^^\\^-»\ 
■ 197 too. mmicA StktLd wiH mot allow to nc fct bis Bsmt vo \t . 



9o8 Ode to the Memory of^ kCm 

With fame allow'd, that fhc't a good 
Branch fpning from a right tree. 
LoDg may the graces of her miod delight 
Your foul^ and long her beauties blefi your fight. 

May the bright goard^ who love reward* 

"With man recoyn'd again, 
In oflspriDg fair make her their care. 
In hours of joyful pain : 
And may my Patron healthful live, to fee. 
By her a brave and bonny progeny. 

Let youthful fwains who 'tend your plains. 

Touch the tun*d reed, and fings 
While maids advance in fprightly dance. 
All in the rural ring ; 
And with the Mu/e thank the immortal powers. 
Placing with joy Eupbemia*^ name with your*ff» 



Ode to the Memony of Memory Mrs Forbes, Lady 
Newhall. 

AH life ! thou fhorten uncertain blaze. 
Scarce worthy to be wifh'd. Or lov'd ; 
When by drift death fo many ways,' 

So foon the fweetefl are remov'd. 
In prime of life and lovely glow. 

The dear Brucina muft fubmit ; 
Nor could ward ofFthe fatal blow. 

With every beauty, grace and wit. 
If outward charms, and temper fweer. 

The chearful fmile, and thought fublime. 
Could have prefcrv'd, (he ne'er had met 

A change, 'till death had fuDk with time. 
Her foul glanc'd with each heavenly ray. 

Her form with all thefc beauties fair, 
For which young brides and mothers pray. 

And wifh for to their infant care. 
Sow'r fplecn or anger, paflion rude, 

Thcfe opporucs lo iftwie ^ bcaven» 

¥«.'« 



{ 



Om m Slaters fallif^t ifc. 309 

Me'er paPd her cheek, or fir*d her blood ; 

Her mind was ever calm and even. 
Comet AireA nymphs, and gende fwsunsi 

Om loofe to tears of tender love ; 
Strow fragrant flowers on her renfttns. 

While (ighing round her grave yon move. 
Iii monrnful notes your pain ezprefs. 

While with reflexion you run o'er. 
How excellent, how good (he was ! 

Shewas! alas! but is no more ! 
Yet pioufly corredl your moan, 

And raile religious thoughts on high. 
After her (podefs fouF, that'is gone 

To joys that ne'er can fade or dec*. 



On a Slate's falling from a Houfe on Mrs M. M.- 
Breaji. 

WA S Vitiuj angry, and in fpitc 
Allow'dtbataanetofa', 
Imagining tbcfc breafls To white 

Cootaio'd a heart of foaw ? 
Was her wing'd Son fae cankert fct 

To wound her lovely fldo, 
Bccauie his arrows could not get 

A parage facder in ? 
No : She is to love's godde(s dear,. 

Her fmiling boy's delight—— 
It was fome hag that doughina bear 

Sic charms to vex her fight. 
Some filly fow'r pretending faint. 

Id heart an imp of hell, 
Whafc hale religion lies in cant,. 
I Her vertue in wrang zeal ; 
I She threw the flane, and ettled death r 

Bat watching Zj^tphs flew round, 
] To guard dear Madie from all flcaith, 
[ And <]uickJy cur'd the wound. 



T# 



C 310 3 

To mj kind and luorify Fritnds in Ireland, nuh/f ^n tt 
Report of my Deatbt made and pubUJhed fevaral Elc 
gtes Lyric and Pafioraly very much to tny Hottour» 

C Ighing Hiepherds of Hibernian 

^ Thank yc for your kiod concern a', 

"When a faufe report, Ixeguiling, 

Proy'd a draw-back on your fmiJing ; 

Dight your een, and ceafe your grieving, 

Allan'% hale, and well, and living. 

Singing, laughing, flee ping foundly. 

Cowing beef, and drinking roundly ; 

Drinking roundly Ru7n and Claret ^ 

Ale and Ufquae^ bumperi fair out» 

Supernaculum but fpilJiog, 

The lead diamond * drawing, filling ; 

Sowfing fonnets on the laflcs. 

Hounding fatiref at the aflef ; 

Smiling at the furly critics, * 

And the pack-hone of politics \ 

Painting meadows, fchaws and moontabf^ 

Crooking bums and flowing fountain, 

Flowing fountains, where ilk gowaa 

Grows about the borders glowan. 

Smelling fwcedy, and inviting 

Poets lays, and lovers meeting; 

Meeting kind to niffer kifles. 

Bargaining for better blifTes^ 

Hills in dreary dumps now Iying> 
And yc Zephyrs fwiftly flying, 
And ye rivers gcndy turning. 
And ye Philomellas mourning. 
And ye double fighing echoes » 
Ceafe your fobbing, tears, and bey ho*t I 
Banifli a' your care and grieving, 
Allans hale, and well, and living|» 
Karly op on morning's fliining. 
Ilka fancy warm refining^ 

•See page IS. 

Giving» 



To mj friendi in Irclattd. g 1 1 

Gi?ing ilka verTe a burni/h 
That inaun Second Volume furaifiiy 
To bring in fraQ lord and lady 
Mdkle fiune and part of Ready ; 
Splendid thing of conflant motion, 
Fi/h'd for in the fouthem ocean ; 
Prop of gentry, nerve of battles. 
Prize for which the gamefter rattles ; 
Belzii% banes, deceitfu*, kittle, 
Rifldiy a' to gain a little. 

Pleaiiog Philip's tunefu' tickle 
Pbihmely and kind Arbuckle : 
^gers fweet, baith lads and laflbj 
Tuning pipes on hill Parnajfia% 
Allah kindly to you wifhes 
Lading life, and rowth of bliffes ; 
And that he may, when ye furrender 
Sault to heaven, in number tender 
Give a' yoar fames a happy heezy, 
Aift) gratcfidly immortalize ye. 



THE 



C 3" 3 

THE 

Gentle Shepherd* 

A 

PASIORAL COMED 

lofcrib^d to the Right Honourable 
SUSANNA Countcfs of Egljntouh 

Madam, 
r I'l HE Iwe ofappr^tiofiy and a defire UpU^ 
JL beft^ have ever encouraged the Poets tojimjh . 
dejigns nMtb chearfulnefi . But confcioui of their cm\ 
ability to oppofe aflorm offpleen and haughty ill-nai 
it is generally an ingenious cujiofn among them to i 
fome honourable Jhade. 

Wherefore 1 beg leave to put rny Palloral iinder 
LadyfliipV prote£ii<m. If my PatronefsT^ the Shepl; 
fpec^ as they oughts and that there are feveral nai 
flov)ers that beautify the rural wild; I fhali have 
reajbn to think ntyfelffafe from the auknxjard cenfu 
fotne pretending judges that condemn befrre examinat 

I am fur e of vaft numbers that mill croud into 
LadyHitpV opinion^ and think it their honour to agn 
their fentiments ivith the Countefs ^Eglmtoun, vsjJsoJ 
netration^ fuperior nuiti and found judgment ^ fhines ^ 
an uncommon luftre^ nvhile accompanied ivith the dii 
charms ofgoodnefs and equality of mind. 

If it nvere not for offending only your Ladyfliip, i 
Madam', / might give the fullejl liberty to my mufe tt 
lineate the fine ft ofiuomen^ by drawing your Ladyfl 
charafler, and be in no hazard of being deemed aflai 
er ; fmce jlattery lies not in paying *what's due to nh 
but inpraifes vtifplaced. 

l\ 



T)BD4GATI0I<I. 5iij 

Wifre I to begin luith your Ladyfhip'/ honourable birtk 
Mnd alliance i the field's ample ^ and prefents mivithnum- 
%erlefs great and good patriot s^i hat have dign^jftedthe-nawes 
rf Kennedy and MonTgower y : be that the care (f 
-the herald and hijiorian, *Tif perfonal merits and the 
heavenly fiixieetnefs of the Fair^ that rnfpire fhe tuneful hys^ 
Hefe every Lcfbia muft be excepted^ lahofe tonguet ghk 
liberty to the (laves ^ 'which their eyes had made ctfptives^ 
Such may be flattered ; but your Ladyfhip juftly claims oar 
admiration and profoundeft refpeii : for nvhilft you art 
pojjeft of every outward charm in the moji perfeil degredi, 
the never-fading beauties of *Vjifdom and piety ^ *which adorh 
your Ladyfhip'i mind^ command devotion. 

All this is very true, cries one of better fenfe'thin'g>soi^ 
mature : but ivhat occafton have you to fell us fhe fjtu 
fhinei, nvhen nve have the ufe of our eyes^ and feel his in^ 

fiucnce?'. Very true ; but 1 have the liberty to ufe ^ht 

Poct*s privilege, nvhich is, To fpeak what every "bo^f 
thinks. Indeed there might be fomejirength in the-refieCU- 
en, if the Idalian regifters 'were <fasJhort duration at 
life : but the bard, 'who fondly hopes immortality^ J?us 4t 
certain praife-nvorthy pleafure in communicaiing -tc p9^ 
fterity the fame of diftinguijhcd charaSlers,^ 1 fwriu fhk 
iafi fentence with -a hand that trembles between hope-ani 
fear : bat ifljhull prove fo happy as to pleafeyour l^ady^ 
(hip in the following attempt ^ then all my doubts f-ynll 
vanifh like a morning vapoury I Jhall hope to be >clqfi'M 
mfki TafTo andGusLvm, and fing with Ovid^ 

If "tis allow'd to poets to divine, 
One half of rouod eternity is mine* 

1^ A D A M, 

Your Ladyjhip's mojl vbeBient^ 
And Mojl devoted Servant,, 
ALLAN RAMSATh 



:) 



D d ^ 



C 3T4 3 , 

To the Countefs ^/^Eglintoum, ^Uh the folbv^ 
Paftoral. 

Accept, OEglhiioun! the rural lays. 
That, bound to ihcc, thy poet humbly pays:: 
The mufe, that oft has rais'd her tuneful ftratos, 
A frcqucot guefl on Scofia*9 blefsful plains. 
That oft has fung, her lifl'ning youth to move. 
The charms of beauty, and the force of love, 
Onpe more rcfumes the dill fucccfsful lay. 
Delighted, thro* the verdant meads to ftray. 
<) ! come, invok'd, and pleas*d, with her repair 
To breathe the balmy fwccts of purer air, 
Jn the cool evening negligently laid, 
•Or near the dream, or in the rural (hade. 
Propitious hear, and, as thou hear'ft, approre 
The Gentle Shepherd's tender tale of love. 

Inftru6led from thefc fcenes, what glowing fires 
Jnflame the bread that real love infpires 1 
The fair (hall read of ardors, (ighsand tean^ 
All that a lover hopes, and all he fears. 
Hence too, what paffions in his bofom rife ! 
What dawning gladnefs fparkles in his eyesi 
"When firft the Fair One, piteous of his fate, 
<lut*d of her fcom, and vanquifh'd of her hate. 
With willing mind, is bounteous to relent. 
And blufhing beauteous fmiles the kindconfent ! 
Love's pafTion Jiere in each extreme is fhown. 
In Chariot's fniilc, or in Marians frown. 

With words like thefe, that faiPd not to engage, 
■Love courted beauty in a golden age, 
Pure and untaught, fuch nature firft infpir'd, 
Kre yet the Fair affedled phrafe defir'd. 
His fecret thoughts were undifguis'd with art. 
His words ne'er knew to differ from his heart. 
He fpeaks his love (6 artle^ and fincere. 
As thy Eliza might be pleas'd to hear. 

Heaven only to the Rural State beftows 

<ronquefl o'er life, and freedom from its woes : 

Secure 



7i the Count efs of Eglintoua. 315 

Secure alike from eDvy and from care. 

Nor rais*d by hope, nor yet deprels*d by fear : 

Nor want'f lean hand iu happinefs conffaraiosy 

Nor richei torture with ill-gotten gains. 

Ifo fecret guSt its fled^ peace deftroyt , 

No wild ambition ioierrapts itt joys. 

Bled (till to fpcod the hours that heav'n has lent, 

In humble goodocfs, and in calm content. 

Serenely gentle, as the thoughts that roll, 

Sinlefi and pure, io fair Humeia'i foul. 

But BOW the Rural State thefe joys has loft ; 
Even fwaios no more that innocence can boaft. 
Love fpeaks no more what beauty may believe. 
Prone to betray, and pra^is'd to deceive. 
Now Happimfs forfakcs her bled retreat. 
The peaceful dwellings where Hie ^x'd her feat. 
The pleafing fields (he wont of old to grace. 
Companion to an upright fober race ; 
When on the funny hill, or verdant plain. 
Free and familiar with the fons of men. 
To crowo the pleafures of the blamelefs feaft. 
She uninvited came a welcome gueft : 
Ere yet an age, grown rich in impious arts, 
Brib'd from their innocence incautious hearts ; 
Then grudgbg hate, and finful pride fucceed. 
Cruel revenge, and falfe unrighteous deed ; 

Then dow'rlcis beauty loft the power to move ; 

The rufl: of lucre ftainM the gold of love. 

Bounteous no more, and hofpitably good^ 

The genial hearth firft blufh*d with ftrangers blood : 

The friend no more upon the friend relies. 

And femblant falfhood puts on truth's difguife. 

The peaceful houftiold fili'd with dire alarms. 

The ravifli'd virgin mourns her flighted charms ; 

The voice of impious mirth is heard around; 

Iq guilt they feaft, in guilt the bowl is crown*d : 

UopuniftiM violence lords it o'er the plains, 

And Happtmfs forfakes the guilty fwains. 

Oh Happinefs ! from human fearch retired, 
"Where art thou to be found by all dcGr'd I 

D d 2 ^^^ 



yi A To the Countefs ^Egtintoum 

Van fbber and devout .' why art thou ^ed, 
To hide in fhadcB thy meek contented head ! 
Virgin, of afpedt mild ! ah why, unkind, 
yiy*ft thou, difplcas'd, the commerce mankind^ 
O ! teach our fleps to find the fecret cell, 
Where, with thy fire Content^ thoa lov'ft to dwclK 
Grfay, do'R thou a duteous handmaid wait 
Fikmiliar at the chambers of the great f 
Po'A thou purfue the voice of them that caU* 
To noify revel, and to midnight ball ? 
Or the full banqpet when we feafl our (bul, 
Po'fl thou iofpire the mirtbi or mix the bow^^ 
Or, with th' indudrioui planter, do 'ft thou talk. 
Converting freely in an evening. walk ?' 
Say, does the mifer e'er thy face behold, 
AVatchful and ftudious of the treafur'd gold T 
Seeks Kno^kdgCf not in vain, thy much lov'd powV,. 
Still muting tilent at the morning hour f 
May we thy prefence hope in war's alarma« 
In Stair t wifdbm, or in Erfiinc*i cbarmf .. 

In vain otv. flattVing hopes our fteps begoilcy. 
The £ying good eludes the fearchers toil : 
In vain we feck the city or the cell, 
Alone with virtue knows the pow'r to dwell. 
Nor need mankind defpair thefe joys to know. 
The gift themfelves may on tberofclvef beftow*. 
Soon, foon we might the precious blelEng boaft ;. 
But many patiions muft the bleffing coft : 
Infernal malice, inly pining hate. 
And envy, grieving at another's ftate. 
Revenge no more muft in our hearts remaio. 
Or burning luft, or avarice of gain. 
When thefe are in the human bofom nurfl. 
Can peace reCde in dwellings fo accurft, 
Unlike, O Eglintoun. ! thy happy breaft. 
Calm and ferenc, enjoys tlie heavenly gueft :. 
From the tumultuous rule of pafHons freed. 
Pure in thy thought, and fpotlefs in thy deed# 
lu virtues rich, in goodnefs unconfin'd. 
Thou ibWft a fair example to thy kind ; 

Siiicei 



To tSc Countefi $/ Eglintoun. 317 

Siocere'aiid equal to thy neighbour's name* 
How fwift to praife, how guiltlefs to de^ne ? 
Bold in Ay {yrefence Ba/hfulne/s appears. 
And backward Merit lofes all its fears, 
Sopremely bled by beav'o, heav'n*s richefi grace, 
Confcft is thine, an early blooming race ; 
Whofe pleafing (biles fhall gpardian wifdom arm. 
Divine iiiftru(5tion \ tapght of thee to charm. 
What tranfports fhall they to thy foul impart, 
(The confcious tranfports of a parent's heart) 
When thou beholdft them of each grace pofTefl, 
And fighing youths imploring to be bleft ; 
After thy image form'd, with charms like thine. 
Or in the viGt, or the dance to (hine I 
Thrice happy ! who fucceed their mother's prai{e> • 
The lovely EgUntouns of other days. 

Mean while perafe the following tender fccnes, . 
And Men tO/thy native poet's drains. 
In ancient garb the home-bred mufe appears. 
The garb our mufcs wore in former years. 
As in a glafi reflecfled, here behold 
How fmiling goodnefi look'd in days of old. 
Nor blufh to read where beauty's praife is fhowo^ 
Or virtuous love, the likeneis of thy own ; 
While 'midft the various gifts that gracious heaven 
To thee, in whom it is well pleas'd, has given. 
Let this, O Eglintoun! delight thee mod, 
T'enjoy tliat Imosence the world has lod. 

W, H. 



BAS . 7# 



C 3^8 ]. 

Tip JosiAH HuRCHET,^^; Secretary of the Admlrtdi 
'with thefirjl Scene of the Gentle Shepherd. 

TPI £ Dipping frofts and driving fna 
Arc oVe the hi]l$ and far awa ; 
Bauld Boreas ilceps, the Zephyrs blaw^ 

And ilka thing, 
Sae dainty, youthfoo, gay and bra' 
Invites to fing. 

Then lets begin by aeek of day^ 
Kind mufe fkiff to the bent away, 
1 o try anes mair the landart Jay, 

With a' thy fpced, 
S^acc. Burchet awns that thou can play 

Upon the reed. 

Anes, anes again beneath feme tree. 
Exert thy (kill and natural glee, 
To him wha has fae courteouily. 

To weaker fighr« 
Set thefe * rude fonnets fung-by me 
In trueft light.. 

In truefl light may a' that's fine 
In his fair character Aill fhinc, 
Sma' need he has of fangs like mine. 

To beet his name; 
For frae the north to fouthem line. 

Wide gangs bis fame. 

His fame, which ever (hall abide> 
WhiW hifl*rics tell of tyrants pride, 
Wha vainly (Irave upon the tide 

T* invade thefe Iand» 
Where Britain'z royal fleet doth ride, 

Which dill commands* 
Thefe doughty anions frae his pen f , 
Our age, and thefe to come, (hall ken, 

• To weaker fi^ht, fct thefe, &c. Havir g done me the hrnoi 
of turning ftme of my paftoral poems into Engl (h juftlv and tl 
gantly. 

' t ^>ae bis pien. HU valotbk oaTal hiAorj* 



To JOSIAH BURCHET, isc. jif, 
How fiubborn Dayics did contend 

Upon the wavet^. 
How kttAMttk Britons faught like naen. 

Their faes like flavel 

Sae fiu* infaibing, fir, to you^ 
This country fang my &ncy flcwi 
Keen your juft merit to puffiie; 

Bat ah! I fcar^ 
In giTiog gr^es that are due, 

I grate your ear. 

Yet tent, a poet's zealous pray*r ; 
May powers aboon with kindly care. 
Grant you a lang and muckle £kair 

Of a' that'sgoodj 
'Till nnto laogeA life and ipair 

You've healthfu' flood; 

May never care your, bleffiogs fow'r. 
And may the mufcs ilka hour • 
Jisprove your miod> and haunt your bow'r,. 

I'm but a callan : 
Yet nay I pleafc you, while I'm ypur. 
Pcvotcd Al.I<AN. 



The 



) 



The PERSONS. 



MEN. 

Sir William Worthy. 

PATiEy ti^e Gentle Shepherd^ in Love tidth Peggy, 

RoGER> a rich young Shepherd^ in Love nvitA Jcnn; 

Vlavd \ ^^^'^^^f^^» Tenants to Sir WHIi 
Bauldy^ a Hynd engage n»itb Ncps. 

WOMEN. 

Peggy» thought to hi GlMid's Niece. 

Jenhy, GlaudV only Daughter. 

MausBi an old Woman fu^ofed to be OiWitchi, 

Elspa, SymotiLsWife. 

Madge, QhxLd's Sifter. 

9C£NE> a Shepherd's Village and Fields form 
Miles from Edinburgh. 

Hme of A^ioD, *mithin Twenty four Hours* 

Firft A€i begins at Eight in the Morning. 
Second A6t begins at Eleven in' the Forenoonm 
Third A6t begins at Four in the Afternoon. 
. . Fourth A<5k begins at Nine o' Clock at Night. 
FifUi Ad begins by Day - light next Morning. 



C 321 J 
THE 

GENTLE SHEPHERD- 



AC T I. S C E N E L 

VKOLOGVE f&tifSCEUE. 

Bimath the Jbuth-fide of a craigy bhld. 
Where cryjial Jprings the halefome 'waters yields 
T*wayouth/u*jfhepherds onthegowant lay^ 
Renting their flock t ae bony morn o/Mzy, 
Poor Roger granes, UlH hollow, echoes ring ;. 
Buiblyther Patic likes to laugh andjing, 

PATIE andKOOEK. 

SANG I. r^/v/^ Tbewawkiagof tbefaolds*. 

Patii.TL yf T Peggy, is a young things 
IVL Jujt entered in her teens ^ 
fair as the day, andfiweet as May^ 
Fair as the day, ana airways gay. 
My Peggy // a young things 

And rm not very auld, 
Tet well I like to meet her at 
The wanvking ofthefauld. 

My Peggy fpeaks faefweetly^. 
Whene'er we meet alane^ 
I mjh nae mair to lay my care, 
Iwijh naemairofd thafs rare,. 
My Veggy fieakf faejhueetly^ 
To a' the lave Vm cauld s 
But Jhe gars a" my fpirits glonsi. 
At wansiking ofthefauld* 

My Vtggy /miles fae kindly. 
Whene'er IwhiJ^er love^ 



323 ' The GENTLE SHEPHERD; 
That I look down on'd the lown^ 
That I look down upon a crown* 
My V^fSlfmiUs fae kindly ^ 

It makes tne blythe andbauld^ • 
And nathlnggi'es mefic delight^ 

As nmnuking of the fauldt 
My Vc^T/tngsfaefaftly, 
When on my pipe I play; 
By a* the reft it is confcft. 
By a' the reft, tbatft?e fingi heft. 
My Vtggyftngtfaeftiftly, 

And inherjangs are tald. 
With innocence, the nvale of feufe^ 
At 'wanvkifig *ef thejatdd. 

THIS funny noorning, Roger, <^iC\x% my blood. 
And puts all nature in a jovial mood. 
How hartfom is't to fcc.thc rifing plants. 
To hear the birds chirm o'er their plcafing ranti ? 
How halcfomc is't to fouflF the caWllff air,^ 
And all the fwcets it bears, when void ol -pare. 
What ails thee, Roger, then ? what gars theJ-gi^** ^ 
Tell me the caufe of thy ilI-fcafon*d pain. ^^\ 

Roger n Tm born, O Paiie, to a thrawart £itc ^^ 
l*m bom to drive with hardfhips fad and great. 
Tempers may ccafe to jaw the rowan flood. 
Corbies and tods to grien for lambkins blood : > 

But I, opprcd with never-ending grief. 
Maun ay defpair of lighting on relief. 

Patie. The bees ihall loath the flowV, and quit the hive 
The faughs on boggie ground Oiall ccafe to thrive. 
Ere (cornfu' queaos, or lofs of warldly gear. 
Shall fpill my reft, or ever force a tear. 

Roger. Sae might I fay ; but it*s no eafy done 
By ane whafe faul's fae fadly out of tune. 
You have fae faft a voice, and (lid a tongue. 
You are the darling baith of auld and young. 
If I but ettle at a fang, or fpeak, 
They dit their lugs, fyne up their leglens deck. 
And jeer me hamcward frac the loan or bught, 
While I'm confus'd with mony a vexing thought : 

Y< 



A Paftoral Comedy. 3^3 

et 1 am tall, and as well bailt as thee, 

or malr unlikely to a lafs's eye. 

or ilka (hcep ye have, I'll number ten, 

nd fhould, as ane may thinki come farer beo. 

Paiie. But ablins, nibour, ye have not a heart, 
nd downa eithly wi' your cunzie part : 
'that be trut, what (ignifies your gear ? 
. mind that's fcrimpit never wants fome care ? 

Roger, My byar tumbled, nincbrawnowt were fmoor'd, 
'hree elf- (hot were, yet I thcfc ills cndur'd : 

I winter lafl my cares were very fma', 
*ho' fcorcs of wathers periOi'd in the fnaw. 

'Patie, Were your bien rooms as thinly ftock*d as mine, 
eft yoa wad lofs, and lefs y(S wad repine, 
[e that has jud enough can foundly fleep : 
*he o'crcome only fafhes fowk to keep. 

Roger, May plenty flow upon thee for a crofi, 
'hat thou may*fl thole the pangs of mony a lofs^ 
> may'ft thou doat on fome fair paughty wench, 
'hat ne'er will lout thy lowan drowch to quench .: 
rill bris'd beneath the burden, thou cry doolJ 
nd awn that ane may fret that is nae fool. 

Patle, Sax good fat lambs, I fauld them ilka clute 
t the Weft port ^ and bought a winfome flute, 
f plum-tree made, with iv'ry virles round.: 

dainty whiflle, with a pleafant found ; 

II be mair canty wi't, and ne'er cry dool ! 
han you with all your cafli, ye dowie fool. 

Roger, Na, Patie, na ! I'm nae fic churlifh bcaft^ 
»nic other thing lies heavier at my breaft : 
dream'^ a dreary dream this hinder night, 
hat gars my flefh a* creep yet with the fright. ' «•- 

Patie. Now, to a friend, 4iow filly's this pretence • '"'^ 

o ane wha you- and a' your fecrets kens 

aft are your dreams, as daftly wad yc hide . v^ 

Dur well-fcen love, and dorty Jemiys^xxdc : 
"ike courage, Roger^ me your forrows tell, 
d fafcly think nanc kens them but your fell. 
Roger. Indeed now, Paticy ye have gucfsM o'er true, 
d there is nathiog I'll keep upfrae you. 



I. 



/ 



8^4 7%tf GENTLE SflEP.HERD, 

Mc doriy Jenny looks upon afquint ; 

To fpcak but till her I dare hardly mint : 

In ilka place (he jeers mc air and late. 

And gars me look bombaz'd, and unko blatc : 

But ycftcrday 1 met her yont a know. 

She fled as frac a fhclly-coated kow. 

She Bauldy loocs, Bauldy thitt drtvcs the car. 

But gccks at me, and (ays I fmell of tar. 

Patic. But Bauldy looes not her, right well I wat^ 
He (Ighs for Neps ;--fac that may ftand for that. 

Roger, I wKh I cou'dna looc her — but in vaini 
I flill maun doat, and thole her proud difdain* 
JVly Btpwty is a cur I dearly like, 
'Till he yowl'd fair (he (Irak the poor dumb tyke; 
If I had fill'd a nook within her breaft. 
She wad have fhawn mair kindnefs to my beaft« 
When I begin to tune my (lock and horn, 
With a* her face (he (haws a caulrife (coro. 
Lad night I play'd, ye never heard (ic fpite;~ 
O^er Bogie was the 'Tpring, and her delytc : 
Yet tauntingly (he at her coufio fpear'd, 
Gif (he could tell what tune I play'd, and fncer'd* 
Flocks, wander where ye like, I dinna care, 
I'll break my reed, and never whiftle mair. 

Patie. E'en do fae, Roger, whacan help miflack? 
Saebins (he be (ic a thrawin-gabbk chuck, 
Yonder's a craig, fince ye have tint all hope, 
Gae till't your ways, and take the lover's Idwp. 

Roger* \ needna mak (ic fpced my blood to (piUi 
ni warrant death «ome foon enough a- will. 

Patie. Daft gowk ! leave off that filly whinging wajfj 
Seem carelefs, there's my hand ye'U win the day. 
He^ how I ferv'd my lafs I love as weel 
As ye do Jenny, and with heart as leel. 
Lad morning I was gay and ^arly out. 
Upon a dyke I lean'd, giowring about, 
I faw my Meg come linkan o'er the Ice ; 
1 faw my Meg, but Peggy faw na me : 
For yet the fun was wading thro' the mid. 
And Aic was clofe upon mc e'er flic Viuih 

Ilcf 



A Paftoral Comedy. _ .g^ 

VM% were kiltit, and did fweetly (haw 
Iraight bare legs that whiter were than fntw^ 
:ockernoDy fnooded up fou flcek, 
la^et locks hang waving on her cheek ; 
:hecks ^d^t, ruddy, and herecn fac clears 

I her mouth's like ony hinny pear, 
neat fhe was, in bu(line waifkoat clean, 

c came /ki^ng o'er the dewy green : 
fome, I cry'd, my bonny Mtg^ come here, 
y wherefore ye'rc fo foon adccr ? 
can gocfs, ycVe gawn to gather dew : 
:our'd awa', and faid, What's that to you? 

1 fare yc wecl, Meg-Doris^ and c'en's yc like* 
ricfe ciy'd, and lap in o'er the dyke. 

V, when that (he faw, within a crack, 
ame with a right thievelefs errand back : 
.w'd me fird — than bad me hound ray dog^ 
rear up three wafFews flray'd on the bog. 
rb ; and ike did (hie ; then with great hafic 
p'd my arms about her neck and waifl ; 
t her yielding waifl, and took a fouth 
reeteU kifTes frae her glowing mouth, 
e hard and fad I hefd her in my grips^ 
ery faul came lowping to my lips. 
(inr flie flet wi' me 'tween ilka fmackt 
(eel I kend flie meant nae as (he fpak. 
Roger t when your jo puts on her gloom, 
e fae too, and never fafh your thumb. 
to forfake her, foon (he'll change her moad;; 
voo anrther, and (he'll gang clean wood, 

. li G 11. Tune^ Fy gar rub her o'er wkh Strte^ 

Dear Roger, if your Jenny gecl^^ 

And anfwer kindnefs *mith a flighty 
Seem unconcern* d at her negleiiy 

For nuomen in a man delight : 
But them defpife nvho'^refoon defeat^ 

And nuith a fimple face give w^ 
To a repulfe then be not blate^ 

Pu/h bauldly on^ and 'win the day^ 

E c Wl)^ 



3ai The GE^^TLE SHEPHERD. 

JVhen maidens^ innocently youngs 

Say often nuhat they never mean ; 
heer mind their pretty lying tongue 4 

But tent the language oj their een : 
Jf the/e agree^ andjhe perfijl 

To anjwer all your love nvith hate. 
Seek elfrwhere to be better bleji^ 

And leJ her figh nuhen tit Joo latt, 

Rjger, Kind Patie^ now fair-fa your honed heart, 
VcVe a^r fae cadgy, and have (ic an art 
To hearten ane : For now as clean's a leek, 
YcVe chcrKh'd mc, fince ye began to fpealu 
-Sac, for your pains, 1*11 mak ye a pr4»pine, 
(My mother, reft her faul ! (he made it fine ;) . 
A tartan pJ&id, fpvn of good bawflock woo, 
Scarlet snd green the fcts, the borders bine : 
With fpraings like gowd, and iiller ccofs'd with black; 
I never had it yet upon ray back. 
Wccl arc ye wordy o't, wha hare fae kind 
Red up my revel 'd doubts^ and clear'd my mind. 

Paiie, Wed, bald yc there and Goce yeVc frank- 
ly made 
To me a prefent of your braw new plaid, 
>ry flute's be your's, and (he too that fae oicey 
Shall come a-will, gif ye'll tak my advice. 

Roger, As ye advilc, Til promilc to obferv't ; 
But ye maun keep the flute, ye beft defenr'c 
Now tak it out, and gie's a bonny fpriog ; 
For Vm in tift to bear you play and (ing. 

Patie, But firft we'll take a turn up to the height, . 
And fee gif all our flocks be feeding right : 
Be that time bannocks, and a /have of cheefe 
Will makeji hreakfaft that a laird might pleafe ; 
Might pleafe the daintiqll gabs, were they fae wife 
To fcafon meat wkh health, indead of fpice. 
When wc have tane the grace-drink at this well* 
1% w\^til\c j5oc, and Cog t'ye like my fell. lExeunt. 

S C E N? 



' A Pafloral Comedy r^ J27 

SCENE If. 

PROLOGUE. 

^Jlo'wrie hoftum. between fiva verdant brae f 9. 
here lajfes- ufe tq nvajh and f^read their claithr,. 
trotting burnie nvimpling thro^ the ground ^ 
r channel Peebles, Jhintng fimoth and round , 
ere view tnva barefoot beauties clean and clear /. 
rft pleafeyour eye^ than gratify your ear : 
hite Jenny what fhe wijhes difcornniends^ 
nd Meg with better fenfe true love defends, 

Peggy and Jenny. 
^nny. /^ O M E, Megy let's fa' 10 wark upon tin* 

\j green, 
his {hining day wil> bleach our linen dean ; 
he water's clear, the lift unclouded blew, 
/ill make them like a lily wet wkh dew. 

Peggy, Gac farcr up the bum to HabbUs Hov.\ 
inhere af that's fweet in fpringand (jnuner grow : 
etweeo twa birks out-o'er a little lio 
lie water fa's, and makes a fingand dm : 

pool- bread decp^ beneath as clear as glaG^ 
i^es with eafy Aisles the bordering grais. 
^e'U end our wafhing, while the moroiog's cool, 
nd when thb day grows het, well to the pool, 
'here wafli our fells— 'tis heahhfou now in May^ 
tod fweetly cauler on fae warm a day. 

Jenny. Daft laffic, when we're naked, what'll yc fay,^ 
3if our twa Herdi come brattling down the brae, 
i^nd fee us fae ? that jeering fallow, Pate, 
^'ad taunting fay, Haith laSfes, ye're no blate. 

Peggy * WcVe far frac ony road, and- out of fight ; 
The Tads they're feeding far beyont the height : 
^ut tell me now, dear Jenny , we're our lane, 
Vhat gars ye plague your wooer with difdain ^ 
The neighbours a' tent this as well as U 
That Roger loo's ye, yet ye care na by. 
•yhat ails ye at him ? Troth, between us twa> 
ic*s wordy you the bed day e'er yc favv, 

£ c 2 7<-'nMy. 



J29 The GENTLE SHEPHERD^ 

Jenny, I dinnalikc him, Peggy ^ there's anan-cnd'^ 
A Herd mair fhccpifh yet I never kend. 
He kames his hair indeed, and gaes right fnug. 
With ribbon-knots at his blue bonnet lug \. 
Whilk penfylic he wears a-thought ajec. 
And fpreads his garters dic*d beneath his knee, 
lie falds his owrelay down his breafl with care. 
And few gangs trigger to the kirk or fair ; 
For a' that, he can neither ling nor fay. 
Except, Hov3 d'ye ? — or. There's a benny day, 

Peggy, Ye dafh the lad with-conftant flighting pridc^ 
Hatred for love is unco fair to bide i 
But ye'll repent ye^ if his love grow cauld. 
What like*s a dorty maiden^ when (he's auld ? 
Like dawted wean, that tarrows at its meat. 
That for fonie fecklefs whinfi will orp and greet r 
Theiave laugh at it, till the dinner's paft^ 
And fyne the fool thing is obliged tofaU, 
Or fcart anithef s leavings at the laft. 
Fy, Jenny t think, and diana fit your time. 

SANG in. Tuney Polnvart oo the Greco* 

The dorty *wiil repent^ 

Jf lover's heart gronv cauld y 
Andnane her /miles mill tent ^ 

Soon as her face looks auld : 

The danuted bairn thus takes the pet ^ 

Nor eats tho* hunger crave^ 
Whimpers and tarrovis at its meat^ 

And's laught at hy the lave. 

They jeji it till the dinners pajl, 

Thus by it fell abm'd^ 
The fool thing is obliged tofajl. 

Or eat mihat they've refused, 

Jenny, I nev^r thought a fmgle life a crime. ' 
Peggy* Nor I — but love in whifperslet us keo* 

That men were made for us, and we for men, 
Jenny. If Roger is my jo, he kens himfe]» 

For fic a tale I never heard him tell. 

He giowrs and fighs, and I can guefs the caofe ; 

livil wha's obll'^'d to fjpeli his hums and haws ? 



A Paftoral Comedy. 329 

Whene'er he likes to tell his mind roair plain, 
iTe tell him frankly ne'er to do't again. 
They're fools that flav'ry like, and may be fre: ; 
The chiels may a' knit up themfelvcs for me. 

Peggy. Be doing your ways ; for me 1 have a mind 
To be as yielding as my Patiez kind. 

Jenny. Heh, lafs ! how can ye loo that rattle-fkulJ i 
A very decl, that ay maun have his will. 
We'll foon hear what a poor fcightan life 
You twa will lead, fae foon's ye're man and wife. 

Peggy. V\\ rin the rifk, nor have I ony fear, 
But rather think ilk langfome day a year, 
Till I with plcafure mount my bridal-bed. 
Whereon my Patter bread V\\ lean my head. 
There he may kifs as lang as kifiing's good, 
And what we do, there's none darq call it rude. 
He's get his will : why no ? 'tis good my part 
To give him that, and he'll give me his heart. 

Jenny, He may indeed for ten or fifteen days 
Mak meikle o'ye, with an uneo fraife, 
And daut ye baith afore fowk, and your lane : 
Bux foon as his newfanglenefs is gane, 
He'll look upon you as his tether-flake, 
And think he's tint his freedom for your fake. 
Inflead then of lang days of fwect delyte, 
Ae day be dumb, and a* the nieft he'll fiyte : 
And may be, in his barlichoods ne'er flick 
Talend his loving wife a loundcring lick. 

SANG IV. Tune, O dear mother, what fhall I do ? 

dear Peggy, love^j heguilingt 
We ought not to trujl his fmiling ; 
Better far to do as I ds^ 
Left a harder luck betide you. 
Lajfes fwhen their fancfs carry^d^ 
Think of nought hut to he marry d ; 
Running to a life deftroys 
Heartfotne, free, and youthfu joys. 
Peggy, Sic coarfc-fpun thoughts as that want pith to 
move 
My fctil'd mind j I'ro o'er far ganc in love. 

EjCJ Ptttl« 



;-;a Th: GEN T L.E S H E P H E R D,, 

Patle to mc is dearer than my breath, 

Hut want of him I dread nae other (kaith. 

There's nanc of a' the Herds that tread the grcco. 

}-ias fic a fmilc, or fic iwa glancing ccn. 

And then he fpeaks with He a taking arty 

His words ihcy thirlc like roufick throw my bearf>, 

How blythly can he fport, and gently rave. 

And jell at little fears that fright the lave. 

Ilk day that he's alane upon the hill, 

He reads fell books that teach him meikle fkilJ,. 

He is but what need I fay that or this, 

rd fpcnd a month to tell you what he is ! 

In a' he fays or does, there's fic a gate. 

The reft feem coofs compar'd with my dear PaU, 

His better fenfe will lang his love fecure :: 

ill nature hefts in fa vis are weak and poor. 

S A N G V. Tune^ How can I be fad on my, iid 

Honvjhali be I fad luhen a husband 1 hae^. 
That hai better fenfe than ony ofthae 
Sour *weakjilly felloes t thatfiudy likefoolsi 
To Jink their ainjoy^ and make their tmves fnoolu 
The man ^ho is prudent ne'er lightlies hisiuife, 
Or nvith dull reproaches encourages Jlrifs ;. 
He praifes her virtue^ and ne'er isjill abufe 
Her J or a J mall failings but find an excufc. 

Jenny. Hey Bony Lafs of Brankfome^ or't be laDg;i, 
Your witty Pate will put you in a fang. 
P 'tis a pleafaot thing to be a bride ; 
Syne whindging gctts about your ingle-fide, 
Yelping for this or that with fafheous din: 
To make them brats then yc maun toil and fpln. 
Ae wean fa's fick, ane fcads itfell wi* brue, 
Ane breaks his fhin, anither tines his flioe. 
The Decl ga'es o'er John Wabfter : hame grows hell ^ 
When Pate mifcaws ye war than tongue cantelk 

P^igy* Yes, it's a heartfom thing to be a wife, 
When round the ingle-edge young fprouts arc rife. 
Gif I'm fae happy, I fhall have delight 
T.o hear their little plaints, and keep them tight. 



A Paftoral Comedy; 33;!. 

ow, Jenny I can there greater pleafure be 
lan fee fic wee tots toolyiog at your knee ; 

hen a' they ettle at their greateft wi(h, 

to be made of, and obtain a kifs \ 
n there be toil in tenting day and night 
le Jike of them, when lov« makes care deh'ght ? 
Jenny, But poortith, Peggy ^ is the warft of a', 
f o'er your heads ill chance (hould beggVy draw, 
lere little love or canty chear can come 
ae duddy doublets, and a pantry toom : 
>ur nowt may die — the fpate may bear away 
ae aff the howms your dainty rucks of hay — 
le thick- blawn wreaths of fnaw, or blafhy thows> 
ay (moor your wathers, and may rot your ews. 
dyvor buys your butter woo and cheefe» 
It or the day of payment breaks and flees. 
1th glooman brow the laird feeks in his rent : 
is DO to gie ; your merchant's to the bent. 
is honour maunna want, he poinds your gear ; 
ne driven frae houfe and hald, where will ye ftecr?' 
ear Meg^ be wife, and lead a (ingle life : 
roth, it's nae mows to be a married wife. 
Peggy, May (ic ill-lucH bcfa' that (illy (he 
/ha has fic fears, for that was never me. 
ct fowk bode wecl, and ftrhe to do their bcft ; 
ae mair's requir d : let heaven make out the reft, 
vc heard my honcft uncle aftcn fay, 
'hat lads (hould a for wives that's vertuous pray :. 
or the maid thrifty man could never get 
wcll-fbr'd room, unlcfs his wife wad led : 
therefore nocht (hall be wanting on my p^rt 
o gather wealth to raife my fhcpherd's heart, 
^hatc'cr he wins, Til guide with canny care, "^ 

nd win the vogue at market, fron, or fair, C 

Or halcfom, clean, cheap, and fufficient ware. j 

.flock o' lambs, chcefc, butter, and forae woo, 
)all 6m be fald to pay the laird his due. 

/nc a' behind's our ain ; thus without fear, 

V^ith love and rowih we throw the warld will (leer :: • 
nd when my Pate in bairns and gear grows rife, 
[e!li blefs the.day he gat me.for . his wife* 



5^ The GENTLE SHEPHERD, 

Jenny, But what if fomc young giglit on ihcgrcca, 
"With dimpled cheeks, gnd twa bewitching een, 
Shoa*d gar your Patie think his half-worn Meg^ 
And her kend kiflcs, hardly worth a itg ? 

Peggy, Nac niair of that — Dear Jenny ^ to be free, 
There's (bme men conftanter in love than we : 
Nor is the fearly great, when nature kind 
Has bbfl them with folidity of mind. 
They'll reafon caumly, and with kindnefs fmile^ 
\Vhen our (hort paflions wad our peace beguile : 
Sae, whenfoc'er they Qight their maiks at hame, 
^Tis ten to ane their wives are maifl ta blame. 
Theo rll employ with pleafure a* my art 
To keep him cheerfu' and fecure his heart. 
At ev*n, when he comes weary frae the hill, 
1*11 have a< things made ready to his will ; 
In winter, when he toils throw wind and raiOf 
A bleezing ingle, and a clean hearth-flane : 
And foon as he flings by his plaid and (laff. 
The (cething pot's be ready to tak aff. 
Clean hag- a- bag V\\ fpread upon his boards 
And ferve him with the befl we can afford. 
Good humour and white bigonets fliallbe 
Guards to my face, to keep his love for mc. 

Jenny, A difh of married love right foon grows cauld, 
And dozens down to nane, as fowk grow auld. 

Peggy, But we'll grow auld togithcr, and ne'er fiod 
The lofs of youth, when love grows on the mind. 
Bairns and their bairns mak;^ fure a firmer lye. 
Than aught in love the like of us can fpy. 
Sec yon twa elms that grow up (jde by (ide ; - 
Suppofc them fomc years fyne bridegroom and bride ; 
Nearer and nearer ilka year they've prcft, 
•Till wide their fpreading branches arc increased. 
And in their mixture nov/ arc fully- bicft. 
This fhields the other frae the eaftlin blaft. 
That in return defends it frae the weft. 
Sic as fland fingle (a flate fae lik'd by you I) 
Beneath ilk ftormfrac every airfh maun bow, 

Jenny, rvedone--l yield, dear lifiic, I maunyicU* 
Your better fcnfe has fairly won the field, 

Wi4 



-^Paftoral Cotncdy;. j^^ 

"With the affiftancc of a little fac 

Lies derA'd within my bread this mony a day» 

SANG VI. Tune, Nanff% to the gr^n-wood gaoc^ 

1 yields dear lajjte, ye have ivon, 

Jnd there is nae denying. 
That fure as tight Ji<yws frae the fun y 
> Frae love proceeds complying^ 
^ For tf ' that ive can do or fay 

^Gainfi love nae thinker heeds uSy 
They ken our bofoms lodge the fae. 

That by the heartfirings leads us, 

Peggy. Alake poor pris'ner ! Jenny, that's no fair^ 
That ye'il no let the wie thing take the air : 
Hafle, let him out, we'll tent as well's we can, 
Cif he be Bauldfi, or poor Rcger^t man. 

Jenny, Anither time's as good — for fee the fan 
Is right fac up^ and weVe not yet begun 
To freatb the graith; if canker'd Madge, our a«nt, 
Gome ap the burn, fhe'll gie's a wicked rant r 
But when we've done, ril tell ye a' my mind; 
lor this feems true, nae lais can be unkind. \ExeunU 



A C T n. 6 C E N E. I. 

PROLOGUE. 

Afnug thack houfe, before the door a green ; 
Hens on the middingy ducks in dubs arefeea.- ^■ 
On thii fide flands a barn, on that a byar : 
^ peet flack joins, and for vis a rural fquare. 
The houfe is Claud'/ there you may fee him lean. 
And to his divetfeat invite hisfrien, 

GLAUD tfwiSYMON. 

^hud, y*^ Ood-morrow, nrbour Symon, come, fit 

VJ down, 
Aud gic's your cracks, What's a' the n'tw^iaio^jiTv'. 



354 7'/5(? GENTLE SHEPHERD; 
They tell roc ye was in the iiher day, 
And fald year Crtw/mocJ^t and her baflcnd qucy^ 
ril warrant ye'vc coft a pund of cut and dry ; 
Ltig out your box, and gie's a pipe to try. 

Symon, With a' my heart ; — and tent me now, auld 
I've gather'd news will kittle your mind with joy. [boy, 
I cou'dna reft till I came o'er the burn. 
To tell yc things have taken fic a turn, 
"Will gar our vile opprcflbrs (lend like flaes. 
And fkulk in hidlings on the hethcr braes. 

Claud Fy blaw 1 Ah Symmie .''rattlingchicis ne'er 

To deck and fprcad the grofleft lies aff-hand, [ftand 
"Whilk foon flits round like will -fire far and near: 
But loofe your poke, bc't true or faufo, let's hear. 

Symon, Secing's believing, Glaud^ and I have fcen. 
Baby that abroad has with our Majler been. 
Our brave good Mafter^ wha right wifely fled,. 
And left a fair cdatc to favc bis head, 
Becaufe ye ken fou well be bravely chofe 
To ftuDC, or fet in glory with Montrofe, 
Now Crom*i3jeJr% ganc to Nick ; and anc ca'd Mon{^ 
Has plaid the Ruviph a cigbt flee begunk ; ' 
SLeAor'd king Char lei ^ and ilka thing's in tune ;: 
And Habby fays, we'll fee fir Wtlliam foon, 

Glaud. That makes me blyth indeed— bat dinnailaw^ 
Tc'll o'er your news again I and fwear til't a', 
And faw yjc Hab! and what did Halbert fay i 
They have been e'en a dreary time away. 
Now God be thanked that our laird '9 come hame. 
And his eftate, fay, can he eithly claim \ 

Symon, They that hag-rid us 'till our guts did gmne, ^ 
Like greedy bairs, dare nae mair dd'i again, > 

Atid good fir William fall enjoy his ain. j 

SANG VII. Tune, duld Kdcln Abifr dee ff. 

Cauldbethe rebels caji, 

Opptejfors bafe and bloody ^ 
I hope nxje'llfee them at the lafi 

Strung a' up in a nvoody, 
Bleft be he of 'worth and fenfe^ 

^id. aver high inftation^ 



A Paftoral Comedy. jjjf 

That bravely Jlands in the defence 
Of confcience, kwg and nation, 

Claud. And may he Jang, for never did he ftcat 
Us in our thriving with a racket rem ; 
Kor grumbled ifane grew rich, or fhor'd to raifc 
Our mailcns, when wc pat on "Sunda/s claiths. 

Symon. Nor wad he lang, with fcnfelcfs faucy air. 
Allow our lyart noddles to be bare : 
« Put on your bonnet, Symon'—Xdk a (cat — \^kate ? 

* How''s ail ai hame? How*s E///>aF How docs 

• How fells black cattle ? What gics woo this year V 

And &c like kindly quedions wad he fpear. 

SANG VII. Tune, Mucking «r Geord/s byaf. 

The laird who in riches and honour 

Wad thrive t Jhould he kindly and free ^ ^ 
Nor rack the poor tenants nvho labour 

To rife aboon poverty : 
Etfe like she pack-horfe that's unfother'd 

And burthen' d, 'will tumble dorom faint i 
Thus virtue\hy hardfhip isfmother'd, 

And r ackers aft tine their rent. 

Giand. Then wad he gar his Butler bring bcdcea 
The oappy bottle ben and glaffes clean, 
Wbilk in our breait raised (ic a blythfome flame, 
Asgart me mony a time gae dancing hame. 

My heart's c*cn rais'd ! Dear nibour, will ye ftay. 

And tak your dinner here with me the day, 
WcMl fend for Elfpith too — and upo* fight, 
rU whiftle Pate and Roger frae the height. 
ril yoke my fled, and lend to the neift town, 
And bring a draught of ale, baich flout and brown, 
Aod gar our cottars a* man wife and wean, 
Driok 'till they tine the gate to (land their lane. 

Symon, I wadna bauk my friend his blyth defigiit 
Gif that it hadna firft of a* been mine : 
For herc-yeftreen I brew'd a bow of maut, 
Ycflreen I flew twa wathers prime and fat ; 
A furlet of good cakes my Elfpa bcuk, 
And a large ham hangs reefting in the nook. 



336 The G ENTLE SHEPHERD. 

I faw my fell, or I came o*cr the loan. 

Our meiklc pot, that fcads the whey, put on, 

A mutiOD-bouk to boil;— -and ane we*lJ roaS; 

And on the haggles Eljpa (pares nae cofl. 

Small are they fhom ; and (he can mix fou nice 

The gu(!y ingans with a cum of fpice. 

Fat are the puddings,— -heads and feet well fung; 

And we've invited nibours atiid and young, 

To pafs this afternoon with glee and game, 

And drink our Mafter^s health and welcome-hame. 

Ye maunna then refufe to join the red, 

Since ye*re my nearcft friend that I like beft. 

Pring wi*ye all your family, and then, 

Whene'er you plcafe, Til rant wi* you again. 

Gland, Spoke like ye'r fell, auld-birky, never fear 
But at your banquet I fhall firfl appear : 
Faith, we (hall bend the bicker, and look bauldj 
'Till we forget that we are faii'd or auld. 
Auld, faid I ! — Troth, I'm younger be a fcorc. 
With this good news, than what I was before. 
I'll dance or een ! hey, Madge ^ come forth, d*yc heai ? 

Enter Madge. 
MadgCt The man's gain gyte I Dear Symon^ welcome 
What wad ye, Glaud, with a' this hafte and din ? [here: 
Ye never let a body (it to fpin. 

Claud, Spin! fnufFi Gae break your whed, aod 

burn your tow, 
And fetthe meiklefl peet-ftack in a low: 
Syne dance about the bane -fire 'till ye die, 
Since now again we'll foon (ir William fee. 

Madge, Blyth news indeed I And wha wts^t tald 

you o't. 
Claud. What's that to you ?— gae get niy Sundt^^ 
Wale out the whitcft of my bobit bands, . [coat; 

My wh>t-(kin hofe, and mittans for my hands ; 
Then frae their washing cry the bairns in haftc, 
And mak ye'r fells as trig, head, feet and waift, 
As ye were a* to get young lads or een i 
For we're gawn o'er to dine with Sym bcdeen, 

Symw. 



^ Pafloral Coined j. ^^y 

Sj/mon. Do, lioacft 3Uds^ and^ ClauJ^ I'll o«cr 

the gate, 
And fee that a' be done as I wad bae't« [ExeunK 



SCENE ir. 

PROLOGUE. 
The open field, "^" A cottage in a glen. 
An auld*wife J^inningat the funny end^ 
At afmall diftancCi by a blafled tree. 
With/aided arms i and haff^rais^d Uokyefic 

B A U L D Y ife/ lane. 

Bauldy. T T 7 H A T's this ! 1 canna bear't ! 'Tis 

V V W3r than hcH, 

To be lie burnt with love, yet darena tcll ! 

Peggyt fweet^r than the dawning day, 
Sweeter than gowany glens or new mawn hay : 
BIyther than lambs t4vat frifk out oVr the knows, 
Straighter than aught that io the foreft grows : 
Her ecn the cleared blob of dew out fhincs: 
The lily iq her breaflits beauty tines : 

Her leg^, her arras, ncr cheeks, her mouth, her cos 

Will be my deid, that will be fhortly fccn I 

For Pate Iocs her ! — waes me ! and (he Iocs Pate: 

And I with Nefif, by fome unlucky fate. 

Made a daft vow !— O ! but ane be a bead, 

That makes ra(h aiths, 'till he'safdre the prieft. 

1 darena fpeak my mind, dfe a' the three, 
Bot'doubt, wad prove ilk ane my enemy. 

'Tis fair to thoic-— I'll try fome witchcraft art. 
To brake with ane and win the other's heart. 
Here Maufy lives, a witch, that ibr fma' price^ 
Can caft her cantraips, and give roe advice ; 
She can o'ercad the night, and cloud the moon. 
And mak the detls obedient to her crune. 
At midnight hours, o'er the kirk -yard (he raves. 
And howks oncriiten'd weans oat of their graves ; 
Boils up their livers in a warlock's pow, 
Riiis withcrfhias about the hemlock low ; 

Ff ' KsA 



556 rbe G ENTLE SHEPHERa 

And feTeo times does her prayers backwards praj, 

« Till PJotcoek comes with lumps of Lapland day, * 

Mixt with the venom of black uids aod fiiakes. 

Of this uDfoofy pictures aft (he makes 

Of any anc (he hates ;--aDd gars expire 

With (law and racking pains afore a fire> 

Stuck fou of prines ; tlie devili(h pi^ures mxiu 

Ihe pain by fbwk they reprefent is felt. 

And yonder*s Maufe : Ay» ay, ihe kens fou weii« 

When ane like me comes rinning to the deil. 

She and her cat fit becking in her yard, 

To fpeak my errand, faith amaift I'm fearM : 

Cut I maun do't, tho* I (hou<d never thrive ; 

They gallop faft, that deils and lafles drive. [Exit. 



SCENE IIL 

PROLOGlTE. 

A green kail-yard^ a little founts 

IV he re msater poplin fprings^ 
There fits a nuife luitb *wrinkled/ro9tf. 

And yet Jhe fpins andjings . 

SANG IX. Tune^ Caije and the King cone. 

Mause. TQ E G G Y, nv\i) the king's comg^ 
jL Peggy, now the king's come^ 
Thou may dance ^ and ijhalljing^ 

Peggy, Jince the king's come : 
Nac tnair the hawkeys Jhalt tb§umilk% 
But change thy plaiding coat fir ^Ik^ 
And he a lady of thai ilk^ 

No^i ^^ggytjtnce the kin^sjcom. 

Enter Bauldy. 

Sauldy. How does auld heneft lucky of rfae glea ? 
¥c look jbaith hale and feir at threefcore ten; 

Maufe. E'en twining out a thread with liltic duw 
JUd beekine mv caold iimbi afore the fua. 



( 



A FaSoral Gomedj. ^J^ 

Wbat brings my bairn thi% gate fae air at morn I 
U there nae muck to lead,^--to thrc/h, nae corn ? 

Bauidy. Enough of bifcith—But foroething that requires 
Your helping hand, emp]o]rs now all my cares. 

Maufe. My helping hand, alake ! what can I do . 
That underneath baith eild and poortith bow ? 

Bauldy, Ay, but youVe wife, and wifer far than we» 
Or maifl part of the parifh tells a lie. 

Maufe, Of what kind wifdom think ye Tm- pof&fl, 
That lifts my character aboon the red I 

Bauldy, Well vers'd in herbs and ieafons of rhe moon. 
By fkilfii'idMrms 'tis kend what ye have done. 

Maufe. What'fowk fay of me, Bauldy ^ let me hear ; 
Keep naithing up, ye naithing \iwt, to fear 

Bauldy. Well, (ince ye bid me, I (hall tell ye a^* 
That ilk aae talks about yoo^ but a fiaw. 
When laft the wmd made Claud z rooflefs barn. 
When laft the burn bore down my mither's yam. 
When Brawny clf-(hot never mair came hamc ; 
When TiUy lumM and there nae batter came^ 
When Beffy FreetoclC% chulfy-cheekt d wean 
To t fairy tum'd, and cou*dna (land its lane : 
When WattU wandered ae night thro' the (baw^ 
And tint himfel amaift amang the fnaw ; 
When Mungo\ mare ftood ftill^ and fwat with fright. 
When be brought eaft the Honudy under night : 
When Bawfy (hot to dead npon the green. 
And Sara tint a fnood was nae mair feen % 
Yo^4 LuMky^ gat the wyte of a* fcU out. 
And ilka ane here dreads ye round about ; 
And fae they may that mean to do ye (kaitb ; 
For me to wrang ye, Til be very laith : 
Bat when I neift make groats, Til (faive to picafi; 
You with a furlet of them mixt with peafc. 

Maufe, I thank ye, lad now tell me your demand. 

And, if I can, TU lend my helping hand. 

Bauldy, Then I like Peggy- Neps is fond of me— ^ 
l^eggy likes Pate : — and Pafie^s bauld and (Ice, > 

And loocs fweet Meg—But Neps I downa fee—*— j 
Cou*d ye turn Patie't bve ^o Neps and then 
Peggy t to me«- '-rd be the happieft man. 

fix " Mttttle. 



540 Th GENTLE SHEPHERD. 

Mjtufi. ril try mj art to gar the bowb rowr%h^ 
Sae gang your ways and come again at oight ; 
'Oainil that time V\\ forac iimple things preparCt 
AVorth ail your peafe and groats, take ye na care. 

BauL Well, Maufe^ V\\ cornc^ gif I the road can find \ 
Bet it' ye raife the DeU^ hcMh raife the wind; 
Sync rain and thunder, may be, when 'tis latc^ 
Will make the night fae mirk, Til tine the gate* 
\Vc*te a' to rant in SyfKmiit at a fcaft, 
O will ye con^e like badrans for a jell; 
i\nd there ye can our diiFerent haviours (py ; 
There's naoe (hall ken o*t there but you and^^il. 

Jllaufe, *Tis likel may— but kt na on wbat*spdl 
*Twccn you and me, elfe fear a kittle ca(h 

BaulJy. If 1 aught of your fcacts e er idvaaoe» 
May yc ride on me ilka night to Fraxce, JJSxH Banldy. 

Muu'e, {_herLiu\'\ This fool imagines. aadaiMB|fic> 
That l*m a witch in compact with /itid JVkip 
JHccaufc by education I was taught 
1*0 fpcak and a(5l aboon their common ffaoughl. 
Their groCs millake fliali quickly now appear, 
Sioon ihail they ken wliat brought, what keeps bbc hcte. 
Kow ttncc the royal CSarUi, and rights itflor*dt 
A llicphcrdcfs is daughter to lord. 
The b'ififiy fiundlhig that^ brought op by CbmJ^ 
A\'ha has an uncle's care on her be(}ow*d» 
Her infant life I fav'd^ when a falfe Ariend 
Pow*d to th< Ufurpfti and her death defign'd^ 
To eiiabliih him and his in all thefe plains 
That by right heritage to her pertains. 
She's now in her fweet bloom, has blood and charfltt 
Ui too much value for a Ihepberd's arms : 
None knows*t but me ;— and if the mom weFCOoaBe> 
I'li tell the.n tales will gar them all fing dumb. 



SCENE IV. 
PROLOGUE. 
Jithh^'fa tree upon the fiat n^ 
iVtc and hu Pc^ ntet^ 



In 



A Pafioral C^nicdf. 341 

in hve wtbout a vicious ft atn^ 
The bonny la/s and chearfu* fwain 
Change vows and kijjesjnueet. 

I^ATIE and ?EGCY. 

EGG Y. y^ Patie, let me gang, I maunna flay ; 

V^ We're baith cry'd harac, and Jenny^ (he's 
a\vay. 
Parie» Tm laith to part fac foon ; now we're alanc^ 
od Roger he's away wKh Jenr^ ganc ; 
bey're as confent, for aught I hear or feer 

be alane themfelves, I judge, as we. 

ere, where primrofcs ihickeft paint the grceoy 
ard by this little burnie let us lean ^ 
ark how the lav'rocks chant aboon our heads-, 
ow (aft the wedlro winds fough through the reeds ! 

Peggy, The fccntcd meadows — birds — and healthy , 

breeze, 
re aught I ken, my mair than Peggy plcafc. 

Patie, Ye wrang me fair, to doubi my being kind ; 

1 fpeaking fae, ye ca* mc dull and blind, 
if I coold fancy aughi's fae fweet or fafr 

s my fweet Meg^ or worthy of my care. 
hy breath is fwectcr than the fwcctcft brier, 
hy cheek and breaft the fincft flowVs appear : 
hy words excel the ma'ft dcHghtfu' notes, 
hat warble through the merle or mavis' throats : 
/ith thee X tent rvae flowers that bufk the field, 
r ripeft berries that our mountains yield : 
he fweeteft froits, that hing upon the tree, 
re far inferior to a kifs of thee. 

Peggy, Bat Patrick for fome wicked end may flccch, 
nd lambs fhould tremble when the foxes preach. 

darena ftay, ye joker let mc gang, 

r fwcar yc'il never tempt to do me wrang. 

Patie. Sooner a mother (lull iicr fondnels drap, 
nd wrang the bairn fits fmiiing on her lap : 
'he fun (hall change, the moon to change fhall ceafc, 
he gaits to dim— the (hccp to yield the fleece, 
re ought by me be either faid or doon, 
ball do thcc writng> 1 fwear by. all aboon* 

F f 3 • ' P«483* 



34» Ths GENTLE SHEPHERD. 

Pfiggj. Then keep your aith Bat mooy kds w3l 

ilnd be m^nfwom to twa m half a year : [fwcar, 

Now I bclicTe ye like roe wonder wecl ; 
But if anithcr jafs yoar heart fhou*d fiealt 
Your Meg, forfaken, bootlels might rcbte 
How ihe was dauted anes by faithteft Pate. 

Patie. Tm fure I canna change, yc ocedtukfesar, 
Tho* we're but young Ttc loo'd you mony a year: 
1 mind it well, when thou cou'dft hardly gang. 
Or lifp out words, I choos'd ye frae the thrang 
t>f a* the bairns, and led thee by the hand, 
^ft to the tanfy-know or rafhy (Irand ; 

Tnou fntiJiog by my fide 1 took delight 

1*0 pou the rafhes green with roots be white» 
l;f which, as well as my young fancy coird. 
For thee I plet thee flow'ry belt and foood. 

Peg, When iirft thou gadc with (hephercb to tbfbili, 
And 1 to milk the ews fjrtl try*d my fkill^ 
To bear a leglen was nae toil to roe. 
When at the bught at ev'n I net with thee. 

SANG X. Tune, \\'inter was cauld» and my deaths 
ing was thin. 

PEGGY. 
Whtnfirft viy dear laddie gadt to the green hill^ 
j^nd I at enu-milkang firfl feyd my young Jkiil, 
To hear the Tmlktoviie, no pain ivas to niCy 
iVhen 1 at the blighting forgather d 'with thee. 

P A T I E. 
When corn-riggs 'wav'dyello'ViJ, and blenu hether belli 
Bloom d bonny on moorland and Jhveet fijtng fells ^ 
Nas birns, brier, or breckens^ gave trouble to me, 
Jf J found the berries right ripened for thee. 

PEGGY. 
When then ran, or nurefled^ or putted tkeflane^ 
Jin d came off the vidor, my heart nvas ay fain : 
Thy ilka f port manly gave pleafure to me ; 
for nane can putt, ivrejile, or runfnvift as thee. 

P A T I E. 
Our ]cTiTi^Jjngsfaftly the Cowdonbroom-knows, 
yifjd Rofic lilts fwiftly tht Milking the cws ; 



A Pafloriil Comedy. ^^ 

There*! fenu Jenny Nettles like Nanfy canfv^^ 
Ai Throw the wood laddie, fiefs gan our lugs ring : 

But nuhen my dear Vcgg^Jings with better Jkill^ 
7i^^ Boatman, Tweed-fide, ^r /^^ Lafs of the Miii» 
•77/ mony times fweeter emkandpleafingto me; 
For tho' theyjing nicely they cannot me thee. 

PEGGY. 

Hc^ eajy can lajfes trow what they dejire ? 
And praifesfae kindly increafes love's fire : 
Give mejiill this ple>afure, myftudyjhall be 
To make my felf better and fweeter for thee, 

Patie, When corns grew yellow, and the hether bells 
Bloom'd bonny on the moor and rifing fells, 
Nae bims, or briers, or whins e*er troubled me> 
Cif I €oa*d find blae berries ripe for thee. 

Peg, When thou didft wreftlc, run, or put the ftanc. 
And wan the day, my heart was fiightering fain : 
At all thefe fports thou (Ull gave joy to me ; 
For nane can wreftle, run, or put with thee. 

Patie. Jenny Cngs faft the Broom ofCowden^Knows^ 
And Rofte lilts the Milking of the Ews ; 
There's nane, like Nanfte^ Jenny Nettles fings : 
At turns in Maggy Lawder^ Marion dingji : 
But when my Peggy fings with fweeter (kill 
The Boatman, or the Lafs ^PatieV Mill^ 
It is a thoufand times mair fweet to me \ 
The' they fing well, they cai^na fing like thee. 

Peg, How eith can laffes trow what we defire» 
And roos'd^ by them we love, blaws up the fire : 
But wha loves bed, let time and carriage try ; 
Beconftant, and my love (hall time defy. 
Be fiiU as now, and a* my care fhall be. 
How to contrive what plcafant is for thee. 

Patie, Wert thou a giglit gawky like the lave, 
That little better than our nowt behave. 

At naught they'll fcrly, fonfelcfs tales believCt 

Be blyth for fiily hechts, for trifles grieve — 
Sic ne'er cou'd win my heart, that kenna how 
Either to keep a prize^ or yet prove true : 



344 ^^ GENTLE SHEPHEKDl 
But thou in bkttcr fcofe, without a flaw. 
As in thy beauty, for excels ihcm a*. 
Continue kind, sind a' roy care (hall bc>, 
How to contrive what pleaiing is for thee. 

Peg. Agreed ; but harki^, yon's auld auDly's cry, 

I ken they'll v^onder what can make us (lay. 

Patie. And let them fcrly,— new a kindly kifs. 
Or fivefcore good an^s wad not be aroifs ; 
And fyne we'll fu)g the fang with tunefu' glee» 
That I made up lad owk on you and me. 

Peggy. Sing firft, fyne claim your hyre 

Patie. Well, I agree 

S A N G XL To its anc T^ln^. 

PATIE [>^/.] 
By the delicious ivarvwefs of thy mouthy 
AndroFwing eye that fmiling tells the trniht, 
Iguefty ffiy lajfie^ that as nuell as /, 
TcLrt made for love ^ and Auhy JJjould ye deny V 

PEGGY Iftngsr^ 
tut ken ye^ lad^ gif nve confefs o'er foon^ 
Te think us cheapo and fyne the nsjooin^s done : 
The maiden that o'er quickly tynes her pvwW^ 
hike unripe fruit ivill iafie but hard and finar.. 

PATIE [>^/.] 
But gin they hlng o'er lang upon the tree, 
Their fweetnefs they may line, and fae may ye i 
Rcd'Chiek''dye cornpleatly ripe appear^ 
And I have thold and '[Sioo^d a lang half year. 

PEGGY [fings, falling into P^//<r's arms.]. 
Then dinna po'iu me, gently thus I fa' 
Into my Pati«V arms, for good and a' :. 
But flint your nuifkes to this kind e^nb race ^ 
And mnt nae fart her, till wvegot the grace, 

PATIE [with his left hand about her waift.]- 
charming- armfu' f hence ye cares away, 
rilkifs my treafure a' the kve lang day; 
All night I- II dream my kiffes o'er again, 
Yill that day cme that ycUl ke «' jny afsK 



A Paftoral Comedy. 345 

SuDg by both. 

Sun^ gallop doivn the*weftlin Jkies^ ' 
Getngfoon to hd^ and auickly rife ; 
lajhyourfleedsf pojt thneawajt 
And hajie about our bridal-day ; 
Antkif you're nveary^d honeft lights 
Sleep t gin ye like, a nveek that night. 

[Let down the curtaia^ Mid let them kilt* 



ACT III. SCENE I. 

PROLOGUE. 

Ngiv turn your eyes beyond yon fpreadifig lymef • 
And tent a man njihafe beard feems bleechd*witb titnei 
Ane ellwand fills his hand^ his habit mean^ 
Nae doubt ye' II think be has pedlar been : 
But nvbijht it is the knight in niafquerade^ 
That comes hid in this cloud to fee his lad. 
Obferve how pleased the loyal fuff^rer moves 
7hrowbis auldav'news, anes delightfu* groves. 

Sir WILLI AM folus. 

TH E Gentleman^ thas hid io low difgmfs, 
ril for a fpace, unknown, delight mine-e;c9 
"With a full view of ev'ry fertile plain. 
Which once 1 loft— which now arc mine again. 
Yet, 'midii my joys, fome profpcdls pain renew» 
"Whilft I my once fair feat in ruins view. 
Yonder I ah, me, it defolately ftands, 
Without a roof, the gates hVn from their bands ; 
The cafements all broke down, no chimney left. 
The naked walls of tap'ftry all bereft. 
My (lablcs and pavilions, broken walls ! 
That with each rainy blaft decaying falls : 
My gardens once adorn'd the moft conipleat. 
With all that nature, all that art makes fweet ; 
Where round the figured green and pebble-walks^ 
The dewy flowers hung nodding on their flalks : 



^46 The GENTLE SHEPHERIX 

But overgrown with nettles, docks aod brier^ 

No Jaccacinths or Eglantines, appear. 

Here fail'd and broke's tbe rifiog ample (hade, 

VJhtx^ peach and neii'rine ti«cs their branches fprcad^ 

Bafking in rays, and early did produce 

Fruit fair to view, delightful in the ufe ; 

All round in gaps, the walls in ruin lie, ^ 

And from what ftands the wiihcr'd'branches fly. 

Thcfe foon (hall be repaired ; and now my joy 

Forbids all grief when Tm to fee my BOY, 

My only prop, and objcdt of my care. 

Since heaven too foon calPd home his mother h\r i 

Him, c*er the rays of reafon cleared his thought, 

1 fecretly to faithful Symcn brought, 

And charg'd him (Iri^fy to conceal bis.birtb, - 

^Tiil we ihou'd fee what changing timcfr brought forth* 

Hid from himfelf, he darts upiby the- dawn, 

And ranges carelefs o'er the height aod lawn,. 

Afier his fleecy charge ferenely gay, 

\Vith other Ihepherds whifUing o'er the day*. 

Thrice happy life ! that's from ambition free, 

Remov'd from crowns and courts, how cheerfully 

A cahn, conteilted mortal fpends his time 

Ii health, his foul unflain'd with crime. * 

SANG XII. Tune, Happy Clown. 

,Hid from hhnf elf i nom) ty the dawn 
Heftarts asfrefh aj rofes ilanvnt 
And ranges o*er the heights and laivn^ 

After his bleeitng flocks. 
Healthful t and innocently gay^ 
He chants andnuhijiles out the day: 
Untaught to fmile, and then hetrafi. 

Like courtly 'weathercocks. 

Life happy from ambition free^ 

Envy and vile hypocrijie. 

When truth and love ^uuithjoy agree , 

Unfullied 'with a crime \ 
Unmoved 'with fwhat dijlurbs the greats 
In, propping of their pride andflate,. 
He lives i and unafraid offate^ 

CanXtnUil^tr^ii bis tti9i«« Nov 



<. 



A Paftoral Comedy. ^f 

Now towVds good Symon\ boufe TU bend my way. 
And fee what makes yon gamboling to*day ; 
All oa the green in a fair wanton ring, 
My youthful tenants gaylie dance and (ing. 

X£'x7/5/> William, 



S C E N E n, 
PROLOGUE. 

^Tii SymonV houfe, pkaje tojlef in, 

Andviffyt round ana rounds 
There's nought fuperfi^ous to give patn. 

Or coftly to be found, 
let all /J clean : A clear peat ingle 

Xj lances amidji the floor ; 
The green horn f poo ns^ beech -luggies mingle 

Vn /keifs foregainji the door. 
While the young brood /port on the green. 

The auld anes think it befi. 
With the brown cov) to clear their een. 

Snuffs cracky and lake their reft, 

SYMON, GLAUD, and ELSPA. 

■Claud, \1C 7E aocs were young our fells— I like to fee 

V V The bairns bob round with other merryliei 
Troth, Symon^ Patie*s grown a ftrapan lad. 
And better looks tiian his I never bade ; 
Amang our lads he bears the gree awa* : 
And tells his tale the clev'reft of them a^. 

Elfffa. Poor man !— -h6*s a great comfort to its baith ; 
God mak him good, and hide him ay frae (kaich. 
He is a i3airn, Til fay't, well worth our cane, 
Tha;t gae-us ne'er vexation late or air. 

Claud. I trow, good wife, if I benotmiftane. 
He feopas to be with Peggf% beauty tane. 
And troth, my niece is a right dainty wean, 
As ye well ken ; a bonnyer needna be; 
Mtu' better be'ffiie were nae kia to me. 



34S rh^ GENTLE SHEPHERD. 

Sym. Ha, Glaudl I doubt that ne'er will be a matcb 
My Patii% wild, and will be ill to catch; 
And or he were> for reafons Til no teU, 
I'd rather be robct with the mools my felL 
■ Glmtd, What rcafon can ye have ? Thcre'i nane I'm 
Unlefs ye may cad up that (he's but poor : [rare, 

But gif the Iftf&c marry to my mind, 
I'll be to her as my ain Jenny kind ; 
Fourlcore of breeding ews of my ain biroy 
Five ky that at ae milking fills a kirn, 
I'll ^ie to Pjsggie that day (he's a bride % 
By and attour, if my good luck abide. 
Ten lambs, at fpainmg-dme, as lang'f I live, 
And twa quey cawfs I'll yearly to then> give. 

Elfpa, Ye ofPer fair, kind Glaud^ but dinna (peer 
"What may be is not fit ye yet ihould hear. 

Symon. Or this day eight-days likely he (hall learn, 
That our denial difna (light his bairn. 

Glaud, Well, nae mair o't ; —come, gi's the other bend. 
We'll driok their healths, whatever way it end. 

{Tkeir healths gae round, 

Symon, But will ye tell me, Glaud? -"•'^^ (bme *ii$ faid. 
Your niece is but TLfundling^ that was laid 
Down at your hallon-fidc, ae morn in May^ 
Right clean row'd up, and bedded on dry bay. 

Glaud, That clattcrn Madge, my titty, tell fie flaws, 
Whene'er our Meg her cankart humour gaws. 

Enter Jenny. 

Jenny, O father, there's an auld man on the greeSs 
The felled fortune-teller e*cr was fcen : 
He tents our loofs, and fyne whops out a book. 
Turns owre the leaves, and gies our brows a look : 
Syne telis the oddefl tales that e'er ye heard ; 
Hb head is gray, and lang and gray his beard. 

Sym. Gae bring him in, we'll hear ^yhat he can lay, 
Nane fhail gang hungry by my houfe-io day. 

[Exit Jcunj* 
But for his telling fortunes, troth, I fear. 
He kens nae mair of that than my gray mare. 

G/aud, Spae-men ! the truth of a' their fiws I doubt, 
Fpr greater liars never ran thereout. 

Rctuntf 



I 



A Paftoml Comedy. f^f 

lUtums Jcony bringing in Sir Wiiliatii ; tviiA them Patic 

Sym, YcVc welcome, honeft carle-. -here, tak a feat. 

Six IVill. I give ye thanks, goodman, Ife no be bhte. 

Ci«ud\^clrinksr^ Come, t'yc, friend How far ctwic 

ye the day ? 

Sir JVilJ, 1 pledge ye, nlbour, c^en but little way : 
Roufted with cild, a wic piece gate feems Jang, 
Twa miles or three's the maifl that I dow gang. 

Sym, Yc'rc welcome here to ftay all night with mc> 
And tak (ic bed and board as we can gi*e. 

Sir JVill. Thai's kind unfought :™Wen, gio ye Iwvc 
ft bairn 
That ye like well, and wad his fortune learn, 
1 fhall employ the fariheft of my f]<ill 
To fpac it faithfully, be't good or ill, 

Symon .Ifioin/ing to Paiie] Only that lad --alack I I 
have nae m&e> 
Either to make me joyful now or wae. 

Sir IVitl, Young man, let's fee your hand— what gtrft 
ye fneer ? 

Patie, Becaufe your fkiirs but little worth, I fear^ 
. Sir JV, Yc cut before the point-Bat billy, bydc, 
I'll wager there's a nioufe mark on your fide. 

Elfp. Betcech-us-to I «nd well I war that's tniej 
Awa, awa, the decl's owte girt wi' you : - 
Four inch aneath his oxter is the mark, 
Scarce ever fccn fince he firfl wore a fafk. 

Sir JVill. I tell ye mair, if this young lad be KpalrM 
Sat a (hort while, he'll be a braw rich laird. 

El/pa, A laird (---Hear ye, goodman -what thlnlc yt 
now ? 

Sym. I dinna ken I Strange atild man, What att thou*? 
Fair fa' your heart, 'tis ^ood, to bode of wealth ;' 
Come, turn thetimmerto laird P^/zV's heahh. 

QPatie'/ health gaes rouni. 

Patie. A laird of twa good wlndles and a keat, 
Twa curs my trufty tenants on the bent. 
Is all my great e(Ute—and like to be ; 
Sac cunning carle, ne'er break your jokes on me. 

Sytfton. W4*i(ht, Patie — let the man look owre yoar 
Aftymes as brokca a fliip has come to land. £hand» 



350 The GENTLE SHEPHERD. 

[Ar William looks a little at PaticV hani^ then 
counterfeits falling into a trance ^ nubile thty en- 
deavour to lay him right. 

Eljpa. Prcrcrrc's !— the man's a warlock^ orpoffcfl 
^Vith fomc nac good, or recood-Hght at lead : 
^Vhcre is he bow? 

Giaud. He's feeing a' that's done 

In ilka place, beneath or yont the jnoom 

Elfpa, Thcfe fecond-fighted fowks» his peaorbeherel 
.^ee things far aff, and things to come, as clear 
As I can fee my thumb-— wow ! can he teH 
•(Speer at htm foon as he comes to himfel) 
How foon we'll fee S\x William? Whifhthc heaves, 
And fpeaks out broken words h'ke ane that raves. 

Sym, Hell foon grow better— £^tf, faafte ye, gac 
And fill him up a tafs'of Ufquebae. 

Sir Will. [^Jlarts up andjpeaks.'] 

*' A Knight that for a L Y O N fought 

'< Againd a herd of bears, 
•** Was to Jang toil and trouble brought; 

*' In which fome thoufands (hares : 
" But now again the L Y O N rares, 

" And jay fprcads o'er the plain, 
^* The L Y O N has defeat the bears, 

" The Knight xetums again. 
•** The Knight in a few days fhall bring 

** A (hepherd frae the fauid ; 
** And ^a)l ppclent him to the King^ 

** A fubje<fl true and bauid : 
^' He Mr Patrick (hall be call'd—. 

•« -All you that hear me now 
'^ May well believe what I have tald, 

'- For 1$. {hall happen true. 

Sym. Friend, may your fpaeing happen foon and wed; 
But, faith, I'm redd you've bargained with thcdeel. 
To cell fome tales that fowks wad fecret keep ; 
Or do you get them tald you in y6ur flecp ? 

Sir IV, Howc'er I get them, never fa(h your beard, 
^or come I to redd fortunes for reward : 

Bit I 



A Paftoral Conjcdy, 351^^ 

Sut ril lay ten to ane with ony here, 
That all I prophefy (hall foon appear, 

Symon, You prophcfying fowks arc odd kind men ! 
They're here that ken, and here that difna ken 
The wimpled meaniog of your unko talc, 
Whilk foon will mak a noifc o'er moor and dale. 

Claude 'Tis nac fma' fpori to hear how Sjm believes, 
^nd taks't for gofpel what the fpae-man gives 
3f flawing fortunes, whilk he evens to Pate : 
3ut what wc wifh- we trow at ony rate. 

^ivlVilL Whifht! doubtfu' carle ; for e'er the fun 
Has driven twice down to the fci), 

What I have faid, ye (hall fee done 
lo part, or nae mair credit me. 

Claud. We'll be't fae, friend ; I (hall fay nathing maif ,. 
But I 'ave twa fonfy lafTes young and fair, 
Piump» ripe for men : I wi(h ye cou'd forefee 
^ic fortunes for them might bring joy to me. 

Sir W, Nae mair through fecrets can I fift,. 
'TUl darkoefs black the bent ; 

I have but anes a day that gift^ 
Sac reft a while content, 

Sym, Elfpit^ cad on the claitb, fetch butt fome n>eat^ 
And, of your beft, gar this auld firaoger eat. 

Sir W. Delay a*while your hofpitable care, 
Pd rather enjoy this evening calm and fair 
Around yon ruin'd tower, to fetch a walk 
With you kind friend, to have fome private talk. 

Sym* Soon as you pleafc I'll anfwer your dw*.irc—- 
And, Claudf you'll tak your pipe bedde the fire. 
Well but gae round the place, and foon be back. 
Syne fup together, and take our pint and crack. 

Claud, ril out a (pace, and fee the young anes play ; 
My heart's (lili light, abeit my locks be gray. l.Exeuu/. 



Gg2 SGENK 



C 352 1 

SCENE llf. 

PROLOGUE. 

Jjcrny pretends an errand hamc% 

Toting Roger drapj the rtj}^ 
To iMJ^r out his melting flame^. 
And than}} his lajjie^s breajl, 
Bi hind a bu/h, iveU hidfrae fight , they meet : 
See \cta\fs iaughirig, RogcrV likt to greet. 

Poor Shepherd I 

ROGER <W7^ JENNY. 

Reg, Tpv EAR Jeanyt I wad fpcak t'yc, wid ye kt^ 
I V And yet 1 crgli yc'r ay fac fcorofu' fee. 

Jenny, And what wad Roger fay, if he coa'd (peak ? 
Am I obJig'd to guefs what ycV to feek ? 

Reg. Ye5> ye may guefs, right eith for what I grei0>. 
Baith by my fervlce, figlis, and laoging cen : 
And I maun out wi*t, tho* I rifk your fcoroy 
YeVe never frae my thoughts haitb efen and mom. 
Ah ! cou'd I loo ye lefs, I'd happy be, 
But happier far \ cou'd ye but fancy me. 

Jenny, And wha kens, honefl lad, but that I mvjf 
Ye canna fay, that e'er I faid ye nay* 

Rog. Alake ! my frighted heart begins to fail> 
Whene'er I mint to tcH ye out my tale. 
For fear fome tighter tad, mair rich than I, 
Has win your love, and n^ your heart may lie. 

Jenny, I loo my father cufin Meg 1 love; 
But to this day, nae man my heart con'd more ; 
Kxcept my kin, ilk lad's alyke to me ; . 
And frae yc a« 1 bed had keep me free. 

"Rog, Mow lang, dear Jenny /*— -fayna that again^ 
What plea furc can ye tak in giving pain ? 
Tm glad however that ye (land free; 
M'ha kcDS but ye may rcw, and pity me ? 

Jenpiy. Ye have my pity clfe, to fee you fet 

On that whilk makes our fweetnefs foon foryct t. 

Wow ! but were bonj^ good; and every thing J 

How fwcit wc brc<(the whene'er wc kifs or fing ! 

Bat 



A FaAord ComedjFi'. 353 

ive'renaeroooer fools to give confcnt, 

a we our dafEn, and tidt power repent : 

:n prifonM in four wawi.a wife right tame> 

0* the firft, thc'greatcft drudge at-hame. 

og. That only happens, when for fake of gear, , 

whales a wife, as he wad buy a mare : 

^hen dull parents bairns together bind 

liferent tempers, that can ne'er prove kind : 

ove, true downright love, engages me, 

3< thou (hould fcorn) Hill to delight in thee. 

nny. What fugar'd words frae wooers lips can fa* I ' 

'trning marriage comes and ends them a* : • 

een with (hinilng fair the morning rife, 

(bon the (leety clouds-mirk a* the ^ies ; 

een the (liver fpring a-while rin clcar» 

foon in mofly puddles difappear : 

bridegroom may rejoice, the bride may fmile %,: 

bon contentions a* their joys beguile. 

>g. Pvc fecn the morning rife with faireft light, 

day unclouded, fink in calmeft night : 

een the fpring rin wimpling throw the plain, 

afe and join the ocean, without (lain : 

bridegroom may be blyth, the bride may fmiie ; ; 

ce throw life, and all your fears beguile. 

SANG XUI. Tune, Lcitb^wyod... 

JENNY. 
Wiere I ajfur'd youCll conftant prove , 

Youjhould nae mair complain ; 
The e<ify maldy hefet 'with love^ 

Few 'words 'will quickly gain : 
For J mnft ovin^ now Jt nee you're free^ 

This too fond heart of mine 
Has langy a black- fole true to thee, 

Wljh'd to be pair'd with thine. 

ROGER. 

r&n Tappy now, ahl let ^ny bead 

Upon thy breaji recline! 
The pleafure ftrlkes me near -hand dead , 

Is. J^iny then fat kind /*— -r 

a g, 3 l:t 



354 '^^^ GRNTLE SHEI^HERDi 

ht vie hi izv ifiee to 9My heart I 

And r:,und my arms entwine : 

Delytlit thought^ we'll rftver part ! 

Come prefi thy mouih to mine. 

Jenny, Were I but furc yc lang wou'd love mainuii^. 
The fcwcll words my cafy heart could gain : 
For I mauo own, fince now at laft you'fc frqc. 
Ah ho' I jok'd, I lov'd your cpmpany ; 
And ever had a warnmefs in my bread, 
That made ye dearer to me than the reft. 

R7>^. Tm happy now ! o'er happy ! bad my head!— 
This guih of pleafure's like to be my deid. 
Come to my arms ! or (Irike me ! I'm all fii-'d. 
With wondering love! let's kifs till wc be fir'd;. 
l^ifs, kifs ! we'll kifs the fun and flams away, - 
And ferly at the quick return of day ! 
O Jenny ! let my arms about thee twine, 
And brize thy bony breads and lips to mtoe. 

[They embrace* 
Jeiwy. With equal joy my faftcr heart does yield, 
To own thy wejl-iry'd love has won the field. 
Mow by thefe warmeft kifTes thou has tane, ' 

Swear thus to love me,' when by vows made ane. 
Roger* I fwear by fifty thoufand yet to come. 
Or may the fiifl ane ftrikcme deaf and dumb, 
There ffiiail not be a kindlier dawted wife. 
If you agree with me to lead your life. 

Jenny, Well, I agree neift to my parent g^e, 

Get his confent- — she'll hardly fac yc nae:.* 
Ye have what-will commend ye to him well, 
Auld fowks like them that want na milk and meal;. 

SANG XIV. ra^j^, O'er Bogie. 

WelU I agree ^ ye'* re fure of me. >• 

Next to my father gae : 
Make hint content to give confent i 

He'll hardly fay you nae : 
Tx,r ye have nvhat he nvad be at^ * 

And will co7nmend you- weeli 
Since parents auld think love grows cauld- 

Wherebaipns wantmlkaadmeds 

' Sb9uU 



\ 



yf'Paflbral Comedy^ fSS^ 

Should be den^i I care na fy. 

He'd contradi^ in vain : 
Tho" tC my kin had [aid andfworn^ 

But thee I msill have nane. 
Then never range, nor learn to change^. 

Like thefe in high degree : 
Andifyouprwejaithfulin love^, 

Tou II find nae fault in me, 

Rog, My faulds contain twice iifteca (brrow nowfy 

mony newcal in my byers rowt : 
It pack of woo I can at Lammap fell, 
orn frae my bob taiPd biecters on the fell. 
)od twenty pair of blankets for our bed» 
ith mcikle care, my thrifty mither made : 
: thing that makes a hartfome houfe and tight 
as dill her care, my father's great* delight, 
tiey left me aH, which now gi'es joy to me* 
caufelcan give a*, my dear to thee : 
id had I fifty times as mickle maii^ 
me but my Jenny fhou'd the famen (kair. 
y love and all is yours ; now had them fafl, 
ad guide them as ye like, to gar them laft. 

Jenny. V\\ do my beft ; but fee wha gangs this wayj 
aiie and Meg — -bcfides I maoona (lay; 
et's fl«al frae ither now, and meet the morn ; 

we be feen, we'll dree a deal of fcorn. 

Rog, To where the faugh-tree (hades the mcnimi pooI» 
U frae the hill come down, when day grows cool : 
eep tryft, and meet me there, there let us meet, 
;o kifs and tell our loves; there's nought fae fweet*. 

SCENE IV. 

PROLOGUE. 

This feene prefents the Knight and Sy m, 

IVithin a gallery oftheplace^ 
Where all looks ruinous and grim^ 

Nor hai the baron Jhonun his face; 
But j iking *with his JJjepherd leely 
4/} /peers thegate he kensfvH iveel. . ^ 



&\ 



:\r -M 



^6 The GENTLE SHEPHERD, 

5/rWILLIAM/w^SYMON. 
Sir IV. r I ^ O whom bcloogs this houfe fo much decay'd ? 
J_ Sy^ To ane that loft it, IcDdfbg genVous 
To bear the Head up, when rebellious Tail [aid, 

Agaioft the laws of nature did prevail. 
Sir JVilUam Worthy is our roafter's name, 
"Wha fills us all with joy, now He^s come hame. 

PROLOGUE. 
Sir William draps his niajking beard; . 

Symon tranfported, fees 
The nuelcome knight, nxiith fond regard^ . 

Andgrafps hitn round the knees. 

My mafter J my dear mafter ! — do I breath I 
To fee him healthy, (Irong, and free frae fkaith ! 
Return 'd to cheer his wifhing tenants fight I 
To biefs his Son, my charge, the world's delight*. 

Sir W. Rife, faithful Symon-, in my arms enjoy 
A place, thy due, kind guardianof my boy«t. 
I came to view thy care in this difguife, 
And am cbnfirm'd thy conduct has been wife ; 
Since dill the fccret thou'il fccurely feal'd. 
And ne*cr tohkn his real birth rcvcaPd. 

Sym, The due obedience to your flrifb command : 

Was the fird lock nei/l my ain judgment fand 

Out reafons plenty Since, without eftatc,. 

A youth, tho' fprung frae kings, look baugb and blate* 

Sir W, And aften vain and idly fpend their time, 
'Till grown unfit for a^ion, pail their prime, 
Hanson their friends— which gi'cs their fauis a caff. 
That turns them downright beggars at the lafh 

Symon, Now, well I war, (ir, ye have fpokcn true ; , 
For there's laird .Kytic% fon, that's loo'd by few, . 
His father fteght his fortune in his wame, 
And left his heir nought but a f^entle name : 
He gangs about fornan frae place to place, 
As fcrimp of manners as of fenfe and grace, . 
Opprcffing a' as punifhment o' their fm •* 
That are within his tenth degree of kin : 
Rins in ilk trader's debt, wha's fae unjutt:: 
To bb ane fam'ly as to gi'e him truft.. 

Sir 



1 



A Paftoral Comedy. 357 

Sir W, Such ufelcfs branches of a common- wealth. 
Should be lope oET, to give a (iate mair health. 

Unworthy bare reflcftion Synion, run 

O'er all your obfcrvations on my Too ; 
A parent's fondntfs eafily finds excufc. 
But do not with indulgence truth abufe. 

Sytn. To fpcak his praifc, the iangcft fimmcr day- 
Wad be owre (hort — cou'd I them right difplay. 
In word and deed he can fae well behave, 
That out of fight he runs before the lave : 
An,d when there's e'er a q^uarrel or conteft, 
Patrick's made judge, to tell whafe caufe is bed, 
And his decree (lands good— he'll gar it (land : 
^ha dares to grumble finds his correcting hand; 
With a firni'look, and a conjmanding way^ 
He gars the proudefl of our herds obey. 

Sir fV. Your tale much pleafcs — my good friencf, pro* 
What learning has he f can he write and read ? j^ceed"; 

Sjim, Baith wonder well ; for, troth, 1 didoa fparc 
To gi'c htm at the fchoo! enoogh of lair ; 
And he dclyts in books- He reads andfpeaki 
With fowks that ken them, Lath words and Greekt, 

Sir JV, Where gets he books to read—and of whatkiod? 
Tho* fome give light, fome blindly lead the blind. 

Sym> Whene'er he drives oor (hccp to Edinburgb poit^ 
He buys fome books of hifbry, fang or fport : 
Nor does he want of them a rowth at wittf 
And carrtcs ay a poutchfu' to the hill. 
About aoe Shake/pear and a famous Ben 
He aften fpeaks, and ca*8 them bed of men. 
How fweetly Hanuthornden and Stirling Cng, > 

And anc caw*d Cawieyt loyal to bis king, V 

He kens fou well, and gars their verfes ring. J 

I- fometimes thought, that he made o*er great firaize 
About fine poems, hidories and plays. 
When J rcprov'd him anes->a book he brings. 
With this, quoth he, on braes I crack with king». 

Sir !V. He anfwer'd well ; and much ye glad my ear, 
When fuch accounts I of my fhepherd hear : 
Reading fuch books can raife a peafant's miod 
Above a. lord's, that is not thui inclio*d» 



358 The GENTLE SHEPHERD, 

Sym. What ken wc better, that fac findlc Jooki 
Except on rainy Sundap^ on a book ? . 
When we a leaf or twa hafread, haffpcll, 
'Till a* the reft deep round as wecPs our fell. 

Sir/T. Well jelled, SytHon\—\y}x\, one qucftion more, 
rU only a(k ye now, and then give o*cr. 
The youth*s arriv'd the age when little loves 
Flighter around young hearts, like cooing doves ; 
Has nae young laifie, with inviting mein 
And rofy cheek, the wonder of the green, 
Eogag'd his look, and caught his youthfu* heart T 

Sym, I feared the warfl, but kcnd the fmalleft part» 
'Till late I faw him twa three tiroes mair fwect 
(With Giaud'% fair niece) than I thought right or meet, 
I had my fears ; but now have nought to fear. 
Since like yourfelf, your Ton will foon appear ; 
A gentleman enrich *d with all thefe charms, 
Miiy blefs the faircf^, bed-bom lady's arms. 

Sir W, This night muft end*his unambitious fire». 
When higher views (hall greater thoughts iofpire. 
Go, Sytnony bring him quickly here to roe, 
None but yourfelf (hall our firfl meeting fee. 
Yonder's my horfe and fervant nigh at hand. 
They come jufl at the time I gave command : 
Straight in my own apparel Til go drefs ; 
Now ye the fecret may to all Qonfefi, 

Sym, With how much joy I on this errand fke» 
There's nane can know that is not down- right me. 

[Exit Symon. 

Sir Williamy2>/tf/, Whene'er th* event of hope's fucccfr 
One happy hour cancels the toil of years : L^PP<^'% 
A thoufand toils are 1o{l in Lethe's Aream« 
And cares evanifh like a. morning dream ; 
Whea wi(h'd-for plcafures rife like morning lightj 
The pain that's pad enhances the delight. 
Thefe joys I feel, that words can ill exprefs, 
I ne'er bad known, without my late didreiit. 

But from his ruftic bufinefs and love, ^ 

I muft, in hafte, my Patrick foon remove, > 

To court! aod camps that may his foul improve* j 

Like 



A Pafloral Comedy. ^^ 

Like the roagh diamond, as it leaves the mine. 

Only in little breakings (hews its light, 
'Till artful polifhing has made it (hioe : 

Thus education makes the genius bright, 

SANG XV. Tuna, Wat ye wha I met yeftreca. 

Now from rtifticity, and lovcy 

IVhofe flames but over lowly burn^ 
My gentle Jljepherd muft be drove , 

His foul mujl take another turn : 
As the rough dlamond^from the mine^ 

In breakings onlyjhevjs its light , 
^Till polijlnng has made it Jhine^ 

Thus learning makes the genius bright* 



A C T IV. S G E N E. I. 
PROLOGUE. 

Thefcene defcrib' d in former page^ 
GlaudV onfet -"—Enter Maufe and Madge* 

Maufe. £^^VK laird come hame! and owns young 

V^ Pate his heir, 
That*s news indeed ! 

Madge, ->• — As true as ye ftand there. 
A« i^hey were dancing all in Symon's yard. 
Sir miliam, like a warlock, with a beard, 
Fives nives in length, and white as driven (naw, 
Amang us came, cry'd Had ye merry <?'. 
Wc ferly'd mickle at his unco look, 
^'bile frae his poutch he whiH'd forth a book. 
As we (lood rouod about him on the green, 
He view*d us a*, but fix'd on Pate his een ; 
Then pawkylic pretended he cou'd fpae. 
Yet fur his pains and fkall wad oaithing hae. 

Maufe, Then furc the la/Tcs, and iik gaping coof. 
Wad rin about him, and had out their loof. 

Madge* As fafl as (leas fl^ip to the t«te;of woo, 
Whilkdec tod Lanvrie hads without his mow. 



3^> Th GENTLE SHEPHERD, 
When he to drown them, and his hips to cool. 
In fummer-days Aides backward in a pool : 
In fhort, be did for Pat<f braw things foretel. 
Without the help of conjuring or fpcll j 
Ax lad, when well diverted, he withdrew, 
Poa*d off his beard to Symon, Symon knew 
His welcome mafler ; —round his knees he gat. 
Hang at his coat, and fyne for blythnefs grat. 
Patrick was fent for — happy lad is he I 
iiymon tald it El/pa, El/pa tald it me. 
Ye'Il hear out a' the fecret (lory foon ; 
And troth *tis e'en right odd wJieo a' is done. 
To think how Symon ne'er afore wad tell, 
Na, no fae roeikle as to Pate himfcll : 
Out Megt poor thing, alake ! has lofl her jo, 

Maufs. It may be fae, wha kens, and may be no. 
To lift a love that's rooted, is great pain ; '\ 

Even kings has tane a queen out of the plain, C 

And what has been before, may be again. j 

.Madge, Sic nonfcnfe ! love tak root, but tocher-good, 
^Tween a herd's bairn, and ane of gentle blood I 
Sic fafhions in king Bruce % days m'ghc be ; 
But fjccan fcrlics now we never fee. 

Mauje. Gif Pate forf^kes her, Bauldy fhc may gab, ) 
Yonder he comes, and wow ! but he looks fain ; v 

Nae doubt he thinks that Peggy % now his ain. j 

Madg;. He get her! flaverin doof ! it lets him well 
To yoke a plough where Patrick thought to teiii 
Gif I were Meg^ Td let young mafter fee — - 

Maufe. Ye'd be as dorty in your choice as he; 
And fo wad I : but whiHit ! here Bauldy comet. 

Enter Bauldy \^ftnging:\ 
]ocVy /aid to Jenny, Jenny nvilt ifjou dot^ - 
I^eer a fit, quoth Jenny //or my tocher- good; 
For my tocher-good, I'winna marry thee^ 
E ens ye like, quoth Jocky, ytmay let it be. 

Madge. Weel liltit, Bauldy, that's a dainty fang. 
Bauldy. I'll gic ye't a', 'tis better thaa 'tis lang. 

Ikml 



A PaftoriJ Comedy. j6i 

I hoe gonvd and gear ^ I hae land eneugh, 
I have /even goodo^fcn ganging in a pletigh ; 
Ganging ia a pleughy and linkan o'er thelee^ 
And gin ye nxUnna tak nie^ I can iet ye be^ 

I hae a good ha^ houfe^ a barn and a tyer^ 
Apeatftack Yore the door^ we*/! make a rantinfrti 
IHl make a raniinfire^ and merry fall ive be^ 
And gin ye nvinna tak me^ lean let ye be* 

}cnny /aid to JcJcky, gin ye *winna tell^ 
Tejhall be lad, I^ll be the lafs my fell : 
Xe're a bonny lad, and am a lajfie free / 
Xe^re nuelcomer to take me^ than to let fue hm 

trow fae,— -lafTes will come to at laft, 

ho< for a while they mauo their fnaw-baws eaft. 

Mau/e, Well, Bauldy, how gaes a*. 

Batildy. Faith, onco right : 

hope we'll a* fleep foirad, but ane this night : 

Madge, Afld wha*s ih* unlucky ane, if we may aflrt 

Bauldy, To find out that, is nae difficult taOc. 
»or bony Peggy, wha maun think nae raair 
D Pate turn*d Patrick, and Sir lVilliam^% heir, 
ow, now, good Madges and honed Maufe, (land be^ 
/bile MegH in dumps, put in a word for roe, 
H be as kind as ever Pate could prove ; 
efs wilfuS and ay conflant in my love. 

Madge, As Neps can witnefs, and the bufhy thorn, 
inhere mony a time to her your heart was fworn* 
y, Bauldy, blufh, and vows of \qsz regard; 
^\iaX other lafs will trow a manfwom herd^ 
*he carte of heaven hings ay aboon their heads, 
'hat's ever guilty of fie finfu* deeds. 
U oe*er advife my niece fay gray a gate, 
or will (he be advised, fou well X wate* 

Bauldy, Sae gray a gate ! roanfwom ! and i* the reft ; 
eleed, auld roudes,* — and in faith had bed 
at in your words, elfe I (hall gar you (land 
^ith a het face afore the haly band, 
k Madge, Yc'l! gar rae fland ! ye fhcveling^gabbit brock, 
vak that again, and trembling dread my rock^ 



'•f,r T/S^ GENTLE SHEPflERD. ' 
Ai\d ten (harp nails, that when my hands arc in, 
Canflyp the Ikin o'ye*r checks outo*cr. your chin. 

Baiihiy. 1 tak ye witncfs, Maufe^ yc heard her fay. 
That Im manfuorn, 1 winna let it gac. 

Madge, YeVc witncfs too, he ca'd me bony names, 
And fliould be ferv'd as his good breeding claims. 

Vc filthy dog ! [Flees to kis hair tike a fury, 

AJiout ^^///<f--Maufe endeavour t to redd them.'] 

Maufe. Let gang your grips j fy, Madge I howt, 
Bauldy^ leen, 
I wadna wi(b this tulzic had been fecn ; 
♦Tis fac daft like— 

£Bauldy^tf// oui o/Midgt^s clutches, nviii a bleed" 
hgnofe.\ 

Madge, —'Tis daftcr-Iikc to tholc 
An ether-cap like him, to blaw the coal. 
It fcts him well with vile unfcrapit tongoc* 
To cad up whether I be auld or young ; 
TRby^re aulder yet than I have married been. 
And, or they died, their bairns bairos have leeo. 

Mau, That's true ; and Bauldy^ yc was far to blame^ ^ 
To ca' Madge ought but her ain chriftcn'd name. • C 

BauL My lugs, roy nofe, and noddle finds the fame. 3 

Madge. Auld roudes ! filthy fallow, I fhall anid ye. 

Maufe, Howt, no ;— yc'll e'en be firiends wi^i honcfl 
Bauldy : 
Come, come, (hake hands ; this maun nac i&rder gac : 
Ye maun forgi'e 'm : I fee the lad looks wae. ' 

Bauldy. In.troth now, Maufe, I have at Madge nac 
But (he abufing iirft was a' the wytc []fpite ; 

Of what has happened, and (hou'd therefore crave 
My pardon (ird, and (hall acquitance have. 

Madge, I crave your pardon ! Gallows-face, gac greet, 
And own your faut to her that ye wad cheat. 
Gae, or be blaQed in your hedilth and gear, 
'Till yc learn to perform as well as fwear. 
Vow and lowp back !---was e'er tlic like heard t<ll ? 
Swiib tak hiiu dec!; he's owrciang out of hell. 

Bauldy 



A Paftoral Comedy. 3^3 

Bauldy {running offr\ His prefcncc be about us ! Curit 
were he 
That were coodemn'd for life to live with thee. 

E:<it Bauldy. 

Madge, {laughingP^ I think 1 hare towzlcd his haii- 
galds a-wee ; 
Hc*Il 00 (boo greio to tell bis love to me. 
He's but a rafcal that wad mint to ferve 
A la(fie fae, he does but ill deferve. 

Maufe, Ye towin*d him tightly— I commend ye for'r. 
His bleeding inout gae uk nae little fport : 
For this forenoon he had that feant of grace. , 
And breeding baith— to tell me to n>y face. 
He hoped I was a nostcb^ and wadna (land. 
To lend him m this cafe my helping hand. 

Madge. A nuitcb! — how bad ye patience this to bear, 
And leave him eeo to (ee» or lugs to hear. 

Maufe. Aold wither'd haiids, »k1 feeble joints like 
Obliges fbwk refentment to declioe* [yaanCf 

'Till afc 'tis feeOy when vigour fails, then we 
With cunning can the lack of pith fupply ; 
Thiif I pat a£ revenge 'till it was dark. 
Syne bad him come, and we (hould gang to wark s 
I'm fore he'll keep his tryft ; aad I came here 
To (eek your help, that we the £x>l may fear. 

Madge. And ipecial (port well hae as I proteft ; 
Ye'll be the watch, and I (hall pby the ghaift. 
A linen (heet wood round me. like aoe dead, 
VW cawk my face, and graoe aad (hake my head. 
We'll fleg him fae, he'll mint nae'mair to gang 
A conjuring, to do a lalEe wraog. 

Maufe, Then let us go ; for fee, 'tis hard on ntght« 
The wefllio cloud (hines with a fettiog light. {^Exeuni. 



Hh2 SCENE 



364 The GENTLE SHEPHERD 

SCENE 11. 

PROLOGUE. 

When birds begin to nod upon the bought 

j4nd the green f^waird gronvs davip *with falling deWp 

While g^jod Sir William // to reji retir'd^ 

7be gentle Shcplicrd, tenderly injpir'd^ 

Walks throw the brcom ivith Roger ever leet^ 

To meet, to comfort Meg, a?id takfarenuel, 

Roger, \ T 7 O W ! but I'm cadgic, and my licart lowpt 
W light; 

Mr Patrick^ ay your ihonghti were right; 
»Surc gcntlcfawk arc farcr fccn than wc, 
That naithing hac to brag of pedigree. 

fif'jy Jenny now, uha* brak my heart this mom> 
Is perfedlyielding— fweet— and nae mairfconi. 

1 fpak my mind-ike heard--I fpA again. 

She fmird—l kifsM— 1 woa*d» ner woo'd in vam. 

Patie, I'm glad to hear V- But O my change tUs day, 
Heaves up my joy» and yet Vm fometimcis wae. 
l*ve found a father, gently kind as brave. 
And an eftate that Jifts me boon the lave. 
With looks all kindnefs, words that love coofeft 
He all the father to my fouf expreft. 
While clofe he held me to his manly breaft : 
Such were the eyes, he faid, thus imird the mOQth 
Of thy lov*d mother, blc/ting o* my yotttb ! 
Wha fet too foon !— And while he praife beftow'd, 
Adown his graceAi* checks a torrent llow*d, 
My new-born joys, and this his tender tale. 
Did, mingled thus, o'er a' my th(;ughts prevail ; 
That fpeechlefs lang, my late kend fire I view'd^ 
While gufliing tears my panting breaQ; bedew'd : 
Vnufual tranfports made my head turn round, 
AVhilfl I myfclf with rifing raptures found, . 
The happy fon of ane fae much, reoown'd. 
But he has heard —too faithful Symon^t fear ! 
Has brought my love for Peggy to his ear, 
Which he forbids; — ah ! this confounds my peace, 
Wbile^ thus to beat, my bean noud Iboncr ccafe. 

RogtTi 



I 



A Pafloral Comedy^ 365 

Roger, How to advife yc, troth I'm at a (land : 

But wcr't my cafe, ye'd dear it up afFhand. 
Patie, Duty, and haf]en rcafon plead his cau/c ; 

But love rebels againd: all bouDding laws ; 

Fixt Id my foul the fhephcrdefs excels, 

Aod part of my new happioefs repels. 

SANG XVI. Tuney Kirk wad let me be. 

Duty and part ofreafon^ 

Plead Jhong on the parents Jtde^ 

Which lovefuperhr calls treafon^ 
Thejlrongeft mujl be obefd: 

For noiv, thS I'm one of the gentry^ 

My conjiancy faljhood repels ; 
For change in my heart is no entry ^ 

Still there niy dear Peggy excels. 

Roger, Enjoy them baith Sir William will be won i 

Your Peggfi bonny — youVc his only fon. 

Path, She's mine by vows, and ftrongcr tics of love, 
And frae thefe bands na<e fate my roii)d ihall move. 
I'll wed nane elfe, thro' life I will be true, 
But dill obedience is a parent's due. 

Roger. Is not our mader and yourfell to (lay 
Araang us here — or are ye gawn away 
To London court, or ither far afF parts. 
To leave your ain poor us with broken hearts ? 

Pat. To Edinburgh uraight to-morrow we advance, ") 
To London neift, and afterwards to France^ C 

Where I muft flay fome years, and learn-'- to dance, j 4 
And twa three other monky-tricks : —That done, 
I come harae (Irutting in my red heel'd (hoooi 
Then 'tis defign'd, when I can well behav^ : 
That I maun be fome petted thing's dull (lave; 
For fome few bags of cafli, that I wat wecl 
I nae mair need nor carts do a third wheel :■ 
But Peggy, dearer to me than my breath, 
Sonner than hfar fie news fhall hear my death. 

Roger. They ivha havejuft enough canfoundly /leep. 
The oiojrecome only Jajl.es fo^k to keep" — 

H h i> Oq^\ 



%6^ The GENTLE SHEPHERD. 

€ood tnaflcr Patrick^ tak your ain talc hame. 

l\u. What was my moroiog thought, at night's the ^ 
Tht poor and rich but differ in the Dame. [[farac 

Content's the greatell bhl's we can procure 
>'rac boon the hfi-- -without it kings are poor. 

Roger, Hut an efbte like yours yields braw content^ 
\Vhen we but pike it fcantly on the bent : 
Fineclaith;, fah beds, fweethoufes, fparkling wioCj 
E.ich fare, and witty friends, whene'er ye diney 
^ubmi(^lve fervants, honour, wealth and eale, 
M'ha's no content with thefeareill topleafe. 

Putie, Sac Rcger thinks^ and thinks not faramifs^. 
But niony a cloud hings hovering o'er their blifs l 
n^he pa{Rons ririe the roaft — and if they're four. 
Like the lean ky, they'll foon the fat devour : 
The fpleen, tint honour, and affronted pride,. 
Stang Hke the (harped goads in gentry's fide. 
The gouts, and gravels, and the ill difeafe, 
Are frequented with fowk owrelaid with cafe ; 
AV hile o*cr the moor the fhepherd, with left carPi 
Enjoys his fober wifh, and halefome air. 

Roger. Lord, man, I wonder, ay, and it delights 
My heart, whene'er I hearken to your flights : 
How gat ye a' that fenfe-I fain wad lean, 
That I may cafier difappointmcnts bear ? 

Patie. Frae books, the wale of books, I gatfbme ikilli 
Thefe bed can teach what's real good and ill : 
Ne'er grudge ilk year to ware fome (lanes of cheelt. 
To gain the(e (ilent friends that ever pleafe. 

Roger. I'll do't, and ye (hall tell me whjch to boy l 
Faith I'fc hae books, tho' I (hoa'd fell my ky : 
Jiut now let's bear how you're dcfign'd to move 
Between Six j¥tliiaiN% will and Peggy\ love. 

Patie, Tiro here it lies — his will maan be obcy'd, 
My vows ril keep, snd (he (haU be my bride: 
But I fome time thi» lad dcfign maun hide. 
Keep you the (ecret clofe, and leave me here ; 
I fcnt for Pi,:gjy yonder domes my dear. 

Roger. And proud of being your fecrciary, I 
Tq u>ie it frac me a* the dccis defy.. Eiut Roger. 

- PmiU 



A Pafforal CoraccTy. gffy 

Fatie \_jolu$,'\ With what a ftrugglc nraft I now impart 
My Other's will to her that hads my heart : 
1 ken (he loves, and her faft foul wil! fink» 
"While it (lands trembling on the hated Brink 
Of dtfappointment — heav'n fupport my fair. 
And fet her comfort daim yoor tender care : 

Her eyes arc red \Enter Peggy. 

My Pffgg/t why in tears ? 
Smile as ye wont, allow nac room for fears t 

Peggy, hdare not think fae high — 1 now repine 
At that unhappy chance, that made not me 
A gentle match, or (H 11 a herd kept thee, 
AYha can withouteo pain fee frae the coafl 
The (hip that bears his all like to be loft I 
Like to be carried by fbme rever's hand^ 
far firac his wi(hes to fome didant land. 

Patie, Ne'er quarrel fate, whilft it with mc remains 
To rai& thee up, or dill attendithefe plains. 
My father has forbid our loves, I own r 
But love's fuperior to a parentis frown : 

I faKhood bate : come kifs thy cares away ;: 

I ken to love as well as to obey. 

Sir lViI/iam*s generous ; leave the tafk to mc 

To make ftrid duty and true !o»e agree. 

Peggy* Speak on 1 fpeak ever thus, and ftill my griet 

But (hort I dare to hope the (bnd relief;. 

New thoughts a genller face will foon infpire. 

That with nice air fwims round in. Glk attire ;. 

Then I ! poor mc I — with, fighs may ban ray fate,. 

When the young laird's nae mair my heartfome Patc^ 

Kae mair again to hear fweet tales expreft. 

By the biyth fhephcrd that excell'd the refl i. 

Nae mair be envied by the tatdinggang, 

"VS^hen Patie kif^'d me, when I danc'd or wig ; 

Nae mair alake ! we'll on the meadows play ! 

And rin haffbreathiefs round the rucks of hay^ 

As aft- times I have fied from thee right fain,. 

And fawn on purpofe that I might be tane r 

Nae mair around x}^t foggy knonu I'll creep,. 

To, watch and llare upon, thee, while adeep.. 



j68 7?tf GENTLE SHE P HER IX 

But hear my vow^'twill help to give me eafc* 
May fudden death, or deadly fair difeafe. 
And ward of ills attend my wretched life> 
If e*er to ane but you I be a wife. 

SANG XVII. Tune^ Waes my heart that wc 
ihou*d fuoden 

Speak ofif /peak thus, and ft ill my griefs 

Holds up a heart tbafsftnldng under 
Thefe fears ^ tbatjoon nssill msant reliefs 

When Pate muftfrom his Vcggy /under. 
A gentler face and ftlk attire ^ 

A lady rich in beauty* s hlojfom^ 
A lake poor me! nvill now confpire^ 

Tofteal theefrofn thy PeggyV bofom^ 

No more the fhepherd nuho exctU d 

The reft, nuhofe ^it made them to njoctider^ 
Shall now his Peggy'/ praifes tell s 

Ah! I can dig, but never funder, 
Te meadows ^where nve ojienftrafd, 

Te banks nvhere nve nuere tvont to nvander ;. 
Sweet 'fcented rucks round which ns)e plafd, 

Toull lofeyourfwfits when wire af under ^ 

Again, ah! fhall I never creep 

Around the know with filent duty. 
Kindly to watch thee while ajleep^ 

And wonder at thy manly beauty ? 
Hear, heaven, while folemnly I vow, 

TTho* thou fhotCd prove a wandering lover ^ 
Throw life to thee Iftoall prove true. 

Nor he a wife to any other, 

Palie, Sure leaven approves— and be affur'd of me, 
rll ne'er gang back of what I've fwom to thee : 
And time, tbo' time maun interpofe a while. 
And I maun leave my Peggy and this iflc. 
Yet time, nor diftancc, nor the faircft face. 
If there's a fairer, e'er fhall fill thy place, 
rd hate my riling fortune, fhould it move 
1^ fair foundation of our faitljfn' love* 

If 



j^ Paftoral Coracdjr. 36^ 

It tny Toot were crowns and fcepters Uid» 
I bribe my foul frae thee, deHghtfuI maid» 
r thee Td foon leave thefe inferior things 
\ fjc as have the patience to be kings, 
hcrefore that tear ? believe, and calm thy mind. 
P^ggy> I greet for joy, to hear thy love fae kind ; 
hen hopes were funk, and nought but mirk defpair,, 
tde me think life was little worth my care : 
' heart was like to bur(t ; but now f fee 
y genVous thoughts will fave thy heart for me : 
ith patience then, I'll wait each wheeling year» 
sam thro' that night, 'till my day-flar appear \ 
d aH the while I'll fludy gentler charms 
• make nie fitter for my traveller's arms : 

gain on uncle CUud he's far frae fool, 

d wall not grudge to put me throw ilk fchoo>» 
bcrc I may manners learn 

SANG XVIII. Tuni, Twccd-lufc. 

;gy. WBen hope luas quite funk in dejpairp 

Mf heart it nuas going to break ; 
My life appeared nuorthlefs my care^ 

But nonu I nx3ill favUjfor thy fake% 
Where'c'er my love travieU by day^ 

Where-ever be lodges by nighty 
With me his dear image JhaU Jiay / 

j^nd my foul keep him ever injight* 

With patience^ Til 'wait the long year ^ 

Andjiudy the gentlejf chartfti t 
Hope time anvay till thou appear ^ 

So Uck thee for ay in thofe arms, 
. Whilfl thou wjajl a Jhepherd, I priz'd 

No higher -degree in this life ; 
3u1 nmx) Vll endeavour to rift 

To a height is becoming tfjy *wife^ 

For beauty ihat^s only fkin deept 
Mufl fade the likegovoans oflUx^^ 

Sut innvardly rooted, nuill keep 
For ever^ 'without a decay* 



370 The GENTLE SHEPHERD, 
Nor age, nor the changes of life. 
Can quench the fair fire oflovet 
If virtue^! ingrained in the tJ:ife^ 

And the husband have fcnf to approve. 

Patie. That's wifely faid, 

Aod what he wares that way (hall be well paid. 

Tho' without a* the little helps of art. 

Thy native fwecls might gain a prince's heart. 

Yet now, led in oar {iation we offend, 

We mud learo modes, to innocence imkend ; 

Aifelfl aft-times to like the thing we hate, 

And drap ferenlty, to keep up -ftate ; 

Laugh when we>e fad, fpcak when we've nought to fay. 

And, for the fafhion, when we're Wyih, fccm wac : 

Pay compliments to them we aft have fcoro'd, 

Then fcandaJize them when their backs arc taro'd. 

Peggy. If this is gentry, I bad rather be 
What 1 am dill but Til be ought with thee. 

Patie, No, no, my Peggy y I but onfy jeft 
Wkh gentry's apes ; for dill aman|;d the bcft» 
Good -manners give integrity a blceze. 
When native virtues join the arts to pleafe. 

Peggy. Since with nae hazard, and fae fmall expenc^ 
My lad frae books can gather ficcan fenfe. 
Then why, ah \ why (Koa'd the tempeduous lea 
Endanger thy dear life, and frighten me ? 
Sir William\ cruel that wad force his fon. 
For watna*whats, fae great a rifk to run. 

Pat. There is nae doubt but trav'lling does improve ; 
Yet I wou'd diun it for thy fake, my love : 
But foon as I've diook aff my landwart cad 
In foreign cities, hame to thee I'll hade. 

SANG XIX. Tune^ Bu(h aboon Trajua$r» 

Peggy. At fetting day and rijrng morn. 

With foul that fiillfhall love thee^ 
I'll ajk of heaven thyfafe return^ 
With all that can improve thee, 
rilviftt aft the birkin hujh. 
Where firfi thou kindly toldinc 

Bwcei 



A Paftoh! Comedy. 571 

Snueet tales of love, and hid my hluJJi^ 
IVkilfl round thou didft enjoldtfie. 

To all our hauntf I nvill repair. 

By greennuood-Jhanx) or fount at n ; 
Or nvhere the fummer-day Vdjhare 

IVith thee, upon yon mountain. 
There ivill I tell the trees and flovfri. 

From thoughts un feign d and tender ; 
By vows you^re mine, my love is youn 

A heart ixihicb cannot luauder. 

With every (etting day, and rlfing morn, 
I*U kneel to heaven, and a(k thy fafe return : 
Under that tree, and on the Suckler brae. 
Where aft we wont, when bairns, to ran and play : 
And to the Hijfeljha*w, where firft ye vow'd 
Ye wad be mine, and I as eithly trowM, , 
I'll aften gang, and tell the trees and flowers, 
With joy that they'll bear witnefs I am yours. 

Patie, My dear allow me frae thy temples fair 
A (hining ringlet of thy flowing hair. 
Which, as a fample of each lovely charm, 
rll aften kifs, and wear about my arm. 

Peggy. Were ilka hair that appertains to me 
Worth an eftate, they all belong to thee : 
My (heers are ready, take what you demand. 
And aught what love with virtue may command. 

Patie. Nae raair Til afk ; but fmce we'ye litdc time. 
To ware't on words, wad border on a crime, 
JLove*« faficr meaning better is expreft. 
When it's with kiifcs on the heart imprefl. ^ 

^ffere they embrace, and the cue tains let down* 



ACT 



372 TXtf GENTLE SHEPHERD. - 

AGTV. SCENE I. 

PROLOGUE. 

See Jjow poor B^uidyJ^arej like arte pofefl^ 
And roars up ^ti\Wifrae hh kindly reft : 
Bare-leggd, ivith night-cap, and unbuttoned ccat^ 
See the auld man comes forward to the fot^ 

Sjm» \ T 7 H A T want yc, Bauld/, at this filcnt hoar, 
V V ^'hcn nature nods bencattvthe drowfy pow'a 
Far to the North the fcant approaching light 
Stands equal 'twixt the morning and the night. 
What gars ye fhake, and glowrc and look fac wan ? 
Your teeth they chjtter, hair like briftlcs ftand. 

Bauld}. O len me foon fomc water, miikj or ale, . 
My head's grown giddy— legs with fhaking fail ; 
1*11 ne'er dare venture forth at night my lane : 
Alake ! Til never be myfeli again. 
I'll ne'er o'crput it ! Sjwon, O Spnon ! O ! 

[Symon gives him a drink, 
Sym, What ails thee, gowk ! — to make fo loud ado. 
You've wak'd Sir JViUiam, lie has left his bed ; 
He comes, I fear, ill pleas 'd ; I hear his tred. 
Enter Sir William. 
Sir IV. How goes the night ? Does day-light yet appear ? 
Symon, you're very tymoufly afleer. 

Sym, I'm forry, fir, that we've difturb'd your reft, ) 
But fomc ftrange thing has Bauldy's fp'rit oppreft, C 
He's feen fome wiich, or wrellled with a ghaiH. j 

Bauldy. O ! ay dear fir, in troth, 'tis very trucj 

And I am come to make my plaint to you. 

Sir /^77/. (fmilwg') I lang to hear't 

Bauldy, — Ah ! fir, the witch caw'd Maufe, 
That wins aboon the mill amang the haws, 
Firft promis'd that (he'd help me with her art. 
To gain a bonny thrawart laflie's heart ; 
As (he had t ry ikd, I met wi'cr this night, 
But may nae friend of mine get (Ic a fright ! 
For the cura'd hag, inllead of doing me good, 
(The very thougiji o't's like to ftecze my blood !) 

RaU^a 



A Pftfloral Cotnedy, 373 

Rais'd up a ghaifl or deel, I kenna whilk, 
Like a dead coarfe in fheet as white as milk; 
Black hands it had, and face as wan as death. 
Upon me fad the witch and it fell baith, 
LowsM down my breeks, while 1 like a great fool, 
\Vas labour*d as I won*t to be at ichool. 
My heart out of its hool was like to lowp» 
I pithlefs grew with fear, and had nae hope» 
^ rill, with an elritch laugh they vanifh'd quite ; 
Sync 1 haf dead iamk with anger, fear and fpitc. 
Crap up, and fled ftraight frae them, fir, to you. 
Hoping your help to gi*e the deel his due. 
I'm fure Juy heart will ne'er gi'e o'er to dunt, 
'Till in a fat iarbarrel Maujfe^^ brunt. 

Sir W. Well, Bauldy, whate -er's juft fhall grantedbc ; 
JLet Maufs be brought this morning down to me. 

Bauldy. Thanks to your honour, foon (hall I obey^ 
But firft rii Roger raife, and twa three mae. 
To catch her fall, or (he get leave to fqueel, 
itod cafi -her cantraips that bring up the deel. 

{Exit Bauldy, 

Sir W, Troth Symony Baiddy\ more afraid than hurt, 
Tbe witch and ghaift have made themfelves good fport. 
MThat nily nations x:roud the clouded mind. 
That is throw want of education blbd J 

Sym. But does your Honour think tlaere'snae iic tbiad 
As witches raifing deels upthrow a ring. 
Syne flaying ttkks, a thoufand I cou'd tell, 
Cou'd never be contrived on this fide hell. 

Sir IV, Such as the devil's dancing in a mooiv 
Amongft a few old women, craz'd and poor. 
Who are rejoyc'd to fee him frifk and lowp 
O'er braes and bogs, witli candles In his dowp. 
Appearing fometimes like a black-horn'd cow, 
Aft-tirocs like BaHvty, Badrafts^ or a Svw ; 
Tbea with his train throw airy paths to glide, 
While they od cats or ciowos, or broomflaffs ride, 
•>. -Or b the egg-fhell fl<im out o'er the main, 
■ To drink their leader's heakh in France or Spain ; 
Then aft by night, bumbaze hare-hearted fools, 
By tumbliDg down their cupboards, chairs and Hook. 

I i \NViax- 



374 7'/^^ GENTLE SHEPHERD, 
Whatc'cr's in fpclU, or if there witches be. 
Such whitnfies (eem the mod abfurd to me. 

Symon. 'Til true enough, we ne'er heard that a witch 
Had either meikle fenfc, or yet was rich : 
But Maufe^ tho* poor, if a fagadous wife. 
And Jives a quiet and very honcfl life. 
That gars me think that this hoblefhew that's pad 
\Vi]I end in naithing but a joke at laft. . ~ 

Sir/r. I'm fure it will ; but fee increafiog light 
Commands the imps of darknefs down to lught : 
Bid raife my fervants, and my horfe prepare, 
Whilii I walk out to take the morning air. 

SANG XX. Tune^ Bony gray-ey*d morn. 

The bony gray-eyd morning begins to peepf 

And darknefs flies before the rijing ray^ 
The hearty hjnd Jiarts from his lazy fleep^ 

To follow healthfiC labours of the day^ . 
Without a guilty Jiing to wrinile his brcntf. 

The lark and the linnet tend his levee^ 
And he joins their concert^ driving theplom^ 

From toil of grimace and pageantry free. 

While flufter'^d'with'wine^ or maddened vjtth lofi ' ■< 

Ofhalfaneftatet the prey of a main, j 

The drunkard and gamefier tumble and tofsp 

Wifhingfor calmnefs and ftumber in vain. I 

Be my portion f health and quietnefs ofmind^ \ 

Plac'd at due di/iancefrom parties andJiatCf I ' 

Where neither antbition nor avarice blind, | 

Reach him nuho has happinefs linked to bis fate, 

[Exeoot. 

SCENE 11. 
PROLOGUE. 
While Peggy laces up her bofomfair. 
With a bluefnood Jenny binds up her hair / 
Glaud by his morning ingle takes a beek. 
The rijing fun fhines motty throw the reek : 
A pipe his mouthy the lajfes pleafe his een, 
Andnrw and then his joke maun interveea. 



Claud* 



K 



A Paftoral Comedy. 375.^ 

Claud, X Wifh, my bairns, it may keep fair *till night, 

Jl^ Ye do not ufe fo foon to fee the light ; 
Kae doubt now ye intend to mix the thrang. 
To tak your leave of Patrick or he gang : 
But, do ye think, that now when he*8 a laird. 
That he poor landwart laffes will regard ? 

Jen, Tho' he's young mafter now, I'm very fare. 
He has roair fenfe than flight auld friends, tho' poor : 
But yederday he ga*e us mony a tug, 
Abd kifs'd my cufin there frae lug to lug. 

Claud. Ay, ay, nae doubt o*t, and he*Il do^t again ; 
But, be advised, his company refrain : 
Before, he, as a fhepherd, fought a wife. 
With her to live a chafle and frugal life : 
But now grown gentle, foon he will forfake 
Sic godly thoughts, and brag of being a rake. 

• Peggy* A rake, what's that ? — Sure, if it means ought 
He'U never be*t, elfe I have tint my fkill. [\\\, 

Claud, Daft lafHe, ye ken nought of the affair, 
Ane young and good, and gentle's unco rare : 
A rake's a gracelefs fpark, that thinks nae fliame 
To do what like of us thinks fin to name ; 
Sic are fae void of (hame, they'll never (lap 
To brag how aftcn they have had the dap ; 
They'll tempt young things like yoU; with youdith flufh'd, 
Syne mak ye a* their jeft when ye're debauch'd. 
Be wary then I fay, and never gi*c 
Encouragement, or bourd with fie as he. 

P^ggy* Sir Willtam^% vertuoos, and of gentle blood ; 
And may not Patrick too, like him be good ? 

Claud, That's true, and mony gentry mae than he. 
As they are wifer better are than we ; 
But thinner fawn ; they're (ae pnfc up with pride. 
There's mony of them mocks ilk haly guide. 

That (haws the gate to heaven ; I*ve heard my fell, 

Some of them laugh at doomfday, fin and hell. 

Jenny, Watch o'er us, father ! heh, that«s very odd, 
Sore him that doubts a doomfday, doubts a God. 

Glaud, Doubt 1 why they neither doubt, nor judge, 
nor think, 
Nor hope, nor fear ; but curfe, debauch, and drink : 

I i 2 ^^ 



J74 'T'he GENTLE BHEI^HERIX 

But Vm no fayiag tbM» at if thought 

That Patrick to Gc g^iits will e*cr be brought. 

Peggy, The Lord forbid ! Na, he kens better things : 
But beres comet aunt, her face fome ferly brings. 
EnUr Madge. 

Mad. Hafte, hafle ye, weVe a* fcnt for owrc the gatCt 
To hear, and help to red fome odd debate 
^Tween Maufe and Bauldy, 'bout fome withcraft fpcll 
At Sywon^s houfe, the knight (its judge himfcl. 

C/aud. Lend me my ildff— Madge ^ lock the outer4i» 
door, 
Al^ bring the laflcs wi'yc •,. I'll ftep before. lExil, 

Madge, Poor Meg!— Look, Je/tny, was the like e'er 
Ho*A^ bieer*d and red with greeting look her een ! [fecn I 
This day her brankan wooer taks his borfe,. 
To flrute a gentle fpark at Edinburgh croft \ 
To change his kent cut frae the branchy pldin. 
For a nice fword, and glancing headed caoe ; 
To leave his ram horn fpoons and kitted whqr,' 
For gentler tea, that fmellt like new-won hay ; 
To leave the green fwaird d«nce, when we gae flulk^ 
To ruflie amang the beauties clad in Hlk. 
But Meg, poor Meg! maun with the /hepherdt flay, 
And take what God will fend in hodden-gray. 

Peg, Dear aunt, what needs ye fd/h us wi' yourfcorm 
That's no my faut that Tm nae gentler bom. 
tjif I the daughter of fome laird had been/ 
1 ne*er had noticM Patie on the green : 
Now fioce he rifet, why fhould I repine I 
If he's made for another, he'll ne'er be mine : 
And thco,%he like Itas been, if the decree 
Difigns him mine, I yet his wife may be, 

iMadge, A bony ffory, trouth I But we delay; 

Ptin up your apions baltb> and come away. lExcufit. 



SCENE 



A Pafloral Comedy. 377 

'SCENE IIL 
PROLOGUE. 

Sir William //// the tnaa-arn^d chairs 

IVhi/e SymfM, Roger, Giaud, and M^ufc 
Attend^ and nviih loud laughter hear 

Daft Bauldy bluntly plead his caufe : 
For now it's teJl'd him that the tawz 

Was handled fy revengfu* Madge, 
Becaufe he brak good breeding's laws. 

And with his monfenfe raised their rage. 

Sir ^. A ND was that all? Well, Archbald, yt 

JTX wa« ferv'd 
No othcrwife than >yhat ye well defenr'd. 
Was it fa fmall a matter to defame. 
And thus abufe an hooeft woman's name ? 
Befides your going about to have betray d, . 
By perjury, an innocent young maid. 

Bauldy, Sir, I confeis my faut thro* a' the fieps, 
And ne*gr again (hall be untrue to Neps, 

Maufe, Thus far fir, he oblig*d me on the fcore, 
J kend not that they thought me fic before. 

Bauldy, An*t like your Honour, I belicv'd it well ; 
But trowth I was e*en doilt to feek the deel ; 
Yet with your Honour's leave, tho* (he's nae witch. 

She's baith a (lee and a reveogfu* 

And that my fotne-place (inds ; but I had bcft 

Haud in my tongue ; for yonder comes the Chaijl, 
And the young bony Witch, whifc rofic cheek 
^ut me without my wit the deel to feek. 

Enter Madge, Peggy, tf«i Jenny. 
^/rWill. [fcoiw^ <?/ Peggy.] Whofc daughter's (he 
that wears th* Aurora gown, 
"With face fo fair, and locks a lovely brown ? 
How fparkling are her eyes ! what's this 1 find ! 
The girl brings all my filler to my mind. 
Such were the features once adorn*d a face, 
W hich death too foon depriv'd of fwecteft grace. 

It ihis your daughter, Claud? 

1 i 2 Gjaud* 



378 The GENTLE SHEPHERD; 

Claud, Sir, (hc*8 my niece 

And yet (he's not but I fhould had my peace. 

Sir IV, This is a cootradidioo ; what d*ye mean ? 
She is, and fhe is not .' pray, Claud, explain. 
Claud, ikcaufe 1 doubt, if I fhould mak appear 

\\ hat I ha?e kept a fecrct thirteen year 

Maufe, YoQ may reveal what I can foJJy dear.. 
Sir IV. Speak foon: I'm all impatience i — 

Paiie, So am 1 ! 

For much I hopc» and hardly yet know why. 

Claud, Then^ fince my malter orders, I obey^ 
This bonyfundlmg ae clear morn of Met^r 
Clofe by the lee-lide of my door I found, 
jkH fwect and clean, and carefully hapt round, 
In infant-weeds, of rich and geode make. 
What cou'd they be, thought J, did thee forfake I 
Wha, warfe than brutes, cou*d leave exposM to air 
Sae much of innocence, fae fweetly fair, 
Sae helplefs young ; for (he appeared to me,. 
Only about twa towmands auld to be. 
] took her in my arms, the bairnie fmiPd 
With fie a look, wad made a favage mild; 
I hid the Hoiy, Ihe has pafs'd finccfyne 
As a poor orphan, and a niece of mine : 
Nor do I roe my care about the wean. 
For fhe's well worth the pains that I have tane; 
Ye fce (he's bony ; I can fwear (he's good. 
And am right fure (he*s come of gentle blood ;. 

Of whom I keona< oaithing ken I mair. 

Than what I to your honour now declare. 

Sir W, This tale fecms ftran^c! 

Patie, The tale delights my car !' 

Sir /r. Command your joys, young mao>^ titrth ap' 

pear. 
Maufi, That be my talk— Now, fir, bid all be hu(h„ 
9eggy may fmile — Thou haft no caufe to blu(h. 
Lang have I widi'd to fee this happy day, 
That I might fafely to the truth give way ;. 
T faatlmay now Sir William Worthy name, 
Hhe bed and nearcft patent (he oadaiffi.. 

Hfe 



A Paftoral Corned/. jyfr 

aw't at fird, and with quick eyes did trace 
Gller^s beauties in her dougbter*8 face. 
xlV, Old womao, do not ra?e— prove what you fay; 
dangerous in affairs like thb to play. 
W//>. What reafon, fir, can an old woman bar« 
ell a liCf when (he's fae near her grave I 
how, or why, it ihould be truth, 1 grants 
:ry thing that looks like reafoo want% 
mnes, 1 he flory*8 odd 1 we wifli we heard it out. 
r W, Make ha{le,good woman, and rcfolve each doubt. 
[Maufe goes forward^ leading Peggy to Sir Will.. 
iaufe. Sir, view me well, has fifteen years fo piew'd 
rinkled face that you have often view'd, 
t here I as an unknown ftranger (land 

nurs'd her mother,, that now holds my hand I 
ftronger proofs I'll give If you demand. 

r W. Ha, honed nurfe i where were my eyes before ! 
ow thy faithfulnefs, and need no more ; 
firom the lab'iinth, to lead out my mind, 

to expofe her, who was (b unkind ? 

Sir Will, embraces Peggy, and makes her fit hybim. 

ir WilL Yes, furely, thouVt my niece i truth miift 

prevail j 
no more words, 'till Mauft relate her tale. 
W. Good nurfe, difpatch thy (lory wing'd with bliffef^ 
it 1 may give my cufin fifty kiflcs. 
Vlaufe, Then it was I that fav'd her infant-life, 

death being threatened by an uncle's wife. 

1 (lory's iang ; but I the fecret knew, 
y they purfu'd with avaricious view 

rich c(late, of which they're now po(rc(l r 

this to me a confident confc/l. 

ard with horror, and with trembling dread,. 

:y'd fmoor the fakclefs orphan in her bed. 

It very night, when all were funk in re(l, 

nidnight-hour the floor I faftly pred, 

I Aaw the (keping innocent away, 

,h whom I travelled fome few miles e'er day.. 

day I hid me ;— when the day was done, 

£t my jpurney^ lighted by the moon,. 



38o The GENTLE SHEPHERD, 

'Till eaftwaid fifty mtlet I reached thefe plaint. 
Where needful plenty glads your chearful fwains. 
For fear of being fbaod out, I, to fecure 
My charge^ I laid her at this (hepherd's door ; 
And tooSi a neighbouring cottage here, that I, 
"Whate'er fhould happen to her, might be by. 
Here, honed GUmd himfel, and Symon may 
Remember well how I that very day 
Frae Roger* s ^ther took my little crove. 

Glaud, \yiith tears of joy happing down his heari\ 
I well remember*!: Lord reward your love ! 
Lang have I wi(h*d for this ; for aft I thought. 
Sic knowledge fome time fhould about be brought. 

Patie, 'Tis now a crime to doubt, — my joys art full. 
With doe obedience to my parent's will. 
Sir, with paternal love furvey her charms. 
And blame me not for rufhing to her arms : 
She's mine by vows, and would, tho* (Hll unknown. 
Have been my wife, when I my vows durft ovm. 

Sir ^. My niece, my daughter, welcome to my care. 
Sweet image of thy mother, good and fair : 
Equal With Patrick ; now my greateft aim 
Shall be to aid your joys, and well-match *d flame. 
My boy, receive her from your father's hand. 
With as good will as either would demand. 

[Patic and Peggy embrace^ and kneel to Sir Will. 

Patie. With as much joy this bleffing I receive. 
As anc wad life that^s finking in a wave* • 

Sir Will, rai/es them.'} 1 give you both myblefEog; 
may your love 
Produce a happy race, and ftill improve. 

Peggy. My wifhcs are compleat,— --my joys arifk. 
While I'm haf dizzy with the bleft furprife; 
And am 1 then a match for my ain lad. 
That for mc fo much generous kindnefs had ? 
Lang may Sir IVi/Iiam blefs thcfe happy plains, 
Happy while heaven grant he on them remains. • 

Paiie. Be lang our guardian, Hill our ma(lerl>e, ') 
We'll only crave what you fhall pleafc to gie ? C 

Th' eftatc be yours, my Peggy'9 aoc to me. j 

Claud* 



y^ Pafforal Cooicdy* 381 

Claud. I hope your honour now will take amende 
Of thcro that fought her life for wicked ends. 

Sir IV , The bai^ unnataal villain foon fliall ki:OW, 
That eyes above watch the affairs below ; 
1*11 ftrip liim foon of all to her pertains, 
And make him reimburfe his ill got gains. 

^^ay- To me the views of wealth, and an eftatc 
Seem light, when put in balance with my Pate : 
For Ms fake only I*il ay thankful bow 
Forfuch a kindncfs, 6eJI of men ^ to you. 

Sym, What double blythnefs wakens ivp this day, 
J hope now, fir, you'll no foon ha^k away. 
Sail I unfaddle your horfc, and gar prepare 
h dinner for ye of hale country fare ? 
Sec how much joy unwrinkles every brow, 
Our looks hing on the twa, and doat on you t 
Even Bauldy, the bewitched, has quire forgot 
Fell MaJge^t tawz, and pawky Maufe*t plot. 

Sir JV. Kindly old man, remain wkh yoa this day ! 
I nevev from thefe fields again will ilray ; 
Mafons and wrights (hall foon my houfe repair, 
And bufy gatdncrs fhall new planting rear ; 
My father's hearty table you foon fhall fee 
Redor'd, and my bed friends rejoice with me*^ 

Sym, That's the bcfl news } l^eerd this twenty year ! 
New day breaks up, rough times begin to clear. 

Claud. Godfavethe king, and Qlvc Sir IVilliamlangf, 
To enjoy their ain, and taife the fhepherd's fang. 

R^ger. VVha winna dance, wha will rcfufc^o ung? 
Vi'hAi fbepherd*s whilile winna hit the fpring i 

Bauldy. Vm friends wiib Mafi/e,"'\vhh very Madge 
Vm gree*d, 
All ho' they fkclpit me when woodly flcid ; 
I'm now fu* blyth, and frankly can forgive^ 
To join aod (ing, lang may Sir William Uve. 

Mad. Lang may he live ; -and Archbald learn to ftcek. 
Your g^b a wee, and think before ye fpeak^ 
And never ca^ her auld, that wants a man, 
£lfe ye may yet fqme witches fingers ban. 
This day Til with the. youngeft of ye ranv 
jftod brag for ay that I wa« ca'd the aunt 



383 The GENTLE SHEPHERD. 

Of our young lady,— — my dear bonny bairn ! 

Peggy. No other name Til ever for you learn : — 
And, my good nurfe, bow fhall I gratefu' be 
For a' thy matchlefs kiodnefs done for me ? 

Maufe, The flowing pleafures of this happy day 
Docs fully all I can require repay. 

Sir IV. To faithful Symon, and, kind Claud, to you,^ 
And to your heirs I give b endlefs feu, V 

The mailens ye pofTefs, as jufily due, ) 

For ading like kind fathers to the pair, 
AVbo liave enough bcCdes, and thcfe can fpare. 
Maufe, in my houfe, In calmnefs, clofe your days, 
With nought to do but iing your Maker's praife. 

Omnej. The L O R D of heaven return your honour's 
love. 
Confirm your joys, and a' your blefSngs roove. 

Paiie. iprefcnting Roger to &ir William.} 
Sir, here's my trudy friend, that always fliar'd 
My bofom fecrets» ere 1 was a laird ; 
Ciaud'z daughter Janet {Jennys think oae fhame) 
RaisM and maintains in him a Iover*s flame : 
Lang was he dumb, at lad he fpak and woo, , 
And hopes to be our honed uncle's (on ; 
Be pleas'd to fpeak to Claud (or his confent, 
1 hat nsnc may wear a face of difcontcnt» 

Sir/^. My fon's demand is fair.— (JAzw^, let roe crave, 
That trudy Roger may yonr daughter have 
With fiank conftnt ; aiid while he does remain 
Upon thefe fields, I make him chamberlain. 

Claud. You croud your bounties, Sir ; what can we^ 
But that we're dyvours that can ne'er repay I [iay, V 
Whate'cr your honour will's, I diall obey. j 

Roger, my daughter with my blefling take. 
And dill our mader's right your bufinefs make. 
Pleafe him, be faithful, and this auld gray head 
Shall nod with qoietnels down amang the dead. 

Roger, I ne'er was good a fpeaking a' my dayf> 
Or ever loo'd to mak o'er great a fraife ; 
But for my mader, father, and my wife, 
I will employ the cares of all my life. 

Sir 



A Paftoral Comedy. 38^ 

r W, My friends, I'm fatisfy'd yoa'U all behave, 
1 in his (lation, as I'd wi(h or crave, 
ver virtuous, foon or late ye'II find 
ard and fatisfadtion to your mind, 
maze of life fome times looks dark and wild ; 
oft, when hopes are highed, we're beguil'd. 
when we (land on brinks of dark defpair, '^ 

\ happy turn with joy difpels our care. C 

all's at rights, who lings bed, let me hear. j 

e^. When you demand, I readied Ihould obiey : 
ing you ane, the newed that I hae, 

SANG XXr. T«w, Goni-riggs arc bony. 

MyVsxxtis alover gtrfy 

His mind is never muddy ; 
Hit breath is fnueeter than new hay. 

His face is fair and ruddy : 
Hisjhape is handfome^ middle JIt^c^ 

He's comely in his nuawking^ 
Thefhining of his een fur p rife ^ 

*Tis heaven to hear him taiuking, 

Laji night I met him on a banuk. 

Where yelhm corn nuas growings 
There mony a kindly nuord he fpak 

That fet my heart a glowing. 
He kifs'dy and vo^*d he wad be mine. 

And loo'd me beji of ony^ 
That gars me like tojingjinfyfte^ 

corn riggs are bony. 

Let lajfes ofaftlly mind 

Rfifufe what maijl the/re wanting. 
Since we for yielding were dejignd. 

We chaflly fjyould be granting. 
Then Vll comply and marry Pate, 

Andfyne my Cockernony 
He^s free to touzle, air or late. 

Where corn- riggs are bony, 

SCOTS 



t 3«4 3 

SCOTS SONGS. 

The hapfy Lover*! Repnions, 

T^ H E laft time I came o'er the moor ; 
* I left my love behind me ; 
Yc pow'rs I what paio I do endure. 

When foft ideas mind me : 
Soon as the ruddy morn difplay'd 

The beaming day enfuing, 
I met betimes my lovely maid, 
In (it retreats for wooing. 

Beneath the cooling (hade we lay. 

Gazing and chafUy fporttng ; 
We kifs'd and promised time away, 

'Till night fpread her black curtain. 
I pitied all beneath the fkies, 

£v*o kings, when (he was nigh roe ; 
In raptures 1 beheld her eyes, 

Which cou'd bui ill deny me. 

Shou'd I be caird where cannons roar, 

Where mortal fteei may wound me. 
Of caft upon fome foreign (hore. 

Where dangers may fur round me ; 
Yet hopes again to fee my love. 

To feaft on Rowing kiffes. 
Shall make my cares at dillance mo?e. 

In profpc^l of fuch bliflcs. 

'io'all my foul there's not one p!.fec 

To let a rival enter ; 
Since (he excels in cv'ry grace, 

. In her my love (hall center. 
Sooner the feas (hall ceafe to flow. 

Their waves the Alps (hall cover. 
On Greenland ice (hall rofes grow^ 

Before I ceafe to love her. 

The next time I goe o'er the moor 
She (hall a lover fiod nie : 



Alii 



SCOTS SONGS, 3«^ 

ADd that my faith is firm and pure, :> 

Tho' I left her behind rac : . ^ . ** 

Then Hymen'z (acred bonds (hall chab 

My heart to her fair bofom> 
There, while my being does remain. 

My loyc more fre(h ihali blofTom. 



The Lafs o/Patie*s MM. 

XH E lafs of P^//tf 's mill. 
So bony, biyth and gay, 
. te of all my fkill, 
She ftole ray heart away. 
When tedding of the hay 

Bare-headed on the green, 
Love 'midf( her locks did play, 
And^vanton*d in her een. 

Her arms white, round and froootb, 

Breafls rifing in their dawn. 
To age it wou'd give youth, 

To prcfs 'em with his hand. 
Thro* all my fpirits ran 

An extafy of blifs. 
When I fuch fweetnefs fand 

Wrapt in a balmy kifs. 

Without the help of art. 

Like flowers which grace the wild| 
s She did her fweets impart, 

Whene'er fhe fpoke or fmil'd* 
Her looks they were fo mild. 

Free from affcded pride. 
She me to love beguii 'd ; 

I wifh'd her for my bride. 

O had I all the wealth 

Hopeton\ high moantains fill, 
Infur^d lang life and health. 

And pleafure at my will ; 

*Hopeton*s high mountains, thirty three miles (oath weft of 
UiniNirgh, where the right honourable the Earl ^ H^ton's 
tor fiold and lead are. 

K k V^ 



^ SCOTS ,S4)iJ-CS. 

I*d promife and fulfill, 
That none but bony (he, 

ThclafsofPtf/i^'smiU 
.Sbou*d (hare the fame wi' me. 



J^ELiA. To the Tune ^<GreeD«(Iearc«« 

YE watchful guardians of the fair» 
Who fklff CD wings^of ambient ^ix^ 
Of my dear Delia take a cacc, 

And reprefcnt her lover 
With all the gaiety of .youth, 
"With honour, judice, lo?e and truths 
-Till I return, her paffions footh 

Jor me, in whifpers move her. 

Be careful, no bafe fordid flave, 
With foul fuQkJn a golden grave* 
Who knows no virtue but to fave» 

With glaring gold bet witch her* 
Tell her for me fhc jvas dcfign'd. 
For me who know how to be kind* 
^nd have more plenty in my mind. 

Than one who's ten times richer. 

Let all the world turn iipfide dowo^ 
And fools run an eternal round* 
In qued of ^^bat can ne'er be founds 

To pleafe their vain ambition-. 
Let little minds great charms efpy 
In fhadows which at diftaoce lie, 
Whofe hop*d for pleafure when come fiigh. 

Prove nothing in fruition. 

But, cad into a mold divine, 
Fair Delia does with ludre (hine» 
Her virtuous foul^ an ample mine* 

Which yields a condaat treafare« 
Let poets in fubliraedjays, 
- flmploy their (kill her fame to rai(e ; 
]^et fons of mpfic pafs whole days, 

With well-tun*d reeds tp pleafe her. 



S € O T S S O N G S. 387 

The Tell(fvj'hair'd L add i tr 

[N April when primrofcs paint ihc fwcct ptain; 
And furamcr approaching rcjoiccth the fwain. 
The TtllcfW'hair^ d Laddie wou'd ofteniiracs go 
To wiids and deep glens where the hawthorn-trees grow.^ 

There under the fhadfc of an old facred thorn, 
fVith freedom he Tung his loves, evViog andmorn; 
*Ie fang with fo foft and inchanting a found, 
That Silvans and Fairies unfeen danc'd aroundi 

The (hepherd thus fung, thV young Maya be fair, 
icr beauty is dafh'd with a fcomful proud air; 
3ut Sujie was handfome, and fweetly cou^d Cng, 
ier breath like the breezes perfum'd in the fpring. 

That Madie in all the gay bloom of her youth; 
..ike the moon was UBconftant, and never fpoke truth ; 
iut SuJie was faithful, gpod-humour*d and free, 
ind fair as the goddefs who fpruog from the fea. 

That mamma's fine daughter, with all her great dowV; 
^as aukwardly airy, and frequently fow*r : 
Then fighing, he wifti'd, wou'd parents agree. 
The witty fweet SuJie his miftrels might be. 

N A N N Y-0. 

WHILE fonoe for pleafure pawn their health, 
'Twixt Itf// *and the Bagnio, 
*il fave myfelf, and without Health 
Cifs and cards my Nanr^Ov 
ihe bids more fair t*engage 2k Jcve, 
Than Leda did or Danae-0 X ; 
IVcre I to paint the qiicen of love, 
Mone elfe (hould fit' but Nanny 0.- 

How joyfully my fpirits rife, 
V^'hen dancing (he moves fincJy-O^ 

* Lais* A famous Corinthian courtezan. 
\ LeJa and Danae. Two beauties to whom Jove ma Je Tove ; 
to one in the figure of a fwan, to the other 10 a golden (bower. 



3tS SCOTS SONGSL 

* • M"'^^ ^^** hcav'n is by her cyci, 
, Whicii fparkle fo divincIy-O. 
Attend my f ow, ye gods, while I 
Breath id the bled Britannio^ 
None's happiocfs I (hall envy, 
A% long's ye grant me Nanny-O. 

CHORUS. 
My Uny^ bony Nanny-0» 
My loving charming Nanny-Ot 
I care not tbo* the nworld do knomi 
How dearly 1 hve Nanny-O. 



BONNY JEAN. 

LO V E^t Goddefi io a myrtk grore 
Said, Cufidi bend thy bow with Ijpeedf 
hor let the (ban at random rof e. 

For 7<rtfm*f baoghty heart muft bled. 
The fmiling boy, with divine art, 

From Paphos (hot an arrow keeo» 
Which flew unerring to the heart. 

And kiird the pride of bonny J4an. 

No more the nymph with haughty air, 

Refufes Willie^ kind addrefs ; 
Her yielding blu(hes (hew no care. 

But too much fondnefs to fiipprefi. 
No more the youth is fullen now, 

But looks the gayeil on the green, 
Whllft every day he fpics foroe new 

SurpriOng charms in bonny Jean. 

A thoufand tranfports crowd his breaft. 

He moves as light as fleeting wind. 
His former forrows feem a jeft. 

Now when his Jeanie is turo'd kind : 
Riches he looks on with difdain. 

The glorious fields of war look mcao^ 
The chearful hound and horn give pain. 

If ab(cQt from his bonpy Jean. 



The 



S G CT S S O N G S. 389 

Tbeday he fpcnds in amVous ga:e. 

Which even ia fummer (honcn'i feims : « 

When funk in down with glad amaze» 

He wonders at her in bis dreams. 
All charms difclos'd, (he looks more bright 

Than Tro/j fair prize, the Spartan queen t 
With breaking day he lifts his fight, 

And pan IS to be with boony Jean, 



The Kind Receptton. To the Tune ^ Auld lang^ fyne. 

SHOULD auld acquaintance be forgot, 
Tho* they return with fears ? 
Thcfc are the noblcft heroe's lot; 

Obtain *d in glorious wars: 
Welcome, my Varo^ to my breaft; 

Thy arms about mc twine. 
And make me once again as bled. 
As I was Jang fyne. 

Methinks around us on each bough,' 

A thoufand Cupids play, 
Whilrt thro' the groves I walk with you^ . 

Each objedt makes me gay. 
Since your return the fun and moon 

With brighter beams do ftiine. 
Streams murmur foft notes while they rup,*. 

As they did lang fyne. 
Defpife the court and din of (late. 

Let that to their (hare fall ; 
Who can efteem fuch flav'ry grea»r, 

While bounded like a ball ? 
But funk in love; upon my arms 

Let your brave head recline, 
We-11 pleafe ourfelves with hiutual charms, . 

As we did lang iyne. 
O'er moor and dale with yonr gay friend 

You may purfue the chace ; 
Afid after a bJyih bottle end 

All -carc^ in my embrace : 

.Kk3 J^i^ 



390 SCOTSSONGS. 

And in a vacant rainy day 

You (hall be wholly mine ; 
'Well make the hours run fmooth away. 

And laugh at lang fyne. 

The heroe pleas'd with the fweet air. 

And fjgns of gcnVous love, 
Which had been uttcr'd by the fair, 

BowM to the pow'rs above : 
Kcxt day with glad confcnt and hafte 

Th* approach'd the facred (hrine, 
"Where the good prieft the couple bled. 

And put them out of pine. 



The Penitent, To the Tuneof^ The lafs ^Liyiogftoo* 

PA I N 'D with her flighting Jamiiz love. 
Bell dropt a tear, — Bell dropt a tear, 
I'he gods dcfccDded from above, 

Well picas'd to hear,— Well pleat'd to hear. 
They heard the praifes of the youth 

From her own tongue, — From her own tongue^ 
"Who now converted was to truth. 

And thus (he Tung.— -And thus (he fung. 

Bled days when our ingenious fcx. 

More frank and kind,- — More frank and kind. 
Did not their lov'd adorers vex, 

But fpoke their mind,— -But fpoke their mind* 
Repenting now (he promised fair, . 

Wou*d he return,— -Wou'd he return. 
She ne*cr again wou*d give hiiii care. 

Or caufe to mourn,— Or caufe to mourn. 

Why lov'd I the dcferving fwain. 

Yet flill thought (hame,-— Yet flill thonght (hamc. 
When he my yielding heart did gain. 

To own my flame.— -To own my flame ? 
Why took I plcalure to torment, 

And feem too coy, — And feem too coy i 
Which makes me now, alas ! lament * 
If. M; flighted *pj»-— -Vlj ft^Xftd \qy« 



SCOTS SONGS. 3^ 

fe fair, while beauty's in its fpring, 

Own your defire,— Own your defirc ; 
^hile love's young power with his fbft wing 

Fans up the fire, — Fans ug;the fire. 
do not with a filly ^ride^ 

Or low defign, — Or low defign^ 
Refufe to be a happy bride. 

But anfwer plain, — But anfwer plain. 

Thus the fair mourner wail'd her crime ; 

With flowing eyes,— -With flowing eyes ; 
Glad Jamie heard her all the time. 

With fweet furprifc, — With fwcet rurprife» 
Some god had led him to the grove, 

His mind unchang'd,— — His mind unchang'd. 
Flew to her- arms, and cry'd, my love, 

I am reveng'd,-— I am reveng'd ! 



Love's Curb. To ibe Tune of, Peggy I mud love thee. 

AS from* a rock pad all relief. 
The (hipwreckt uoUn fpying 
His native home, overcome with grief. 

Half funk in waves, and dying ; 
'With the next morning fun he (pies 
A (hip, which gives unhop'd furprife, 
l^ew life fprings up, he lifts his eyes 

With joy, and waits her motion. , 

So when by her whom I long lov'd, 

I fcorn'd was and defer ted. 
Low with defpair my fpirits mov'd, 

To be for ever parted : 
Thus droopt I, 'till diviner grace 
1 found in Peggf^ mind and face ; 
Ingratitude appeared appear'd then bafcj 

But virtue more engaging. - 

Then now fince happily I've hit, 

I'll have ne more delaying. 
Let beauty yield to manly wit» 

We lofe oarfeUcs io fiayioft; 



3^2 SCOTS SONGS. 

rJl hade dull courtfhip to a clofc. 
Since marriage can my fears oppofe» 
"Why (hou'd we happy minutes Jofcy 

Since Peggy 1 miUt Jove thee I 
Men may be foolifh, if they pleafe> 

And deem't a lover's doty* 
To (jgh, and facrliice their cafe, 

Doating on a proud beauty :. 
Such was my cafe for many a ycar» 
Still hope :uccecding to my fear, 
Fallc Betty % charms now difappear, . 

Since Peggf% far out-(hine them*. 



ODE. 

HENCE every thing that can 
Difkiib the quiet of man; ^ 
Be blyth my foul. 
In a full bowl 
Drown thy care. 
And repair 
The vital Itrcam ? 
Since life's a dream. 
Let wine abound, 
And healths go round,- 
Wc'li flccp more found * 
And let the dull unthinking mob purluc 
Each endlefs wifh, and lii^J their toil renew. 



Bessy Belx and Marx Gray« 

OBtJfy Bell and Mary Gray 
They are twa bonny laffeSj 
They bigg'd a bower on yon burn-brae^ 

And thcck'd it o'er wi' rafhes. 
Fair Be(fy Bell I loo'd yeilreen, 

And thought I ne'er cou'd alter ; 
But Mary Gra/i twa pawky ecD, 
Tliey gar my fancy falter.. 



S C O T S S O N G S. $93 

Now BdJ}'s hair's like a lint tap. 

She fmiles like a Maymormog^ 
When Phoebus ftarts frac 7">&tf//j* lap. 

The hills with rays adorning : 
While is her neck, faft is her hand, 

Her wafte and feet's fow genty. 
With ilka grace ihe can command, 

Her lips, O wow ! they're dainty. 

And Mary\ locks are like the craw. 

Her eye like diamonds glances ; 
She's ay fae clean red-up and braw. 

She kills when e*er {he dances : 
BIyth as a kid, with wit at will. 

She blooming, tight and tall is ; 
And guides her airs fae gracefu' (lill^ 

O Jove ! file's like thy Palias. 

Dear Beffy Bell and Mary Gray^ 

Yc unco' fair opprefs us, 
Oar fancies jee between you twae^ 

Ye are (ic bonny lafles : 
Wae*s me, for baith I-cannaget, 

To ane by law we're Rented ; 
Then I'll draw cuts and take my fate« 

And be with ane contented. 



The young Laird and Edinburgh Katy. 

NO W wat ye wha I met yeftreen 
Coming down the ftrcet, my Jo, 
My miflrefs m her Tartan fcrcen, 

Fou bonny, braw and fweet, my Jo. 
My dear, quoth I, thanks to the night 

That never wifii'd a lover ill : 
Since ye'rc out of your roither's fight. 

Let's take a wauk up to the hill. 
O Katy^ wiltn gang wi' me. 

And leave the dmfome town a while ? 
The bloflbm's fprouting frac the tree. 

And a' the fummer's gawn to fmile; 



•t^ 



394 S G O T S S O N G 9. 

The mavis, nightingale aod lark. 

The blccting lambs aod whillling hynd; 
lo ilka dale, green, fbaw and park, 

Will Doarifh health and glad yeV mindi 
Soon as the clear goodman of day 

Does bend his morning draught ofdcw, 
"We'll gae to fome burn-fide and play, 

An^ gather flowers- to bufk ye'r brow. 
We'll pou tlic daizies or the greeor 

The lucken gowans frae the hog ; 
' Between hands now and then we'll lcaa>. 

And fport upo' the velvet fog. 

There's up into a pleafant glen» 

A wee piece frae ray father's tower, 
A caony, faft and flow'ry den, 

Which circling blrks has fbrm'd a bower : 
When e'er the. fun grows high and warm» 

We'll to the cau'ler (hade rembvct 
There will 1 lock thee in mine arm, 

And love and kiis, and kifs and love 



KatyV Afifwer^ 

MY Mither*! ay glowrao o'er me, 
Tho' (he did the fame before mc». 
I canoa get leave 
To look to my love. 
Or elfe Hie'll be like to devour mc. 

Right fain wad I take ye'r offer. 
Sweet Sir, but I'll tine my tocher, 

Then, Sandy, yell fret, 
And wyt ye'r poor KaSe^ 
When e'er ye keek b your toom coffer. 

For tho' my father has plenty 

Of filler and plcoifhing dainty. 

Yet he's unco fweer 
To twin wi* his gtar; 

AvA fae we had seed to be teoty.. 



TttW 



S -C O T S S O N G S. 395 

Tutor my parents wi' cautipn, 
Be wylie in ilka motion ; 

Brag we'll o' yc'r land, 
And there's my leal hand. 
Win them, Til be at your devotion. 



Spoken to Mrs N. 

A Poem wrote without a thought, 
By notes may to a fong be brougln;, 
Tho' wit be fcarce, low the deGgn^ 
And numbers lame in cv^y line : 
But when fair Chrifty this (hall fing 
-in confort with the trembling firing, 
O then the poet's often prais'd. 
For charms fo fweet a voice 'bath rais'd. 



M A RY S C T. 

HAppy's the love which meets return. 
When in foft flames fouls equal burn ; 
But words are wanting to difcovcr 
The torments of a hopeiefs lover. 
Ye rcgiiiers of heav'n relate. 
If looking o'er the rolls of fate. 
Did you tlure fee mark'd for my marrow 
Mary iicot the flower of Tarrovj ^ 

Ah iiv) ! her form's xo& heavenly fair, " 
Her iove the god » above, muft fharc, 
While mo'.iai^ '.vith viefpair explore her, ' 

And at -i dii.arxc d: • adore her. 
O loveivmiid ! my doubts beguile. 
Revise a.id blf^ls ine with a fmile; 
Alas ! :i- not yuu'i.- )bon debar a 
Sighi'^g lv.am Vrz !i..nks ofTarrow. 

r><.'. hufh, ye fesr^ Til not defpair. 
My Alary' s tender as Ihe's fair ; 
Then I'll go tell he* all mine angulfh ; 
She is too good to let tnc languKh ; 



39< SCOTSSONGS. 

Withfucccfs crown'd, Til not envy 
The folks who dwell above the fky ; 
When Mary Scoft become my marrow. 
We'll make a paradife on Yarrow. 



G*er Bo g i e* 

IWill cnx>a^ ivP my love^ 
I nuill anud nvP ber^ 
Tho^ a* my kin hadfwom andfaid^ 

ril o'er Bogie nvt her. 
If I can get but her confent* 

I dinna care a (Irae, 
Tho' ilka ane be difcoDtent* 

Awa' wi' her Til gae. 
Jni)illawa\ &c. 

For now (he's miftrefs of my heart* 

And wordy of my hand. 
And well I wat we (hanna part. 

For filler dr for land. 
Let rakes dclyte to fwear and dnnk. 

And beaus admire fine lace. 
Bat my chief pleafore is to blink 

On Betty^ bony face. 
InuHlamki'y 3cc. 

There a' the beauties do comtNnc* 

Of colour, treats and air. 
The faul that fparkles ia her cea 

Makes her a jewel rare : 
Her flowing wit gives ihining life 

To a* her other charms, 
How bled ril be when (he's my wife* 

And lockt up in my arms. 
1 nuill anva\ &c. 
There blythly will I rant and fing* 

While o'er her fweets I range, 
I'll cry, Your bumble fervant king, 

Shamefa' them that wa'd diange 



AVA 



SCOTSSONGS; ^7 

A kifs of Betty and a (milct 

Aboet ye wa'd lay down 
The right ye ha'e to Brkain's iflct 

And offer me your crowoy 



OVr the Moar to Maggy, 

A ND rn o*er the moor to Maggy, 
*^ Her wit and fweetocfs call mc. 
Then to my ftif lH (how my mind, 

Whatever may bcfal.me? 
Iffhe love mirth. Til learn to (ing; 

Or likes the nine to follow, 
rll lay my lugs in Pindus' fpriogj 

And invocate ApoUo, 

If (he admire a martial mind, 

-I'll (heath my limbs in armour j 
If to the fofter dance inclined, 

With gayeft airs 1*11 charm her; 
If (he love grandeur, day and night 

rll |4ot my nation's glory. 
Find favour in my prince's fight. 

And (hine in future (lery. 

Beauty can wonders work with eafe, 

Where wit is correfponding, 
And braved men know beft to pleafe. 

With complaifance abounding. 
My bony Maggy\ love can turn 

Me to what (hape (he pleafes, 
If to her bread that flame (hall bam 

Which in my bofom bleezes. 



ni never leave thee, 

JONNY. 

TH 0* for fcvcn years and mair honour (hou'd reave . 

1>&ids where cannons ralr, tliou necdna ^t\c^t!S^tc\ 

L 1 ^w 



398 8 C O T S S O N G S. 

For deep in my fpint thy fweeti are indented, 
And love (hall preferve ay what love has imprmted. 
Leave thee, leave thee, Til never leave thee. 
Gang the warld as it will, deareft believe me. 

NELLY. 
O J^9my^ Tm jealous, when e'er ye difcover 
My fcntiments yieldina, ye'U turn a loofe rover; 
And nought i* the wand wad vex my heart fairer, 
If you prove unconftaoc, and fancy ane fairer* 
Crieve me, grieve roe, oh it wad grieve me ! 
K the lang night and day, if you deceive me. 

J N NT. 
My Nelly, let never fie fancies (mrefi ye. 
For while my blood's warm V\l kiocOy carefi yt ; 
Your blooming faft beauties firft bected love's fire. 
Your virtue and wit make it flame ay the higher: 
Leave thee, leave tltee, Til never leave thee. 
Gang the warld as it will, deareft believe me. 

N E L Lr. 
Then, Jcrtay, I frabkly this minute aUow ye 
To think me your mi(lre(s, for love g^ me trow ye; 
And gin ye prove fa'ie, to ye> fel be it (aid then, 
Ye'U win but froa* honour to wrang a kind maiden. 
Reave me, reave me, heav'ns ! it wad reave mc 
Of my reft night iod day, if ye deceive roc 

J N Nr. 

ItiJ ice(hogIes hammer red gauds on the ftody. 
And ^ir (immer mombgs nae mair appear ruddy ; 
Bid Briiottt think ae gate, and when they obey ye. 
But never *till that time, beheve 1*11 betray ye ; 
Leave thee, leave thee» 111 never leave thee ; 
The (lams (hall gang withcrihins e'er 1 deceive ihee. 

PoLWAKT ^m /ie Grtem. 
A T Polwart en t^grttn 

tfhtrt UJtt 4: ccKwtn 

AkmMf 



8 C Q T S S O N G S. 399 

A kiodly welcome yc fliall meet 

Frae her wba likes to view 
h lover and a lad complete. 

The Jad and lover you. 

Let dorty dames fay na. 

As lang as e'er they jpleale. 
Seem catUder than the ina% 

While inwardly they bleeze ; 
But I will frankly ihaw my mind, 

And yield my heart to thee ; 
Be ever to the captive kind 

That laogs oa to be be free. 

^t Po/nvart on the grcen» 

Among the new-naawn hay« 
IVith fangs and dancing keen 

"We'll pafs the heartfome day. 
4t night if beds be o*er thrang laid^ 

And thou be tnvin^d of thine, 
Thoujhalt he 'OKheme^ n^ dear Mi 

To take a part of mm^ 



JoHM HatV Bon^Lagie. 

BY finooth windii^ Ti^ a fwam was Tediok^, 
Aft ay'd be. Oh hey ! mauo I ftill live pbiof ' 
4y (ell thus away, and darent difcover 
To my bony Hay diat I an her lover. 

Nae mair it will hide, the ikme waxes ftranger^ 
If (he's not my bride, my days are n&e langer ; 
Then I'll take a heart, and try at a venture, 
tfay be e'er we part my vows may content her. 

She's fre(h as the fpring, and fweet as Aurora, 
^hen birds mount and fing bidding day a good-morrow. . 
The fward of the mead eoaraei'd.with dailies, 
^ooks wither'd and dead when twin'd of her graces. 

But if (he appear where verdures invite her, 
rbe fouDtsuns ran dear, and flowcis fincU the fweetef \ 



k 



400 S C O T S S O N G S. 

'Tis heay*o to be by, when her wit is a flowing^ 
Htr froilcs and bright eye &t my fpiriit a glowiBg» 

The mair that I gazc» the deeper Tm wounded; 
Struck dumb with amaze, my miod is coofouoded ^ 
I'm all in a fire, dear maid to carcfs ye» 
for a' my deQre is Hay*% boDy lalEe. 



Ccntyli^^^ and finfy Nelay. 
To the Tune ^/^Tibby Fowler in tki GUm* 

TI B B Y has a (lore of charms. 
Her genty fhape our fanqr wamif ». 
How Aarkly can her fma' white arms. 

Fetter the lad wha looks bat at her ; 
Frae anclt to her (lender waift, 

Thefe fweeu conoeard inrhc to dawt bov 
Her rofie cheek and ri(ingbrealt». 

Gar ane'ft mouth gii(h bowt foa' o' watei. 

NeHy% gawfy, Mt and psf^ 
Frefh as the lud^en fiowen in May^ 
Uk ane that fees her, cries, Ahhtyt 

She's bony, O I wonder at her I 
The dimples of her chin and dkeck* 

And fimbi iae plump nmte to dawt bciv 
Her lips fae fweet, and (km iae fleck. 

Gar mony mouths befidc nunc water* 

Now (Irikc my finger in a k>rc» 
My wyfon with the maiden fliore. 
Gin I can tcU whilk I am for 

Whep thefe twa flars appear thcgetkcr. 
O love 1 why doft thou gi'c thy fires 

Sae large ? while we*re obliged to luthcr 
Our fpacious fauls immenfe defiresj 

And ay be in a hankerin fwither. ^ 

7/%'s fhape and airs are fine, 
. And Nelly t beauties are divine; 
BiH fioce they caana baith be OBor^ 

Ye 



SCOTS SO NO S. 401 

Ye gods give ear to my petidon. 
Provide a gCMxl lad for the cane. 

But let it be with this pro?ifioo« 
J get the other to my Janet 

In pro(pe>dl flano and frottion. 



Up in tbi Air. 

NO W the fun's gane oat o' fijght. 
Beet theingiet and inufFthe light: 
In glens the fairies Sdp and dance. 
And witpbet wallop o*er to France^ 
Up in the air 
On my bony grey mare. 
And I fee her yet^ and I lee her yet. 
Up b, isc. 
The wind's driftmg hail and fin* 
O'er firozen hags like a foot ba% 
Nae (lams keek throw the azure (Etf 
'Tis cauld and mirk as ony pit, 

The man i* the mooi 
Is carowOng aboon, . 
D'ye lee, d'ye fee, d'ye fee him yet. 
The man, isc. 
Take your ghfs to clear your een, 
Tis the EliKir hales the fpleen, 
Baith wit and mirth it will infpire. 
And gently pufis the lovers fire. 

Up in the air. 
It drives away care, 
Ha'e wi' ye, ha'e wi' ye, and ha'e wi* ye, lads, yet. 
Up in, isc. 
Steek the doors, keep out the froft. 
Come, Willy, gi'es about ye'r toft, 
Til't lads, and lilt it out. 
And let us ha'e a blythforoe bowt. 

Up wi't d>creft t||0%^ , 
Diona cheat, ^^fvSLv^ 
Huzza, huzzai and husttp^ Uds, yet* 



I 



t 40J 1 

Tb Mrs A. C. y^ Song. TofAe Tune of^ AB m the Domiib 

WHEN beauty Uazcs beatenry bright. 
The roufe can do more ceale to fing,. 
Thao can the lark, with riiing lighl». 
Her notes ncgled with droopmg wing. 
The rooming (hines, harmomoas btrdt mount higji.;: 
The dawning beauties fmilt» and poets fly^ 

Young Annie % budding graces chim 

Tb' infpired thought, and fofteft lays ;; 
And kindle m the bread a flanie« 
Which.muft be vented in her praife. 
Tell us, ye gentle fhepherds, have you feeni 
E'er one fo like an angel tread the green ? 

Ye youth,, be watchful of your hearts ;. 
When (he appears, take the alarm :. 
Love on her beaut j. poinu his darts,. 
And wings an arrow from each charm*. 
Around hc&eyea and fmilcs the graces (port^ 
And to her fnowy neck and breafla^reforU 
But ?ain mod every cauuon proves. 

When fuch enchantiag fweetnefs fluDCf^ 
The wounded Twain rou(L yield* to Jovc^ 
And wonder, tho' he hopelefs pines. 
Such flames the foppifh butterfly fhoo'd (hno;^ 
The eagle's only fit to view the fun.. 

She*s as the opening lily fair. 

Her lovely ^tures* arc comptete ; 
Wbilft heavon indulgent makes her (faase.* 
With angels all that's wife and fweet. 
Thefe virtues^ which divinely deck Wr mind;. 
Exalt each beauty of th' inferior kind. 

Whether (he lovo the rural fcenes,: 

Or fparkle in the aify town, 
O ! happy he her favour gains. 
Unhappy ! if (Kc on^ him firown.. 
The mufc uowilllng (|uits the lovely themoy 
4dicu?ftic liogst and' thrice, repeats bcr name. 



C 40J I 

To Mrs E. C. -r/SoDg. 7!? i&e Tune af, Tweed-Sd^ 

NO W Phoebui advancci on high ; 
No footftqys of winter are feen ;. 
The birds carrol fwect in the iky. • 

And lambkins dance reels on the greca.. 
Thro* groves, and by rivulets dear, 

Vic wander for pleafurc and health*. 
"Where bnddings and bloIToms appear,. 
Giving profpedls of joy and weahlu 

View every gay fcene all around,. 

That are, and that promife to be ;. 
Tet in them all nothing is found 

So perfea, Elifa^ as thee. 
Thine eyes the clear fountains excel f. 

Thy locks they out-rival the grove ;. 
"When Zephyrs thefe pleafingly fweil,. 

Each wave makes a oaptive to love*. 

The rofes and lilies combin'd^. 

And flowers of mod delicate hue^ 
Jy thy check and thy breads areout(hin*d; 

Their tind^ures are nothing fo true. 

TSHiat can we compare with thy voice, 
And what with thy humour JTo fwect?- 

Koroufic can.blefs with fuch joys ; 
Sure angels are juft fo complete. 

F«r blofFom of every delight,. 

Whofe beauties ten thoufands out-fhine^ . 
Thy fipets (hall be laftingly bright^ 

Being mixt with fo many divine. 

Te powers, who have ^ven fuch charmt 

To Elifa^ your image below, 
D ( fave her from all human harms, 

And make her hours happily, flow* 



r^ 



C 404 3 

7« Galiita : A jSoog. To ibi Tune e^ I wiflmif 
Lore were in a Mire. 

^ HEfung^ tbi youth attention gaye^ 

^^ And charms on charms cfpiis^ 
Then all in raptures falls ajlave. 

Both to her voice and eyes. 
So rpoke and fmilM the Eaftem maid. 

Like thine, feraphic were her chamu^ 
That in Circajpa^% vioeyardi (hray'd. 

And blefl the wifeft monardi's arm^. 

A thoafand fiur, of high defert, 

Stra?e to enchant the amorous king ; 
But the QrcaJJian gain'd hit heart. 

And taught the royal bard to flng. 
Califla thus our fang iofpirc;^. 

And claims the fmooth nd higheft layi % 
But while each charm oar bofom fires. 

Words fcem too lew»to Ibund her ftaife. 

Her mind in ey'ry grace complete. 

To paint, furpafles haman fkifl ; 
Her roajefly, mtxt with the (weer ; 

Let leraphs fing her if they will : 
"WhiMl wondering, with a rafifh'd eye* 

We all that's perfedl in her fiew^ 
Viewing a Gi\^x of the iky. 

To whom an adoratioo's doc* 



A SONG. Tune of, Lochaber no mor^ 

FArewell to Lochaher, and Arewcll, my Jean, 
Where hartfomc with thee jVe roony day beeoj^ 
For Lochaber no more, Lochaber no more, 
We'll may be return to Lochaber no more. 
Thefe tears that I (hcd, they are a' for my dear. 
And no for the dangers attenduig on weir, 
Tho' bore on rough Teas to a far bloody fliorr , 
May be to rctaro to Lochaber no more. 

Tho- 



S C O T S S O N G S. 4«5 

Tho* hurricanes rife, and rife ev'ry wind, 
They'll ne'er make a tempeft like that in my mind t 
Tho' louded of thunder on louder waves roar. 
That's naithing like leaving my Jove on the (hore» 
To leave thee behind me, my heart is fair jKun'd, 
By eafe that's inglorious no fame can be gain'd ; 
And beauty and love's the reward of the brave* 
Aod I muft dcferve it before I can crave. 

Then g)ory, my Jeanj, maun plead my excufe ; 
Since honour commands me, bow can I refufe I 
Without it I ne'er can have merit forthce* 
And without thy favour I'd better not be. 
I gae then, my lafs, to win honour and fame; 
And if 1 (hould luck to come glorioufly hamt, 
rll bring a heart to thee with love running o'er» 
Aod then I'll leave thee and Lochabcr no more. 



hhttjiftlth a Umt of Land. 

Gr E me a lafs with t lump of land, 
And we for life HiaH gang thegither; 
Tbo* daft or wife I'll never demand^ 
Or black or fair it makfna whether.^ 
I'm affwith wit, and beauty wiH fade, 

Aod blood alane is oo worth a fhilling ; 
But (he that's rich, her market's made» 
For ilka charm about her b killing. 

Gi'e me a lafs with a lump of land^ 

^ Aod in my bofom 1*11 hug my treafure % 
Gio I bad anes her gear iumy hand, 

Shou'd love turn dowf, it will find pleafure. 
Laugh on wlia likes, but there's my haod, 

I hate with poortith, tho' bony, to meddle ; 
Uoleis they bring caih, or a lump of land, 

They 'fe never get roe to dance to their fiddle. 

There's meikle good love in bands and bags. 
And filler and gowd's 'i (weet coropk^tion ; 

But beauty, and wit, and virtue in rags, 
Have tint the art of gaioing afFc^tioB. 



406 S C O T S S O N G S. 

LofC tips his arrows with woods and parks. 

And cafflcs, aod riggs, aod moors, and noeadows; 

And naithing can catch our modem fparks, 
But well tochcr'd laflcs* or jointcr'd widows. 



Viarui mid Wit the Prefervaiives ^Lovc and Beaotjr. 

Ta the Tune <f, Gillikiiaoky. 
To Mrs K. H. 

COofefs thy love, fiur blufliiog maid*; 
For fioce thine cye*s conTcnting^ 
Thy Tafter thougbu are a' bcuay'd. 

And nalays no worth tenting. 
"Why aims thon to oppofe thy mind. 

With words thy wi& denying ? 
Since nature made thee to be knd^ 
Reafon allows complying. 

Kature aod rea(bn*s joint confcot 

Make lo? e a facred bleffing ; 
Then happily that time is ipent» 

That's war'd on kind careffing. 
Come then, my Katk^ to my an&f» 

ril be nae mair a rover. 
But £rid out heaven in a' thy diarms^ 

And prove a faithful lover. 

SHE. 
What you dcfign by nature's law. 

Is fleeting inclination ; 
That WdlyWifp bewilds as a'. 

By its infatuation. 
When that gaes out, careflcs tire. 

And love's nae mair in feafon ; 
Sync weakly we blaw up the fire. 

With all our boafted reafon. 

HE. 
The beauties of inferior caft 
May dart this juil reflcOioo | 

But 



S C O T S S O N G S. 407 

But charms like thine maun always lad. 

Where wit has the prote^ion. 
Virtue and wit, like Jpril rays. 

Make beauty rife the fweeter ; 
The langer then on thee I gaze. 

My love will grow compleater. 

SONG. 

To the Tune of\ I'll gar ye be fain to follow me. 

HE. 

ADIEU for a while, my native green plaint. 
My nearefl relations, and neighbouring fwains} 
Dear Neily^ frae thcfe I'd ftart cafily free, 
AVere minutes not ages while abfent frae thee. 
SHE. 
Then tell mc the reafon thou do'ft not obey 
The pleading of love, but thus hurries away : 
Alake ! thou deceiver, o'er plainly I fee, 
A lover fae roving will never mind me. 
HE. 
The reafon unhappy is owing to fatc» 
Tliat gave me a being without an eftate» 
Which lays a neceflity now upon me. 
To purchafe a fortune for pleafare to thee. 
SHE. 
Small fortune may ferve where love has the fway ; 
Then, Johnyy be counfel'd nae langer to ftray ; 
For while thou proves conflant in kindncls to mc. 
Contented Til ay find a treafure in thee. 
H E. 
Ccafe, my dear charmer, elfe foon I'll betray 
A weaknefs unmanly, and quickly give way 
To fondnels, which may prove a ruin to thee, 
A pain to us baich, and dinioaour to ma. 

Bear witnefs, ye dreams, and wTtneft, ye flowers ; 
Bear witnefs, ye watchful invifible powei9t 
If ever my heart be unfaithful to thee. 
May nothing propitious e'er (mile upon mc. - 



C 4o8 3 

S O N O. 
To the Tune ^ We'll a' to Kelfo^ 

ANN rU awa* to bony Tnveedddc, 
And fee my deary come throw, 

And lie fiU be mine 

"jjf far he iq|dine ; 
ForflAte to lead y^fei below, 

While yoang and fittr^ 

rU make it my care» 
To fccure myfeU in a jo ; 

Vm no (ic a fool. 

To let my blood cool; 
And fyae gae lead j^fe/ below. 

Few wor Js, bony lad, 

Will eithly perfoade, 
Tho* blufhing, I daftly fay no, 

Gae on with your ftraio ; 

And doubt not to gain ; 
For I hate to lead Ajpes below. 

Uoty*d to a maQ, 

Do whateVr we can. 
We never can thrive or dowc 

Then I will do well, 

Do better wba will. 
And let them \c^d /ff^ei below. 

Our time is precious, 

And Gods are gracious. 
That beauties u|>oo, us beftow ; 

'Tis not to be thought 

We got them for nought. 
Or to be fct up for a {how. 

'Tis carry'd by votea, 

Come kilt up your coats, 
And let us to Edinburgh go« 

Where fliethat*8 bony 

May catch a Johny^ 
And never lead A^s bdow. 



n 



C 409 1 

Tte Widow. 

TH E widow can bake» and the widow can brew» 
The widow can ihape, and the widow can few. 
And mony braw things the widow can do ; 
Then have at the widow, my laddie. 
\Vith conrage attack her baith early and l^tc^^^ • 
To kifs her and clap her ye mauna be blate : ^^liu- 
Speak well, and do better ; for that's the bed gate 
To win a young widow, my laddie. 

The widow (he's youthfu', and n^ver ae hair' 
The war of the weanng, and has a good ikair 
Of every thing lovely ; (he*s witty and fair. 

And has a rich jointure, my laddie. - 
What cou*d ye wifh better your plcafure to crown, 
Than a widow, the bonnieft toaft in the town. 
With naithing but draw in your (tool, ai)d (it down^ 

And fport with the widow, my laddie. 

Then till her, and kill her with courtefy dead, 
Tho' (lark love and kindnefs be all yc can plead ; 
Be heartfome and airy, and hope to lucceed 

With a bony gay widow, my laddie. 
Strike iron ^hile 'tishet, if ye*d have it to wald ; 
Por fortune ay favours the a^ve and bauld. 
But ruins the wooer that's thowlefs and pauld. 

Unlit for the widow, my laddie. 



Th Srzf'DAVQHTZK*s Relief, 
To the Tune 0/, The Kirk wad let me be. 

I Was anes a wcU-tocher'd lafs. 
My mither left dollars to me ; 
Bat now Tm brought to a poor pafs. 
My (lepdame has gart them flee. 
My father he's aftcn frac hame. 

And (he plays the deel with his gear ; 
She neither has lawtith nor (hame^ . 
Alwl keeps the hale houfe in a (tecc. . 

M m ^^'t'^ 



410 S C O T S S O N G S. 

Shc^s barmy fac'd, thriftlcfs aoJ bauld. 

And gars mc aft fret and repine ; 
M'hile hungry, haif-naked and cauld« 

I fee her dcftroy what*s mine : 
Bat foon I might hope a revenge. 

And foon of my forrows be free, 
My poortith to plenty wad change, 

If (he were hung up on a tree. 

Quoth Ringan^ wha lang time had loo'd 

This bony lafs tenderly, 
111 tak thee, fwpct Mcr^^ in thy fnood, 

G if thou wilt gae haroe with me. 
'Tis only yourfell that I want ; 

Your kiadnefs is better to me, 
Than a' that your flep-mothcr, fcant 

Of grace, now has taken frae thee. 

I'm but a young farmer, 'tis true. 

And ye are the (prout of a laird ; 
But I have milk-cattle enow. 

And rowth of good rucks in my yard. 
Ye fall have nathing to fafh ye ; 

Sax fervants fall jouk to thee : 
Then kilt up thy coats, my laffie. 

And gac thy ways hame with me* 

The maiden her reafon employed. 

Not thinking the offer amifs, ' 
Confcnted ; while Rlngan o'erjoyM, 

Received her with mony a kiis. 
And now (he (its blythly (ingan, 

And joking her drunken (tep-dame. 
Delighted with her dear Ringan^ 

That makes her goodwife at hame. 



The SoGEa Laddie. 

MY (bger laddie is over the fea, 
And he will bring gold and money to me; 
And when he comt% hanie, he*ll make me a lady : 
hli blflJHog gang m\Yi m>| foget \^^^. - 



S C O T S S O N G S. 4U 

My doughty laddie is handfomc and brave, 
d can as a foger and lover behave : 
ue to his country, to love be is fteady ;- 
ierc*s few to compare with my foger laddie. 

Shield him, ye angels, frae death in alarms, 
turn him with laurels to my langtng arms, 
le frae all my care ye'lJ pleafanily tree me, 
hen back to my wifhcs my foger ye gi'c mc. 

O foon may his honours bloom i^ir on his brov, 
quickly they mud, if he get bis due ; 
r in noble anions his courage is ready, 
hich makes me delight in my foger laddie. 



BoKY Christy* 

iO W fweetly fmells the fimmer green i 
Sweet tade the peaeh and cherry ; 
iotiog and order pleafe our eeo. 
And claret makes ds merry : 
it fined colours, fruits and flowers. 
And wine, tho' I be tbirfty, 
)fe a' their charms and wes^Ler powers, 
Compar'd with thofc of 6i^r£^. 

[hen wand'ring o'er the flowVy park. 
No natVal beauty wanting ; 
9w lightfome is't to hear the ]ark> 
And bMs in confbrt chanting I 
It if my CAnJfy tunes her voice, 
Vm rapt in admiration ; 
y thoughts with extaGcs rejoice. 
And drap the hale creation. 

Iiene'er (he fmilcs a kindly glance, 
1 take the happy omen, 
id aften mint to make advance. 
Hoping (he'll prove a woman. 
It dubious of my aio defert, 
My fentiments I fmother, 
^ith fecret Gghs I vex my heart, 
For fear (he love another. 



4« S C O T S S O N G S. 

Thus (ang bhte E^e by a buniy 

His Ck^ifty did o'er bear him ; 
She dooghtna let her lover moani» 

But e'er he wift drew aear him. 
She fpake her Afoor with a look, 

Which left nae room to doubt her; 
He wifeJy this white mioote took. 

And flang his arms about her. 

My Chr^iy ! witoeft booy (bea»» 

Sic joys firae tears arifiog ; 
I wifli this may aa be a dream : 

O love the maift farprifing 1 
Time was too precioos now for tankj 

This poiot of a' his wifkes 
He wadoa with (ct (peeches bauk> 

But w^'d it a' on ki£S:s. 



Ti^^ BoMNY Scot. Tathetuneof, TbeBoatmai. 

YE gales that gently wave the fea, 
And pleafe the canoy Boat-mao^ 
Bear me frae hence, or bring to me 
My brave, my boony Scot^maLU, 
In haly bands 
We join'd our bands, 
Yet may not this drfcovery 
While parents rate 
A large cflate. 
Before a faithfu* lover. 

Bat I loor chufe in Highland glens 
To herd the kid and goat — man, 
£*er I cou'd for (ic Kttle ends 
Refufe my bony Scof—xxAn. 
Wae worth the Bian 
Wha firft began 
The bafe ungeneroas fafhion^ 
Frae greedy views. 
Love's art to ufcf^ 
"While lliaDs;|cu iq \u ^»ffii9a% 



S G O T S S N G S. 413 

Fra€ foreign fields my lovely youth, 

Hafte to thy longing laffie, 
'Wha pants to prefs thy bawroy mouthy 
And in her bofom hawfe ihice. 
Love gi'cs the word. 
Then hail on board, 
Fair wmds and teoty Boat — noao. 
Waft o'er, waft o'er 
Frac vonder fhorc, 
My blyth, my bonny Scot-^mBn. 



Love inviting Reasoic. j^ Song. 
To the Tune ^ I ana aflccp do itot waken me. 

WHEN innocent paftinic our pteafure did crovrti^ 
Upon a green meadow, or under a tree, 
Wtr Annie became a fine lady in town. 

How lovely, agd loving, and bonny was (he I 
Rouze up thy reafon, my beautifu' Annie^ 

Let nc*er a new whim ding thy fancy a-ice; 
O ! as^hou art bonny, be faithfu' and canny. 
And favour thy Jamie ^ wha doats upon thee. 

Does the death of a lintwhite give Annie the fpleen ? 

Can tyning of trifles be uncafy to thee ? 
Can lap-dogs and.monkies draw tears frae thefe een. 

That look with indifference on poor dying me I 
Rouze up thy reafon, my beautifu* Annie^ 

And dinna prefer a paroquet to me ; 
O ! as thou art bony, be prudent and canny, 

And think on thy Jamie^ wha doats upon thee. 

Ah ! (hou'd a new gown, or a FlandersA^ct head. 

Or yet a wee coatie, tho* never fae fine. 
Car thee grow forgetfu', and let his heart bleed. 

That anes had fome hope of purcbafing thine ? 
Rouze up thy reafon, my beautifu* Annie^ 

And dinna prefer ye*r fJcegeries to me ; 
6 X as thou art bonny, be folid and canny. 

And tent a true lover that doats upon thee, 

M m 3 ^^ 



414 SCOTSSONGSL 

Shall a Parti edition orMW-feogle Safty^ 

Tho* g^lt o*er wi' laces and fringjes he be^ 
By tdorii^ himfelfybe admired by fair Annie. 

And aim at thefe beni/bot promb'd to me > 
Rouze op tby reafon, my beautifb* AnnUt 

And never prefer a light dancer tome : 
O ! as thou art bony> be conftant and canny. 

Love only thy Jamie, whadoats upon thee. 

O ! think my dear chaoner, oa iJka fweet hour» 
That ihde away faftly between thee and me» 

Ere Iqairreb) or beaus* or fbpp'ry had powef» 
■ To rival my love, and impofe upon thee, 

Houze up thy rcafon, my beaotifui' Annie, 
And let thy defires be a' centered in me ; 

O i as thoa art bonny, be faithfu' and canny. 
And love him wha's langing to center in thee* 



The Bob ^Dun&lanb* 

LASSIE, lend me your braw hemp heckle^ 
And I'll lend you my thripling kame ^ 
For falnnefs deary I'll gar ye kepkle, . 
If ye'll go dance the Bob of Dunblane. 
Hade ye, gang to the gronnd of ycV trunkiev 

Bu(k ye braw, and dinna think (hame i 
GonHder in time, if leading of monkies. 

Be better than dancing the Bob of Dunblane^ 

Be frank> ray laiBe, left I grow fickle. 

And take my word and offer again ; 
Sync ye may chance to repent it mickic. 

Ye did na accept of the Bob ofDunblane^ 
The dinner, the piper and prieft (hall be read^f. 

And Tm grown dowic with lying my Jane j 
Away then, leave baith minny and dady, 

And try with me the Bob of Dunblane. 

Tbreni 



C 415 3 



TJirm thi Wood Laddis* 

O Sandy ^ why leaves thou^tby Nelfy to mouro i 
Thy prefence coa*d esue me, 
When oathiDg can pleafe me ; 
Now dowte I figh on the bank of the boriH 

Or throw the wood laddie, until thou setuni* 

t." 

Tho* woods now are bony,, and moiabg;! arc clear^ 

While lavrocks are finging, 

And primrofes fpringing ; 
Yet nane of them pleafes my eye or my ear. 
When throw the wood, ladidie, ye &na appear* ^ 

That I am forfaken, (bme fpare no to tell; 

I'm fafh'd wi' their (corning, 

Baith ev'ning and morning : 
Their jeering gacs aft to my heart wi' a kneH^ 
When throw the wood, laddie, I wander myfeU, 

Then (lay, my dear Sandy^ nac langer away» 

But quick as an arrow» 

Hafte here to thy marrow, 
Wba's living in languor till that happy day. 
When throw the wood, laddie, "we'll dance, iing and play. 



An thou *wert my ain Thing, 

ANN thou ivere my ain things jfe 

Inuould love ihee^ I nxjould low tbm ^^ 

j9nn thou *were my ain things 
Ho^ dearly nuould 1 Jove thee. 

Like bees that fuck the morning dew 
Frae flowers of iweeted fcent and heW| 
Sae wad I dwell upo' thy mou, 
And gar the gods envy me* 
jinn thou wcrt, &Ct 



4i6 SCOTSSOMGSw 

Sac lang*s I had the u(e of light, 
Vd 00 tby beauties feaft my fight, 
Syne in faft whi^«ra through the night 
I'd tell how much I loo*d thee. 
j/mh tbm were, 5cc. 

How fair and ruddy is my Jean ! 
She moves a goddefs o'er the green : 
Were I a king, thou fhou'd be queen, 
Nane but myfell aboon thee. 
jinn thou mtere, &c* 

Vd grafp thee to this breaft of mioc> 
"Whilft thou, like ivy, or the vine, 
Around my Wronger limbs fhou'd twine, 

Fbrm'd hardy to defend thee. 

y^nn $h&u wete, &c. 

Time's on the wing, and will not (hy^ 
In (hining youth let's mike our bay, 
Since love admiu of no' delay, 
O \ let na fcorn undo thee. 
jf/f» Phou nuere, dec. 

AVhile love does at his altar ftand, 
Hae there's my. heart, gi'e me thy hand> 
And with ilk fmile thou {halt command 
The will of him wha loves thee. 
j^ thon nuere, &c. 



There's my Thumb I'll ne'er beguile thee. 

MY fweetcft May^ let love incline thee 
T' accept a heart which he dcfjgns thee. 
And as your conflani flavc regard it> 
Syne for its faithfulness reward it ; 
'Tis proof a-fhot to birth or moncy» 
But yields to what is fweet or bony : 
Receive it then wirh a kifs and a i'mily. 
There's my thumb it will ne'er beguile yc. 

How tempting fweet thcfc lips of thine are I 
Thy bofom white, and legs fue ilae are, 
1 That 

- .^nasaeB— ■•• ^ 



SCOTS S O N a& 4it 

That >vhen in pools I fee tbee clean ^em» 
They carry away my heart between 'eiiK 
I wifh, and I wi(h, while it gaes diintiOf 
O gin I had thee oa a roonntaio ; 
Tho' kith and kin« and a' fhou'd rerile thee^ - 
There my thumb V\\ ne'er beguile thee. 

Alane through flow'ry bows I daoder. 
Tenting my flocks, left they (hou'd wander ; 
Gin thou'll gae alang, Til dawt theegayKe^ 
And gi*e my thumb I'll ne'er beguile thee. 
O my dear laiBe, it is but daifin 
To had thy woer up ay niff naffin : 
That na, na, na, I hate it moft vilely ; 
O %» yes, and I'll ne'er beguile thoe* 

7i^^ Highland Laddii* 

THE lawland lads think they are fine. 
But O they're vain and idly, gaudy I * -^- ^ 

How much unlike that gracefu' mein. 

And manly looks of my Htghhsd Laddie t 
my bony^ bony Highland Laddie. 
My handjome charming Highland Laddie z 
May heaven ftill guards and love rennafd 
Our Lawland Lafi and iter Highland Laddie 

If I were free at will to chufe 

To be the wealthieft lawlaind lady> 
I'd take young Donald without trews. 

With bonnet blew and belted plaidy. 
O my bony^ &c. 

The braweft beau in borrows town* 

In a' his airs, with art made ready^ 
Compared to him, he's but a clown y 

He's £ner far in's tartan plaidy. 
C my bony, &c. 

O'er bcnty hill with him I'll run. 

And leave my lawland kin and dady ; 
Frae winter*s cauld and fummer's fun 

He'll fcreen me with his iiighland plaicfy. 
my bony, &c. 



4dO SG0T3S0NGS. 

AVbco that bkft tune fliall come to pa&, 
AVe'll meet agab and aever fiwdcr. 



The Mill, Mill— — O. 

BEneath a green (hade I (and a fair maid 
Was fleepbg found and (Ull— 0« 
A' lowan wt' lore my fincy did rove, 

Around her with good will^O ; 
Her bofom I prefs'd, but funk in her reft. 

She (lirdna my joy to fpilJ — O : 
AVhile kindly fhe flept, dofe to her I crept. 
And kiis'd, and kifs'd her my fill— O. 

Oblig'd by command in Flanders to land, 

T' employ my courage and fkill — ^O ; 
Frae 'er quietly I flaw, hots*d fails and awa. 

For wind blew fair on the hill— O. 
Twa years brought me hame, where loud fratling fame 

Tald me with a voice right (hill— O, 
My lafs like a fool had momited the ftool *, 

Nor keod wha*d done her the ill— O. 

Mair fond of her charms, with my fon in her arnu, 

I ferlying fpeer'd how ihe fell — O, 
Wi' the tear in her eye, quoth (he, let me die. 

Sweet fir, gin I can tell— O. 
Love gae the command, I took her by th' haniif 

And bade her a' fears expell— O, 
And nae mair look wan, for I was the man 

Wha had done her the deed myfell— O. 

My bony fweet lafs on the gowany grafs. 

Beneath the Shilling hilJ\,—0» 
If I did offence I'fe make ye amends 

Before I leave Peggy's Mill—O. 
O the mill, mill— O, and the kill, kill— O, 

And the cogging of the wheel O ; 

The fack and the ficvc, a' thae ye maun leave. 

And round with a fogerreel O. 

• vii. of rcpcnuticc. 
. A Wiiere they wimig^ \\kc<^^ftb!aDi<Su<tQQKiu 



t\»<i 



1 421 ] 

Tb L. L. in Mourmng^ 

To the Tune of. Where Helen Iyc». 

\H ! why thofe tears in Nellfz eyes ? 
To hear thy tender Gghs aod cries, 
he gods (land lid'ntng from the ikies, 

Plcas'd with thy piety, 
o moora the dead, dear nymph, forbear 
ikI of one dying take a care, 
/ho views thee as an angel fair. 
Or fome diyimty. 

O be le(s graceful or more kind, 
nd cool this fever of my mind, 
aus'd by the boy fevere and blind. 

Wounded I figh for thee ; 
^hile hardly dare I hope to rife 
o fuch a height, "by Hymen\ ties» 
lay me down where Helen lies. 

And with thy charms be free. 

Then mud I hide my love and die, 
Then fuch a f«ivereigfl cure is by \ 
9, fhe can love, and i'H go try. 

Whatever my fate may be. 
7hich foon Til read in her bright eyes ; 
/irh thofe dear agents 1*11 advife, 
hey tell the trath, when tongues tell lieS| 

The Icaft believ'd by me. 



The CONCLUSION. 

After ihe manner vf Hon \x:e, ad libmm faum. 

■^ EAR vcnt'rous book, e'en take thy will, 
^ And fcowp around the warld thy fill; 
.'ow ! yeVe ncwfanglc to be fee ft, 
I gilded Turkey clad, and clean, 
aft giddy t^ing ! to dare thy fate, 
nd ^an^'o'er dykes tliat fear the blate : 



421 CONCLUSION. 

But mind when aoes ye'er to the beot^ 
(Altho* in vain) ye may repent. 
Alake» I'lp flecd thoa aften meet 
A gang that will thee fourly treat, 
. And ca* thee doll for a' thy pains^ 
M'hcn damps diiireis their drouzie brains. 
I dinna doubt, wbilft thoa art new, 
ThouMt favour find frae not a few ; 
But when thou'rt nilB^d and forfaim, 
6air thumb'd by ilka coof or bairo ; 
Then, then by age ye may grow viife. 
And ken thipgs common gi'es nae price. 
I*d fret, wae's me ! to fee thee lye 
Beneath the bottom of a pye ; 
Or cow*d out page by page, to wrap 
yp (hudP, or fweeties in a (hap. 

Awa, (ic fears, gae fpread my fame. 
And fix me an immortal name ; 
Ages to come (hall thee revive, 
And gar thee with new honours lire. 
The future critics I forfee 
Shall have their notes on not^ on thee S 
The wits unborn (hall beauties* find 
That never enter'd in my mind. 

Now when thou tells how I was bred 
Bat * hough enough to a mean trade ; 
To ballance that, pray let them ken 
My faul to higher pitch cou*d ften : 
And when ye (haw I'm fcarce of g^. 
Car a* my virtues (hine mair clear. 
Tell, I the bed and faired pleafq, 
A little man that loo's my ea(e. 
And never thole thefe pafHons laog 
That rudely mint to do me wraog. 

Gin ony want to ken my age, 
Bftc Ann9Dom\. on tide page; 

•• Hough enough. Very indif!erefitly. 

f See Anno Dom, The firftcditiQB of his poems iMs piibiiM 

This 



I 



rhi CONCLUSION. 439 

is year when fpringa by care and (kill ^ 

e fpacious % leaden conduits Wi^ > 

i firft flow'd up the Qfih hUl\ 3 

icn South-Sea proje^ ceafe ta thriye«^ ^ 

j only North-Sea fccffis alive, C 

II them your author's thirty -fivoy j 

The fpacioos, &c. The new lead pipes for conveying water 
Ldinburgh, of 4 inches and a balf dbmcter within, and sotlis 
[Q inch in thickncfs; all caft iq^ mould invcntrd by the iqge- 
if Mr liardiog of X^ondofl* 



F I N I S» 



G L O S S A R Yr 

O R, 

EXPLANATION of the Scots 
Words ufed by the Author, which arc 
carelj or never found in the modeia 
Englijh Writings. 



Same Central Rules ^ /hevftng tv herein many 
•Southern and Northern Words are originally 
ihefame^ having only a letter changed for anO' 
ther, orjomctimes one- taken, away or added. 

I; In many Words ending ll. The I changes tea ^^et 
iviih an 1 after am or u, after o or a, dnd it 
Hi the 1 is rarely fgunded* fre(fuently funk before a^ 
mi her Cinfonant s as^ 



Scots. 

(la, 

Ka, 

Ca, 

Ha, 

Sma, 

Sta, 

Wa, 

Fou, or fo, 

Bou, or pu, 

WoQ, cr U, 



Englifh. 

rV Ball, 
Call. 
Fall. 
Call. 
Hall. 
Small. 
Stall. 
Wall. 
Full. 
Pull. 
Wooof. 



Scots. 



BAwm, 
B«uk, 



Englifh. 
n, T^ Aim, 
ik, D Baulk. 
Bouk, Bulk. 

II. The I changes to a, w, 
*r u, tf//^r o or a, ^x^iZ/ft 
frequently Junk before a* 
nother Confonant'i as, 

Scots, Englifli. 

Bow, Boll. 

Bowr, Bolt. 

CafF, Calf 

CoWj. Coll ox Clip. 

lauty 



Sme Central Rulet^ &c; 



Fault. 

Falfe. 

Folk. 

Cold. 

Half. 

Hole or boi^ 
Imu. 
%^ Holms^ 

Malt. 

Poll. 

RolL 

Scald. 

Stoln. 
, JValk. 

io before Id, changes 
n a, or aa^ ar ; 
rid, /\ld. 
iauld, yjBoldi 

Cold. 

Foldi 
or hzdyHold.. 

Sold. 

Told.^ 

Muld.. 

"he o, oc, or ow // 

nged to z, ac> aw> or 
aj» 

ActCD, V^ Oaten. 

Of. 
y Oftem 

Oaki 

Oath; 
)rrmfOnvn. 
?, Alonei 

% Almoft-. 

ig,, Afmng;^ 
. Oars,. 

Oatsi 
,. Otitis 



4^25 



Bngliflii 
Onvner. 



ScotSm 
Awner^ 
BaiD^ 
Bair, 
Baitfai 
Blaw, 
Braid, 
C]atth» 
Craw, 
Drap, 
Fac» 
Frac, 
Gae» 
GaJts,- 
GranCy 
Halyj 
Hale, 
HalefomCy 
Hamc, 

Hait, or htt, Hot, 
Laitby Loath. 

Laid. Loadi, 

Lain, or leoy Loan. 



Boar. 

Both. 

BIOW0 

Broad. 

Cloth. 

Crow. 

Drop. 

Foe. 

Fro, txfram. 

Co. 

Coats. 

Groan* 

Holy. 

jmie.- 

Wholefcmti 

Home. 



Lang, 

Law, 

Mae, 

Maift, 

Mair, * 

Mane,* 

Maw, 

Na, 

Nane, 

Naithiog, 

Pape, 

Rae, 

Rair, 

Raip, 

Raw, 

Saft. 

Saip, 

S&ir, 

Sang,- 



Longx 
Low. 

Moe. 

Moft. 

More^. 

Moan. 

Mow. 

No. 

None; 

Nothingk 

Pope; 

Roe. 

Roar. 

Rope. 

Rowj 

Soft. 

Suipi 

Sore. 

Scac' 



4^6 


- Some Genera! Ruler. &c 


» ' 


Sc'ftt, 


EngWh, 


V. The o or 11 is freqttetit^ 


Slaw, 


JI^. 


changed into i ; tf/|- 


Snaw, 


SftoWf 






StrakCy 


Stroke. 


Scots. 


Eogliflr 


Staw, 


Stole. 


A Nitbcr, 
-HL Bill, 


• \ Nothen 
}\ Bulk 


Sranc,, 


Stone* 


Saul, 


SouL 


Biro, 


Burn. 


Tac. 


Toe. 


Brither, 


Brotbm. 


Taikcn/ 


Token., 


Fit, 


Foot. 


Tangf, 


Tongs. 


Filher, 


Fother. 


Tap, 


Top. 


Hinny,. 


Hottjf. 


Thraog} 


Throng.. 


Ithcr, 


Other. 


"Wac, 


IToe. 


Mitber, 


Mothers, 


Warac, 


Womb. 


Nits, 


Nuts.^ 


Wan, 


Won. 


Nifc, 


Nofi. 


War. 


Worfe. 


Pit* 


Pvi: 


Wark, 


Work. 


Rio, 


Run. 


W»rW, 


World. 


Sioi» 


Suni 


M'ha, 


Who. 






-«»o-«»-o^ 


i»-o m^Qi^ 4 


>4»Or^e^<i^( 


>-M^^^m^>m^ 



A U 

ABlinSf perhaps. 
Miety albeit. 
Ahon^ above 
Aikerbr.atdi the brcadlh of 

an acre. 
Jliry long (incc. It^.t^xVf 
Atr up^ foooDp,in tbc: 
iiwroing. 
Ambnie, copboard«. 
AneWf CAOW^ 
Aries i earneft. of a baxigaiiW 
jife, a(hts. 
Attains^ or 4tane^^ at once. 

at the fame timcv 
Aitour^ oat-07er. 
Auld Jasnran^ ingenioiis. 
jfurgleb^rgain^ or Eagfi^ 
^ A7rj«i»f.to.conuiidLiknd. 



B A 

wrangle 
Avjfonie, frightful,. ierriUc*. 
Ayrid, the breath*. 
Ay'ont bcyood.' 

B :A« 

BAckfay, a (jrloin^. 
Badranst a cau 

^^/^, ftaid.afiode. 

i?^/>«/,. children. 

Bitien^ whalebone^ 

Bangf . is^ fometimes . aa aci* 
tion-of hafie, we fiy, be 
or. it r^w^ twifb.a hang* 
-^A bangi al(b neaus 
a great namberi OfeuJU- 
vsers/flHiad a bim^ • 



BE 

Bangftert a blufleriiig roar- 
ing perfbn. 
Bannocks, a fort of bread 

thicker than cake8> and 

round; 
Barken'dfMifhen mtre,blood, 

ixc; hardens upon a thing 

Ukeabaiit. 
Barlikhood, a fit of drunken 

angry paffion. 
Barrow trams^ the ftavcs 

of a hand-barrow. 
BaW, coUck'. 
Baiubie, half- penny. 
B'aucb, forry, indiffirrent. 
Bavjfey, bawfand faced, is 
: a cow or horfe with a 

white face. 
B^deen, immediately in 

hattc. 
Bedrals, beadles^ 
Befii beaten, 
Begoud, began. 
Begrutten, all in tearsi 
Beik, to ba/k. 
Beild or beil, a (helter. 
Bein, or been, wealthy. A 

been honfet a warm well 

furnifhed one. 
Bar, OT beet, to help, re- 
pair. 
Bells, bubbles. 
Biltan, the i^Q^May, or 

Rood' day. 
Bend, to drinki 
Bended, drank hard. 
Benn, the inner room^of a 

houfe. 
Benifon Welling. 
Ben/ell, or henfaU, force. 
B^itf the open field. A 



ifH^y 



B L 

tough grafs growiog m 
fand. 

Beuk, baked. 

Bewiih, fomething la the 
mean time. 

Bicker, a wooden difli^ 

Bickering, fighting, running 

% ouickiy;fchool-boysbat^ 

* tling with (tones. 

Bigg, build. Bigget, built^ 
Biggings, buildings. 

Biggonft^^ti \iaen cap or 
ooif. 

Billy, brother. 

Bindging, bcckingi courte* 
fying. 

Byre, or byar, a cow-ftaHi 

Birks, birch-trees. 

Birle, to drink. Commoo 
people joining thoir far- 
things for purchafing li- 
quor^ they caU it bhrling 
a bawbie, 

Birn, a burnt mark. 

Birns, the ilalks of bamt 
heath. 

Birr, force, flybg Twiftly 
with a noife. 

Bir/ed, bruifed. 

Biisle, or beetle, a wooden 
roell for beating hcrnf, 
or a fuller's dub. 

Blaeka-victd; of a< black 
completion. 

Blae, pale blue, the odour 
of the (kin when braiftd* 

Blaflum, begnUe; 

Blate, bafhfol 

Blatter, a rattlitagiioiie. 

Bleech, to* Wancb*' or 



BU«t> 



itU 



BR 

Blar^ to make the eye* 

water* 
BUez^ blaze* 
Blither f fodifh difcoarfe. 
Bhthtrer^ a babler. Stam- 

meriog ia called Uelifi' 

BltHt ceaTe. Never hlin, 
never have done* 

Blmkt glaooe of the eye. 

BHnkan» the flame nflng 
aod falliog* as of a lamp 
wheo the oil b exhauft* 
ed. 

Bluter^ plunder* 

BmH^ or boket vomit. 

Boid* a litde prefs or cup* 
board in the wall. 

Bode^ predia. 

Bodin^ot hodden f provided 
or fumiihed. 

BodU^ one (ixth of a pen- 
ny Englijh, 

Boihwortht an ominous mef- 
(age. Bodwordf ^rt now 
ufed to exprcfs ill-natur- 
ed mefiiigcs, 

Beg/ehcf hobgoblin or 
fpedre. 

J^M^, beaudfuL 

B^ffjfnvafyff.toytf gewgaws. 

^0^, empty. 

Bot^ihf founding horns* 

^0tt1, bulk. 

Bcuntiihf gratuity* 

J«»r^, jeft or daily,. 

Bouze, to drink. 

Brochert, a kind of water- 
gcoel* of oat*meal| but*^ 
toTy.aod boney>. 



BU 

Brae, the fide of a faifl^ 

bank of a river. 
Braird^ the Srft Iproodlig 

corns. 
Brander, a gridiron^ 
Brand/, calves of the Icgip 
B^rankit, primm*d up. 
Brankan, prancing* a cape« 

ring. 
Branh, wherewith the 

countrymen bridle thek 

horfes. 
Brattle, noife» atof horfe't 

feet. 
Brats, rags. Sometimes 

children. 
Brave, fine in apparel*brave. 
Brecken, fern. 
Brent hrem, fmooth hig^' 

forehead. 
Brigs, bridges. 
Brifs^ to prcis. 
Broach, a buckle. 
Brack, broken oarts or re^ 

fufc. 
Brock, a badger. 
Brfltf, broth. 
Br^oi;, forehead! 
Browden, fond. 
Browfter, brewer. Bremift,* 

a brewing* 
Bruliment, a broil. 
Bruik, to loye and enjoy*. 
Bkcky, the large fea fnail ; 

a term of rcproaoh* wb<p 

we exprefs a croft oa- 

tured feilpw, by thr^smn 

bucfy. 
Buff, nonfenfe: as hi Ue* 

Iheredbuff^. 

bV 



C A 

Bkg^f the little fold where 

the ews are tndofed at 

milking- time. 
Bu/Un to bubble. The 

iDotioo of water at a 

fpring-head, or notfe of 

a riimg tide. 
Bumbazed, confufcd, made 

to dare and look like an 
• idiot. 
Bung^ completely faddledj 

as it were to the bang. 
Bunkers^ a bench of fort of 

Jong low cheftsj that ferve 

for feats. 
Bumter, a bungler; 
Burn^ a brook. 
Bujkt to deck. Dref9> 
Buflifte, fnfHan (cloth.) 
But, often, ioxiDSthout, As^ 

but feed or fav9ur. 
Bjer, a cowhoufc. 
Bykis, or bikes, neds, or 

hives of bees. 
Bygofvt, bypaft. 
Bjpvcrdi a proverb. 

41 A 

CAdge, carry, Cadger, is 
a country canter, ifc^ 
Cadgie, chearful. 
Oiff, a calf. GhafP. 
Cailan, boy. 
Camfchough, (lern, grim, of 

a diflorted' countenance^ 
GtngU, to wrangle. 
Cankerd, angry^ paffiooate- 

Jy fnarling. 
Canna, cannot. 
Qanty to tcH merry old'tales. 



Cantratpf, tncantationf, 

Caniy^ chearfol and merry, 

Capemoited, whimfical^ iUiw 
natured. 

Car, ^z^gfi. 

Carena, care not. 

Carle, an old word for a* 
man. 

Carline, an old woman^ 
parch'd peafe. Ghe car* 
line, a giant's wife. 

Cathel, an hot*pot, rpade 
of ale, fugar and t^. 
Caudle. 

Cauldrife^ fpiridefs, want^ . 
ing chearfulncfs in ad^ 
drefi. 

Cauler, oool or fineflu 

Cawk, chalk,; 

Chafts, chops. 

Chaplng, an ale-mea(bre, or 
(loup, fomewhatlefstfaaar- 
an Englijh quart. 

A Char, or a-jar^ afide^ 
When* any thing b ^r 
a little out of its pofiti- 
on, or a door or window 
a little opened, we (ay; 
they're a- char,, or ajkr. ' 

Cbarle*wain, Charles-wain*;* 
the conftellation call'd the 
plbugh, or Urfa Major. 

Chan^, fortunate, good- 
natured; 

Chat, a cant name fortiic 
gallows.. 

Chiel, a general term, like 
fellow, ufed fometimes 
with refpe^l:; as beV-a- 
very good- chiel i andcon- 
temptuotifly, that chieL 
Cbirm^ 



JtJC Q Q 

tSUrmt ckirp and fbg Eke 

a bird. 
Chufy, ft hen. 
Oa^, faiiiog or imperfiBC- 

tum. 
CAui, tribe» family. 
C/ank, a (harp blow 6r 

ftroke that makes anoiic. 
aajhif, chaff. 
i2&>//, a rake» 
ClaUer^ to chatter. 
doughty took hold. 
Clover 9 to fpeak noofenfe. 
£?<9nx;, (cratch. 
G£f^i, to catch as with a 

hook. 
Cliugk^ a den be«vixtrocks. 
Ciintyt hard, flooy. 
C/9ci, a beetle. 
Clotted t the fall of any (oft 

moift thing. 
C/!^» ft court or (quare ; 

and frequently a lane or 

ftUcy. 
Clour t the little kmp that 

iHes Oft the head, occa- 

fiooed by a blow or fall* 
Clute^ otcloot^ hoof of cows 

or /heep. 
Coekernonjft the gathering of 

a woman's hair^ when it 

is. wrapt or fnooded up 

with a band ox fnood, A 

woman's head-drefs or 
^ cap. 

Cocifioolf a pillory. 

Cod^ a pillow. 

Cffftt bought. 

€^t a pretty large wooden 

diih the country people 

fot their pottage in. 



C U 

Ccgle, when a thbg mor cf . 

backwards and forwards* 

inclining to fsAL 
Coedieif a fmall wooden ?eC> 

fel ufed by fomc for 

chamber-pots. 
Coo/, a (hipid fellow. 
Coor^ to cover. 
Coo/er, a ftoned horfc. 
CooJ^, did caft. Coofleti, 

thrown. 
Corfy, a raFcn. 
Cofie, (heltered hi ft coove« 

nientplaoe. 
Cotter a fub-tcnast, 
Cowf>, to faU } alfo a fait. 
Cowf, to chaoge or barter* 
Cowp^ a company of peopk ; 

as, merry, ieiifelcfi eor* 

ky c0wp» 
Cour^ to crouch and creep* 
Lout 6, frank and kind* 
Cracky to chat. 
Creeif baiket. 
Cri/h, greafe. 
CrotI, a crooked dwarf. 
Creoftt or crmnet to mar* 

mur, or hum 9*er a fong. 

The lowing of bulls* 
Crotife, bold. 
Crave, a cottage. 
^rummyt a cow's name. 
Cfyn, (brink, or become k6 

by drying. 
Cudhgb, a bribe, prefent. 
Culzie, intice or flatter. 
Cm, to tafte, learn, know;. 
Cunzh, or cowie, coin, 
^frrif, a fmall parceL 
Curfchie, a kerchief. A 

Jinim drcft wore by our 
MighUmi 



D E 

Highland women. 

Culled, ufed kind and gain- 
ing methods for obtain- 
love and friendfhip. 

Cuts^ lots. Thefe cuts are 
afually made of draws 
unequally cut. 

Cutiy, ihort. 

D A 

DAB,2L proficient. 
Dad, to beat one 
thing againft another. He 
fell nuith a dad^ he dad- 
ded his head agaioft the 
wall, ifc. 

Daft, foolifh ; and fome- 
times wanton. 

Daffin, folly, wagrie. 

Dail, or dale, a ralley, 
plain. 

Daintithi, delicates^ dain- 
ties. 

Painty, is ufed as an ept« 
thet of a fine man or 
woman. 

Dander, wander to and fro« 
or (aunter. 

Dang, did ding, beat,thruft, 
drive. Ding dang, mov- 
ing hadily one oa the 
back of another. 

Darn, to hide. 

D^ajh, to put out of coun- 
tenance. 

Dainty, a fondling, darling. 
To dawt, to cocker, and 
carefs with teodernefs. 

Dgave, to dun the ears with 
noifc. 

D/ei, dairy maids. 



DO 
Der»f, merriment, joliitjr^ 

folemnity, tumult* difor* 

der, noife. 
Dern, feaet, hidden, Icfne- 

Deval, to detceod, faO^ 
hurry. 

Dewgj, rags or fliapings of 
cloatl^. 

Didle, to ad or move like 
a dwarf. 

Digi^t, decked. Made rea- 
dy; alfo, tocleaiL 

Dinna, do not. 

Dirle, a fmarting pain quick* 
ly over. 

Dit, to (lop or dole op a 
hole. 

Divet, broad turf. 

Docken, a dock, (the^herb). 

Doilt,. confbfed and fiily. 

Doited, dofed or crazy, as 
in old age. 

Dtf//, a large piece. Do/ax 
(hare. 

Donki moift. 

Donpe, aifededly neat. 
Clean, when applied to 
any litde perfon. 

Doofart, a dull heiafj- 
headed fellow. 

Dool^ or druU, the goal 
which gamcdei^ (Inve to 
gain firit, (as at football.) 

Dool, pain, grief. 

Dorts, a proud pet. 

Dorty, proud, not to be 
(poke to, conceited, ap- 
pearing as difbbliged* 

Dofend, cold, impotent. 

Doughty couldi availed. 



^oy 



^J2 DU 

Doughty y firoDg valiaot;i and 
able. 

Douksy dives under water. 

Doufe^ folidy graTC^ pru- 
dent. 

D^vjy 40 Willi to inclinei to 
thrive. 

Z>0W, dove. 

DoMi'd, (liquor) that's dead» 
or hai Icdl the fpirits ; or 
withered (plant.) 

DeFmfy moumfii], wanting 
vivacity. 

Dcwie^ nielanclM)Iy, Ikd, 
doleful. 

Dawr/at dow not, i. e. tho* 
one has the power, he 
wants the heart to it. 

Dowf, the arfe, the fmall 
remains of a candle, the 
bottom of an eggfhell. 
Set/er haff egg as toom 



Drunt, to fpeak flow, after 
a fighing manner. 

Dree, to fufFer, endure. 

Dreerjy wearifome, fright- 
ftil. 

Dreighf flow^ keeping at 
diftance. Hence as iQ 
paver of his debts, we 
call driegh, tedious. 

Dribs, drops. 

Drizei, a litde water in a 
rivulet, fcarce appearing 
to run. 

Droning, fitting lazily, or 
moving hcavdy. Speak- 
ing with groans> 



E Y 

Drouhd, drenched a8 wet. 
Duis, mire. 
Dung, defeat. 
Dunt, (Iroke or blow* 
Dunty, a doxy. 
Durk, a poinyard or dagger. 
DynUs, trembles, (hakes. 
Dyvtr^ a bankrupt. * 

£ A 

EAgi, incites, Airs up. 
Eard^ earth, die 
ground. 

Edge, of a hill, is the Gdc 
or top. 

Een, eyes. 

Ei/d,Agc. 

E/fdens, of the fame age. 

E/th, cafy. Est6ar, eaficr. 

Etbuck, elbow. 

El/on, a (hoemaker's awl. 

Elritch, wild, hideous, un- 
inhabited, except by ima- 
ginary ghofts. 

Endlang, along. 

Ergi, (crupuloos, when one 
makes faint, atteropu to 
do a thing without a 
(leady refolution. 

Erfl, time paft. 

EJi/er, hewn ftone. BoiM«^ 
ings of foch wc call Efl* 
ler-njjork. 

Ether, an adder 

Etle, to aim, dcfiga. 

Evened compared. 

Eydent, diNgeot lAoriotfs. 
FA 



F E 



F A 

FA, a trap, fuch as is uf^ 
ed for catching rats or 

mice. 
Fadge^ a ^pungy fort of 

bread in (hape of a roll. 
Fagj to tire, or turn weary. 
Fail J thick turf, fuch as are 

afcd for building dikes 

for folds, inclofures, itc. 
Ftun^ exprcffes earned dc- 

fire ; as, fain nuouid /. 

Alfo joyful, tickled with 

pleafure. 
FmI^ oeat, in good order. 
Fairfanx)^ when we wi(h 

well to one, that a good 

or fair fate may befall 

him. 
Fang, the talons of a fowl. 

Tofang^ to grip or hold 

faft. 
Ftflo^ vex or trouble. Fafh^ 

ous troublefome. 
Faugh^ a colour between 

white and red. Faugh 

Riggs^ fallow ground . 
Feck^ a part, quantity; as, 

maijl feckt the grcatcd 

number; nae feck^ very 

few. 
Feckfoiv^ able, a^ivc. 
FeckUfs^ feeble, little and 

weak. 
Feed^ or feod^ feQd> hatred, 

quarrel. 
FeH^ many, (everal. 
Fen^ (hift. Ftndifigt £viog 



F O 

by induftry. Maiet m 

fen, fall .upon methods. 
Ferlie, W0Dd^r. 
. Fcrnzier^ the laft or forcrua 

year. 
File, to defile or dirty. 
Fireftaugbt^ a flafh of Kght- 

jiing. 
Fifle^ to ftir, a ftir. 
Fitfted, the print of the foot, . 
Fizzing, whizzing. 
Flaffing, moving up and 

down, railing wind by 

motion, as birds with 

their wings. 
Flags, flafheSj as of wind 
- and lire. 
Flane^ an arrow. 
Flangi flung. 

Flaughter^ to pare tnrf from 
. the ground. 
) Fla'M), lie or fib. 
^ Fkkh, to coax or flatter. 
Fleg, fright. 
Flenvet, a fmart blow. 
Fley^ (yiflie„lo affright. 
FUyt, afraid, terrified. 
Flinders^ fplinters. 
Flit, to remove. 
Flite, or fyte, to (bold, 

chid. Flet^ did fcold. 
Flufhei, floods. 
Fog, mofi. 
Foordaysn the raomiog ht 

advanced, fair day-light* 
Forby, beCdes, 
Forebears^ forefathers, aa- 

ccftors. 
Forfairn^ abnfed. befptt* 

ered. 
Forefoughttn^ we«r^« &Mfi« 



^JO 



Oo 



^4 G A 

and oat of breath with 
fighting. 

torgmnft^ oppofite to. 

F^rgether. to meet,- en- 
counter. 

Forleet. to ferfake or forget. 

F^reftam^ the forehead. 

Foiab^ abandance, plenty. 

Fovf^ fpungy, foft. 

/>tf«r, toroakeanoifc. We 
vfe to fay one makei a 
frait, when they boaft, 
wonder, and talk more 
^ a niatter than it it 
worthy of, or will bear. 

Fray^ buiile, fighting. 

Freik, a fool, a light, im- 
pertioeat fellow. 

Fremiti ftraogc, not a-kin. 

Friftedt trufied. 

Frujh^ brittle, like bread 
baken with butter* 

Fi^, to blow. Fuffih, 



Furder^ profper. 
Fi^rtbjt forward. 
Fu/ht brought. 
Fyk^ to be reftlefs, uneafy. 
Furlei, four pecks. 

G A 

Gy/^, the mouth. To 
prate, gab foe gajh. 
Cabbing^^SLiing pertly. To 
gab agairit when fenrants 
give laocy retnrot when 
reprimanded. 
Gabby , one of a ready and 
eafy expreilion ; the fame 



G f 
Cadge^ to diflate imperti- 
nently, talk idly with a 
fluptd gravity. 
Gafav)^ a hearty loud 
laughter. T^^mj^ laugh; 
Cait^ a goat. 
Gams^ gomt. 
Gar^ to caale> make or 

force. 
Gare^ greedy, rapackMi, 
eamdl to have a tfainf . 
Cajh^ foUd, iagadons. 
One with a long ont chin, 
We call gajh'gabbit^ or 
gajh'biard. 
Gat$i way. 
Gaunii yawn. 
Gawiy, idle, darings idioti* 

ealperfon. 
Gawfjf going. 
Gawf, galb. 
. C7<iiij^, jolly, buxom. 
C7Ari, to mock. 
Geedf or gade, went. 
Genty, handfome, genteef, 
Gft, brat, a child, by way 
of contempt or derifion. 
Gielaingir^ an ill debtor. 
Gif, if. 

Gilhgatus^ or gillygapui^ a 
(bring gaping fool, a 
gormandizer. 
Gipjy^ a roguifli boy. 
Gimmer^ a young flieep« 

(cw.) 
Gln^ if. 

C7/V^, to (Irike, pieroe. 
t7ir/r, to grio, inarl. Alfo 
a (hare or trap, fucb as 
boys make of horfe-hair 
to catch hirda. 



G O 

Clrth, a hoop. 

Cla'tks^ aD idle good for no- 
thing fellow. Claiked, 
foolifh. Wanton, Ifght. 
To give the glaiks^ to 
beguile one, by giving 
him his laboor for his 
pains. 

Claifter^ to bawl or bark. 

Glamour^ joggling. When 
devils, wizards or jug- 
glers deceive the fight, 
they are faid to call gla- 
ffiour o'er the eyes of the 
(pedlator. 

Clar^ mire, ouzy modr 

Clee^ to fquint. 

Gleg^ (harp, quick, a^ive. 

Clen, a narrow valley be- 
tween nxHintaias. 

doom, to fcoul or frown. 

Clonvmhgi the twilight or 
evening gloom, 

Clonvr^ to flare, Idok ftern. 

Climfh, to hang the brow 
and grumble. 

Coaii, a wooden difh for 
meat. 

Coolie, a large knifb. 

CoHings, or gorblings young 
OD^eg'd bifds. 

Cojpe, goiEp. 

Cohans, dazies. 

Cove, to look broad and 
fledfafi, holding up the 
face. 

Oonnf, befides the known 
game* a racket or found 
blow on the chaps, we 
call a gpwfon the baffet. 

CvoAf ihc cockow. Jo de- 
O 



^Aj" 



H A 

rifion we call a thought" 

le(^ fellow, and one who 

harps too long on one fub- 

jeA, SLgonvk. 
Cow/, a howNog, to bellow 

and cry. 
Coufty, ghaftly, large, wa((e, 

defolate, and frightful. 
Crar^^ grandmother, any 

old woman. 
Crape, a trident foik. Al- 

fo to grope. ' 
Cree, prize, viftory. 
Green, to long for. 
Greet, to wee^. Cseilr 

wept. 
Grieve, an overfccr. 
Groff, grofs, coarfcr 
Grotis, roiird oats. 
Grouft to lie flat oa.th# 

belly. 
Grounche, or gfunffj; xo 

murmur, grud^» 
Gruiten, wept. 
Gryfe-, a pig. 
Gumption, good fcnft« 
Gurty, rough, bittCTi cdU 

(weather.) 
Gyfened, when thc.woed of 

any veftl is fhrnnk wilb 

drynefs. 
CytUngt, young chSdres. 

HA 

HAffef, the cheeky lidir 
ef the head. 
Hagahag, coarfe oapery. 
Haggife, akindofpttddn)|, 
made ef the lapfiB and Ii- 



• a 



•^11 



**' HO 

Ttr of a (beep, and boil- 
ed in the big bag. 

Jlfigst hacks, peat-pits, or 
breaks in mofly ground. 

Umsh^ to fave, manage nar- 
rowly. 

HaUfotHt^ wholcfome \ as 
hale^ whole. 

Hallen^ a fcreen. 

Uameld, donteOic. 

Hamefyt frieodiy, frank, o- 
pen, kind. 

lianty, cooveoient, band- 
fonne. 

Harie^ drag. 

Harnsy brains. Harn'Pan^ 
the (cuiK 

JHarJIyip^ roio^ 

Hajb, a flof eD. 

Mav0ren^ or havrei^ ibid. 

Haughty vaJleys, or low 
grounds oa the fides of 
rivers. 

JHavins, good breeding ; 
Havhur^ behaviour. 

Hawi^ the throat, or fore- 
part of the neck. 

Xeal, or beei^ health or 
whole. 

Hiefijf a perfoo hypocoo- 
driac. 

Herytflreen, the night be- 
fore yc/ltrn»ght. 
' Hcc'^^ 10 lift up a heavy 
thing a little. A hetzy 
is a good lift. 

Heftit^ accuftomcd to live 
in a place. 

Heght^ promifed; aKb 
named. 

Hffmpy, a tricky wag, fuch 



H Y 

for whom the bemp 

grows. 
Hcreitt roioed in eftate, 

brokCy fpoiled. 
Hefp^ 2L clafp or hook, bar 

or bolt. Al(b, io yarn, a 
certain Dumber of threads. 
Hether-belh, the beatk 

bloflboi. 
Heugb^ a rock, or flcep 

hill. Alio, acoai-pic. 
Hiddilf^ or hidliftgft lurk- 

ing, hiding places. To 

do a thing m J^irtg^ 

i. e, privately. 
HirpUs to move flowly and 

lamely. 
HirJU, to move as with a 

rufUing ooife. 
Hirfif^ or ifirdfaitt a iock 

of cattle. 
Hof a fingle Hocking* 
Hohhlejhiw^ cofifoied rac* 

ket, noife» 
Hool, buflu Hoolii^ io- 

cloibd. 
Mooly^ flow. 

H^P^ or nuboftt to cough. 
Vou, or hut a cap or roof- 

trcc. 
Hvw^ low groQod, a hot- 
low. 
Honul hoi 
Hc/wdercdi hidden* 
Herjjdy^ a midwife* 
HovjKt to dig. 
H(mfns^ plains oo river* 
' (ides. 
H'mtl fyt 

ffow/owdyt a yovng hen. 
HurUe, to aoQcb or bow 
together 



together like a cat^hedge- 

hog, or bare. 
Hut, a hovel. 
I/jft, mad. 

' J A 

JAc^t jacket. 
Jagt to prick as with 
a pin. 
Janv, a wave or gu(h of 

water. [ter 

Jawp, the dafhbg of wa- 
Icejhogles, icicles. 
Jee, to iDclioe to one fide- 

Tojee back and fore, is 

to move like a beam up 

aod down, to this and 

the other fide. 
Jig, to crack, make a ooife 

like a cart-wheel. 
Jimp, (lender. 
Jif, gypfy. 
Jik, each. //i<f, every. 
Ingan, onion. 
Ingle, fire. 
Jo, fweetheart. 
Joui, a low bow. 
JrU, fearful, terrified, as if 

aiiraid of (bme gboft or 

apparition. AlTo, roelao- 

choly. 
r/e, I OiaMj as ///for I 

will. 
JJles, embers. 
Junt, a large joint or piece 

of meat. 
Jute, four or dead liquor. 
Jibe,xo mo^L, GiSe, taunt. 
K A 

KJier, a rafter. 
Ka/e, ox kail, cole- 
. wort, and fometimcs 
bjoth. 



7 



K N ^a 

Kacky, to dung. 
Kain, a part of a farm^rent 

paid in fowls. x 

Katfif, comb. 
Kafiny, or canny, fortunate; 

alfo wary, one who 

manages his affairs (fi(^ -^ 

erectly. 
Kebuck, a cheefe. 
Keckle, to laugh, to be Aoity . 
Kedgy, jovial. 
Keek, to peep. 
Kelt, doth with a freeze, 

commonly made of na- 
tive black Wool. 
Kemp, to Arivc who ihall 

perform xoxA of the fiime 

work, in the fame time. 

Ken, to know; ufed in 

. England » a ooua. A 

thing within kei^ #• r* 

within view. 
Kent, a long (faff, fiich as 

Ihepherds ufe for leaping 

over ditches. 
Kepp, to catch a thing that 

moves towards one. ' 
Kieft, did caft. Vid. Coofl. 
Kilted, tuck'd up. 
Kimmer, a female goffipw 
Kirn, a chum, to chum. 
Kirile, an upper jpettiooat. . 
Kitchen, all fort of eatables, 

except bread. 
Kittle, difficult, myftcrioos^ 

knotty (writing!.) 
Kittle, to tickle, tiddifh. 
Knacky, ^\VL^ and facctiottf, 
Knoit, to beat or (Irike 

(harply. 



^3€ L E 

KifOfij*Jt buffeted and bruif- 

ed. 
Knooft, or kfiuiftf a large 
lump. 

Know, a hillock. 

KnuUock^ a knob. 

KnucUet^ only ofcd vt^Scots 
for the joints of the fin- 
gen next the back of 
the band. 

KvWt goblin, or any perfon 
one ftands in awe to dif- 
oblige, and fears. 

Ky kine or cows. 

Kytht toappear. Hillkyih 
in bis ain eoiomrs. 

KjiCf the belly. 
L A 

T ^ii"^^* befpattered, 

I ^ covered with clay. 

La^b^ low. _ 

LaitSt roannen. 

Latf or /K*/f, tmdenraliie, 
contemn; at, He that 
laks my mart, nvould buy 
. my mare. 

JLandartf the conntry» or 
belonging to ft. Rnftic. 

Lafies alone. 

Languor^ langnifliing, me- 
lancholy. To hold one 
oot of languor^ i. e. di- 
vert him. 

langka/e, coleworts nacnt. 

lapt leaped. 
^ Lafper'd, cm^d or clot- 
ted. 

larCf a place for lying, 
or that has been lain in. 

Lare^ a bog. 

Lave^ the itft or remain- 



LI 

Lawftf a tavern reckoning. 
lurwiandt low country. 
Lavrock, the laiic. 
Lawty or /anvtirh Juflice, 

fidelity, hooefty. 
Lea/, true, upright, honed, 

faithful, to truft, loyal. 

j4 leal heart never lied. 
Leam^ flame. 
Lear^ learning, to leani. 
Lee, untill'd ground; alfi> 

an open grai]y plain. 
Leglen, a milking-pale with 

one lug or handle* 
Leman^ a kept mifs. 
Lendst buttocks, loins. 
Leugh^ laughed. 
Lew'ttfarmt lukewarm. 
LiUit, gelded. 
Lick, to whip or beat. Jt» 

a wag or cheat, we call 

a great iici. 
Lied, ye lied, ye tell a lie. 
Lift 9 the (ky or firmament 
Ligpj, licf. 
Lii/s, the hdes of a wind- 

inflronient of mufick^ 

hence. Hit uf ajpringi 

lilt it out^ take offyooff 

drink merrily. 
Lfmmer, a whore. 
Limpf to halt. 
JL/V?, a cauraA* 
JL/W, quick career in a 

fbraight line, to gaUop» 
Li^g/e, cord^ flioe*maker'f 

thread. 
Lifjkan^ walking fpcedily.^ 
Lire, breads. Item, the 

mod mufcohr paits; 

(oa^tknca the air or 
con* 



it E 

ion of the face. 

inlcle or fold. 

lank. 

It. 

le common, near 

ry vUlages, where 

Ic their cows. 

:e. 

e. 

hollow of the 

oIs» inftramentt 

al. VeffcU. 

ct. 

:. Lcwan^ flam- 

m. Keep lowrt, 

t. 

uc, whore, ?il- 

. found blow* 
ow down, mak- 
•tefy To ftoop. 
;ncIofe, (hut up» 
hence, Jucken 
clofefided, luc- 
ansf booths, ire, 
aad-motber, or 

Handle of a pot 
I. 

difh lof wood, 
landle. 
chimney, 
ler. 
7 or grey-hair*d. 

MA 

/, to mangle. 
Tftf/if, or mahp 
atch,. equal. 
matchlc&. 



. M-f "'? 

MailiHt a farm. 

Makiy, feebly, well pro- 
portioned. 

Makfna^ 'tis no matter. 

Malifm^ a carfe, malefic- 
tion. 

Mafigitt galled or bniifed 
, by toll or ftripes. 

Mank^ a want. 

M^/,toftammer in (pcech. 

March^ or tnercb^ a land- 
mark, border of lands. 

Marbf the marrow. 

Aiarrovt^ mate, fellow, e- 
qual, comrade. 

Ma/kp to ma(h, in brew* 
ing. Majking'/oom^miih' 
vat. 

Mauftt muft. Mamta, muft 
not, may not. 

Meikle^ much, big, great, 
large. 

Mtith^ limit, mark, fign. 

Mends, fatisfadHon, fe- 
venge, retaliation. 7# 
tnake a mends , to make 
a gratcfiil retam. 

Menfe, dtfcretion, fbbrie* 
ty, good-breeding. 

Mensfim% mannerly. 

Menzie, company of men^ 
army, afTembly, ones 
foilowen. 

Mefett, a little dog, lap- 
dog. 

Msdding^ a dunghill. 

Midges^ goats, little diet. 

MtMr affeaedly modeft. 

Mintf-^xcQ^ endea?our. 

Mirk, dark. 

Mifcem^ to |jc«eitMW(9^ 

MiJcbanM^ 



AUfchance^ misfortune. 

Miflan^ to negledl or not 
uke notice of one ; alfo, 
let alone. 

^/^tf^ff/,m«1idoa9,rou£h 

M'tfters^ ncccffitics, wants. 

Mittanst woollen gloves. 

Mony^ many. 

Mools^ the earth of the 
grave. 

Mou^ mouth. 

Moupy to eat, generally 
ufcd of children, or of 
old people, who have 
but few teeth, and make 
their lips njove faft, 
tho* they cat -mit flow. 

Monu^ a pile or bing, as of 
fuel, hay, (heaves of 
corn, (bcn 

Mentis^ jcfts. 

Muckle, fee Meikle, 

Murgtdlied^ mifmanagcd, 
abufed. 

Mutch^ coif. 

Mutchken, an Englijh pint. 
N A 

NAcky^QX knacky iChvcr 
a^ve in fmall affairs . 

JVffiffi, nofc. 

JVaft/e, to fret or vex. 

Nfiwfangle^ fond of a new 
thing. 

Nevel^ a found blow with 
the nhe or fid. 

Nick^ to bite or cheat. 
Nick^dy chJrated : alfo as 
a cant- word to drink 
heartily; as, he nicks 
fine. 



PA 

Niffer^ to exchange or bar« 

ler. 
Niffnafan, triflfog. 
Nignays^ trifles. 
Nips^ bits. 
Nither^ to ftrattcn. Kither^ 

edt hungered or half 

flarved in mamtenance. 
Nive, the fift, 
Nocki notch or pick of an' 

arrow or fpicdie. 
Noit^ fee knoit. 
Nowt, cows, kioe. 
Nowther^ neither. 
Nttckie, new calved (cows), 

O E 

OE, a grandchild. 
O'erf or ovjre, too' 

much; as, a' o'eri is 

vice. 
Overcome, fuperplus. 
Ony^ any. 
Oty fometimes ufcd for ere 

or before. Or day^ 

i. e, before day- break. 
Ora, any thing over what^ 

needful. 
Orp^ to weep with a convul- 

^sc pant. 
Oughtlens in the Icaft. 
oZiky week. 
Outlay, a cravat. 
(hufen^ oxen. 
Onvthirt cither. 
Oxter^ the arm-pit. 

P A 

PAddock^ a frog. Pad- 
dock Ride^ the fpawa 
of frogs. 



p I 

Taih chaftifeneot, Topaik^ 
to beat or belabour one 
ibondly. 

Pangi to (queeze^ prcfs or 
pack one tbiog into a« 
BOlhcr. 

Paugkyt proud, baugbty. 

Pawky ^ witty or % in wokI 
or a^ioD, without any 
baraorbaddefigns. 

Pftr^ a key or wharf. 

P'eets^ turf for fire. 

Ptght to paot. 

Ptajyf fioical» ^ppiib, coo- 
ceited. 

Perquirey by heart. 

Peit^ a iavourite, a food- 
Jing. To pettlc^ to dan- 
dle, feed, cheriHi, flatter, 
Hence, to take the Pr//, 
is to be pecvUh or fiiilcn, 
at commonly Petts arc, 
when in the lead difo- 
bliged. 

Pibrought^ fuch Highland 
tones as are playM on 
bag- pipes before ibcm 
when they go out to 
battle. 

Pig^ an earthen jutcher. 

PJkey to pick out, or chufe. 

Piwpin^ pimping^ raeaSy. 
fcurv/. 

Pinct pain or pining. 

PiffgUy to contend^ drive, 
or work ^afd. 

Pirn^ the fpoof or qjulU 
uMiinthe Oiuttle,. which 
receives the yarn, Pir- 
ny, (cbth or a web of 
uoc^uel tbreadi or co- 
P 



It A tiMi . 

lours, (ifipped. 

P'tih^ ftrengib, might, force* 

Plack^ two bodies, or the 
3d of a peony Englifh. 

Pople^ or papUt the bub- 
bling, purling or boiling 
up oif water. (Popling.) 

Poortith, porerty. 

Pawny^ a little borie or gal>- 
lovvay ; alfo a turkey* 

Poitfe^ to puili. 

Pouicb, a pocket. 

Pratkk^ prance, art, flra* 
tagem. P riving pra$ickp 
trying ridiculous experi- 
ments. 

Pretft tricks^ rogueries> 
We fay, He plaid vie » 
prett /. t, cheated. The 
callarCsfou of pretty i. e^ 
has abundance of wag- 
gish tricks. 

Prig, to cheapen, or impor- 
tune for a lower price of 
goods one is buying. 

Pr/zr, a pin. 

Pr/iv, 10 proT^ or taHel 

Propine, gift or piefent. 

Prynt or Priwe^ to fiJ| or 
ftuff. 

Putt et fiam^ throw » big 
ftane. 

^ey^ a young ecrw. 

R A 

RAckleJsf earelefi. One 
whodocs thin^ with^ 
out regarding whether 
^cy be ^0^ 01 b«&, ^K. 
p ^^\V 



Mii% R r 

call \Am*rMcklefs banded. 
^4v, a roci 
R^ffaut incnry> rofbg> 

hearty. 
Raird, a loud (buid. 
JFif/>, a roar. 
Bak or r^i, a mift or fog. 
Rawfagf^ to fpcak aDd a£l 

furiouny. 
Rajhesy ruOicf • 
^A:r, did rive or tear. 
Fa-igbt, reached. 
Rax, to ftretcbf Raxd^ 

leach'dj 
Rianif creaaii Wheocc 
reat/ii/rg, as, reatfting ii' 
quor, 
Reddy to lid^ unnurel. To 
fcpaxatc f«Ik< that are 
ii;;liiing. It alfo. figniTics 
clcarug. of: any p^ffage. 
lin rcdJf TiD^pprebeo- 
fivc. 
Redit couafcl, advice ; as, 
I naadnasedcyo to do Uat. 
Reek^ reach ; alio fmodt. 
Re^fly toruii, or dry in tlic 

imoalc. 
Reft, bereft, robbody forced 

or carried away. 
Ktifi fapioe, robbery. 
Reik, or rink, a cgocfe or 

race. 
River ^ a robber, or pirate. 
^i-qu/z^^jHty. 

Rice, or r(/?, bulmfli'cs, 
bramble branches! oc 
twigs of trees, 
-^/y^, cr r^/S- pjeniy. 
Rift, to btlch. 



' back, the top or ridge cf 

a boofe. 
Riffles, a wealuie& m the 

back and rckifw 
AktI^' a diftaC 
Roofe, w riifit, to comncad,, 

oaud. 
Roooe^ to river* 
RoUan, a rat. 
Roundel t a vitty^ and offea 

fatyrick kind of ihyinc; . 
Rowan, roUing, 
Rowt, to roari cipeciallyk 

the lowjfig. of bulb and. 

cows. 
Rowtb, pkoty. 
Ruik, a rick or (hcfeof ha^ 

or'Coro. 
Rude^ the red taint ofnhe 

comfJc^HoBtf. 
Rue/n, doleful. 
J?f/^, to pidl, take awayby. 

force. 
Ruwpte, the nnnpa . 
j?irft^-/, fmall bbughtof trcea 

lopp'd off. 
R:j:kU,^vtxvMc. Ru9jLh„ 

to roiBc. 
^j/#, lofearch. 

SAehcins^ feeing h ]S» 
Since. 
^aiklefi^ gptltlafsyficeb-. 
^M^d, biefs'd. 
Sail, niali;.like>fr/for 
,JhoHld) 

Sand-blind fi^^xiMMfiKiii' j 

fighted. ' 

&fr,/avoiirorfiMll#. J 

&iri» a.ibirt» ! 



\ 



s H 
SiMtg/^, SI willow or ra1]ow*> 

tree. 
Sww^ ao old faying, orpro- 

ferbial expreffibn. 
Stad, fcaid. 
Scar, liie bare places on the 

Glhi of hills waffien 

down with rains. 
Sirart, to fcratch. 
Scanvp, a barCi dry piece- 

of -ftooy ground, 
i9b?;i, bread, the country 

people bake over the 

fire, thinner and broader 

than a Bannock: 
Scniip\ to leap or move 

hafiiiv from one place to 

another. 
Scv\}}th\ room, freedom. 
Scrimp, narrow, llraitncd, 

litiie. 
S\iroogr, fhrabs, thorns^ 

briers. Scroggy, thorny. 
Scuds, ale. A- late n«ine 

given It by the benders. 
Scunner\ toioatbv 
StlK fcif; 

Seuch^ furrow^ ditch. 
Svy^ to try. 
Seybcv), a young onion. 
Shan, pitiful, ftlly, poori 
Sham, cow's dung. 
Sifaw. a wood t)r foreft; 
Sha^ly (hallow. 
Sijt^wps^ empty hufks. 
Sheen, (hining. 
ShUI, fhVill, having a (harp 

-found. 
Shirc^ clear, thtn.- We call 
• thin cloth, or clear li- 
quor, Jfjtrc ; itlfo, a clc- 
P 



ver wag, a/7/r^ Htk: 

Shog, to wag, fhakc, orjog» 
backwards and forwaris. 

Shool, fhovel. • 

Shoon, (hoes. 

Shore, to threaten. 

Shotie, a drawer; 

Sib, a-kio. 

Sic, fuch. 

Sicker, firm, fecufe. 

Sike, a rill or rivulet^ com- 
monly dry in fummer. . 

Siller, (liver. 

SUdle, tjjinhi feldom, 

Sittfynt, fmcc that time. 
Langfyne, long ago. 

Skail, tofcatter. 

Skair, fliare. 

Skaith', hijrt, damage, lofil* 

Skcigh, fkUti(h. 

Skelj; (helf. . 

Skelp, to run. Ufed when 
one runs barefoot, Alfd 
agnail fpiinter of wood* 
//. to flog the hips. 

Skiff, to move fmoothly a^ 
way. 

Skink, a kind of (Ifongf 
broth made of rows hams 
or knuckles'; alio to fill 
drink in a cup. 

Skirl, to (hriek or cry with •. 
a. (hi ill voice. 

Sklate, (late. Skalic, is the 
fine bUie dafe. 

Skvwrie, r<*gged, nafty, idlcj 

Sireedy a rcnt# 

Ski ha Id, a tatterdemalion. 

Skyt, fly out hiiltily. 

A7W<f, or y/tf/^, did fl'de, 
mo^^cd,- or.miidca thu)^ 
p 2 t^<i\^ 



I 



^vie catfly. 
^p, pr ftakt a gap, or nar- 
^ row pafs between two 

htJIf . Slap^ a breach \a 

a wall. 
5/^v'/, fmoofh. 
Sltfitt^ a Oiower of balf- 

meltcd foow, 
Slerg.xo bcdawb or plainer. 
SlU^ froooiby cunning, flip* 

pcr^ ; at, he*s a jUd 

Jowt^^ Slidryt Oippcry. 
Slippery^ flccpy, 
Shuk^ a mrrc* ditch, or 

llough ; to wade tbroogh 

a mire. 
Stou^ a bar or bolt for a 

door. 
Shugb^ huflc or coat. 
Xm.'iH, a fiily little pitiful 

Ki.^ow; the fiinic with 

fmatcbet. 
Sfnirkf fmiling. 
Smiiih^ infc^ous or catch- 
ing* 
Ixfisar, to fmother. 
Sfiocky oimbk, ready, de- 
fer. 
SmJ^ to cat. 

Sneer y to hiigh ia deriGon. 
iSff/*^, to cut ; %%.fnegdoff 

0t the nyek end, 
Snelit fharp, fmaiting, bu- 

ter, firm. 
Snibt Tnub, check or re- 

provfj correct 
Snif'Ur, to fnuiF, or brea*.c 

tKro' the fiore a little 

ftopt. 
Snfii^ metaphorically ufed 
foe acat, baDdfomc, tight. 



Smcd, xh^ band (ox tyaif 
up a woman's hair. 

Sn^lf to difpirit by chid- 
ding, hard labour, and 
the like ; alfb, a pkifiil 
grovcliog flave. 

Snowc^ to whirl round* 

Snotter^ Ibot* 

Snuri, to rpffle or wriokle* 

5«/, a thick turf. 

Sonfjt happy, fbrtDoate, 
lucky; (omctiinct o(cd 
for large and luffy. 

Sore^ forrel, rcdifli colour'd. 

Sorn^ to fponge. 

^^, the noife that a thing 
makes wheo it falJs to 
the ground. 

Siiigh, the found of wbd 
amongJl trees, or of one 
deeping. 

So'wenjt ilonry, or oat- 
meal fouy*d aiDOogft wa« 
tcr ibr fomc time, thea 
boird to a OHififtency, St 
eaten with nilk or butter 

Sowf, to conn over a tnoc 
on aa io&umcat^ 

Spatt to forctel or divine. 

Spaemen^ prophets, auguiv» 

^pain% to wean frooa the 
bread. 

SpMU^ a torccBi, flood or 
inundation* 

Spatig^ a jump ; to leap Of 
jump. 

Spaul^ &ouldcr, arm. 

Speel^ to climb. 

Spetr^ to aflc, icquirc. 

Speider^ to fplic, flretdr, 

fprcad outfdraW afuadcr. 

• Spence^ 



6 T 

Spenccy the place of tbe 

houfe where provifioos 

are kept. 
5^///, to fpoil, ab&fe. 
SpooliCi (put), booty, pliui* 

dcr. 
Sprahgt^ firipcs of difG:- 

rent colours. 
Spring, a tune oo a mufical 

innrufnent. 
I^prujht /pruce. 
ipruttUd, rpeckJecl«rpoctcd. 
Spurk, tiodcr. 
Stahjjart^ (irong and vafiant 
Siaffg^ did Aiog; al& a 

(ling or pole. 
Siank^ a pool of (landing 

water. 
iS/j/ A', (Irong, robufl. 
Stanis, the liars. iS/^r;/, a 

fmall moiety. Wc (ay, 

neer ajkwn, 
Stayt ftccp; aSjy**/ a^t 

heart to a flay brae. 
Steck^ to (hut, clo(e. 
^/^'^i'r to cram. 
Stexd^ or ^r;», t© mo?c 

with a hafly long pace. 
Stents to ftretch or exieiid. 
^tipend^ a benefice. 
Stirk^ a (leer or bullock. 
Stolt^ Qx ftot, to rebound 

or refled. 
Stoor^ rough, hoarle. 
^/0», to cut or cfop*^ A 

JioUi a large cut or pieces 
Ztound^ a (marling pain or 

ditch. 
iS/9«r, dud agitated by 

winds, men or hof(e feet. 
Taflour, to run quickly. 



8 W ^^^ 

Stovith^ (leakb. 
Strapan, clever, tall, band* 

fome. 
Strath, a plain on a riyer* 

(ade. 
iS^rftf^, to (Iretch. 
Striddhf to (Iride; applied 

eommooly to oae thai*a 

little. 
StrJnk/e, to ^^^'^ 0' 

(Iraw. . 
Street, or flfMte, ftuf'dlullk 

drunk. 
S/r««r, a pett. 7<? /^itf /^ 

ftrunt^ to be peuedor 

out of humour. 
Studify^ ao an? il, or fini^hr't 

(Kthy. 
S/<^r^, giddyheaded. Jt^ 

(troog. 
S/»r^, orfloof, KSy (Irong^ 

hoarfe. 
S/«r/f trouUcy d!(l«rb4Ke» 

?exatioo. 
S/ymr, a bJiok, or a little 

fight of athing. 
Saddle, to fully or defile. 
SuMph, blockhead. 
Suniaa, fjplceoetic* 
Sunkots, iomeihio^ 
Swakt to throw, cafi witk 

force, 
S<u]ttAiw» clever young fcU 

laws% 
Snuarft to fwoon ftwa3r« 
Swafh^ fyiat, fuddled* 
Swatch, a pattern* ^ 
Swats, fmall ale. 
Sweck, burden, wdgh^ 

force. 
Sweer, lazy, flow. 

* Vwctiici> 



mmA T H 

^njntetieu confe^ions. 
9iMr//, ruflbcated, choked 

to death. 
fiwiVA, begone qaickly. 
^wi/hr, to be doubfful 

whether to do thit or 

th'it. 
Srfffi afterwardi, thcD. 

T A 

Tjf'ch/t an arrow, 
TM, toad. 

Ta^e, taken. 

Ti/j a head . Such a quan- 
tity of iint as fpinfWrs 
pu( upon the (hff^ h call- 
ed a IhMap. 

Tmpe, to afe any thing fpar- 
ingfy. 

Tafpet'ben, the ^ots quart- 

Tarrov)^ to refufe what we 
love, from a crofs hiimour 

Tartafty crofs (hipcd (lufF, 
of various cdoursjchcck^* 
cr'd. The Highland 
plaids. 

Tafiy a little dram-cup. 

JatCy a fitaall 'lock of tiair. 
or any little quantity of 
wool,' cotton, i;c, 

Tu'int. to mock. 

741:^, a foolifh wench\ 

TaZy a whip or fcourgc. 

Ted; to fcaitcr, fprcad/ 

7>/; a little earth on which 
game(tdn at the^^iy^fct 
their bdl^ 'ocforc they 
ft^'kc tht '^ off. 

T .' or tynd^ anger, rage, 
i.. ow. 



t r 

7>f/, to peep oat; 
Tenfof/iCt the nnmbcr often, 
7>i?/, atteotioo. Tentj^^ 

cautious. -■ 
Tbcck, ihaichr. 
7hae, ihofr. 
TharmcSy fmairtripcs, 
7/«r<ri, to thatch. 
Thigt tn beg br borrow*. 
7)^/>, thcfe. 
T*/^/^, to eoddrcy fuffirr. 
7i&>iy, thaw, 
Tbcnxilejs, una^ive, Cllyi 

lazy, heavy. 
Thr-anvftrt^ froward, croft, 

crabucd. 
Thr/i*Ui'iny ftem aod crofi* 

g.alncd. 
Three py or threap, to aver, 

allcdge, urge and afhrm 

boMfy. 
Thriwal^io prefs orfqueezc 

thro' with' diifficufty. 
Thud, a btafl, blow, (torm« 

or thie violent found of 

thefc. Cr/d be at iM 

Thudy /. i, gave a groao 

at every blow. 
Tidy tide or time, proper 
' time; t%y he took the tld^ 
Tifty good order, health. 
Tlney to Idfc. Tiff/, \tl\: 
TwfelM%. 
Tip or tippinyy ale fold for 

two«Tpence tht Sc9tt pint; 
Tlrle or tirry to uncover a 

houTc;- 
r///v. Tiftcr. 

Tocher y pprtion, dowry. 
Tod, a fox. . 
T'joly, to fight. A fig*»^ or 



Tfew, empty, applied* to a 
' barrel, purfc, houfe, 6c; 
' 7/. to empty. 
To/h, tight, neat; 
Th/ie, wariDj pleafant, half 

fuddled. 
To the fore ^ io being, alivc^ 

lUKonfiimedi 
Toufe or touflei to rumple^ 

tcaze. 
T'out; the found of a hofn 

or* trumpet. 
ToFWy a rope. 
T/nwmond^ a year, op twelve 

months. 
7re^Vy hofc and breeches 

all^'of a piece. 
Ty-fgt neat handfome. 
Troke, exchange. 
True, to trow, truft, believe, 
Tm/, fteal. 
Trxfl, appointment. 
Tun, turfe* Tun, trufs; 
Tww, to part witby.or fc- 

parate from^ 
Tivitehy touchV 
T*winten, (hcep of two 

years old. . 
Tydie^ plumpv fatf luckyj . 
Tynd, vid&Tten. 
Tyfi^ to eotice. itir up, al- 
lure. 

UGG, to,dct»ft,'.hatc, 
naufcate. 
Ugfome^ hateful, naufcous. 
Umnuhile, the late, or dc- 
ceafed fonx time ago. Of 
oU. 



XV H ^V 

JJndocht, or nva/tdochfi at 

Clly ' eak perfbn. 
Im'tth. not ea(y, 
Ifngeard; naked^ not dad; 

unharnefs'd. 
JJnkoy or ttxrr^, tincouthV 

flrangcv 
Unlufifft, unlovelyi 
Vougy, elevatedy proud. 
Wladotnuedt pledge, wager> . 

pawn ; aKo, would. 
^^aff, wandering by hfdf. 
JVak, nK>if(, wet. 
Wale, to pick and chufe. 
l¥ithp, to move-fwiftly witb 

much agitation. 
JVally, cbolen,.. beautiful^ 

large< 
Wame, womb. 
Wandought, wantof doog^it> . 

impotent. 
Wangracci wickcJnefs^waai • 

of grace* 
War, worfe. 
Warldcbi wizard. 
WaU or nvi/, to know. 
Waught, a large draught. 
Wee, liltlci 

Wean, or n»ee erne, a chilii^. 
Ween, thoagkt, imagioed|. 

fuppofedj 
Wjcer, to Aop or oppofe. . 
WUr, war. 

Weird, fate or dcfiiny. . 
Weitt rain. 
Wcr/h, iofipidy wallouifb^. 

wanting fait. 
Whauk, whip, beat, flog. 
Whid, to fly quickly. 
^^Vi, which. 
WWly, to chcati IVm-^^ 



41^ t 



w o 

* luhaf a cheat. 

mindgiag^ whioing. 

Whhis^ furze. 

Whijhi. bqfli. Hold your 
peace. 

9yi^Jkf to puH out haftily. 

Whomilt^ tojpcd upGde 
dowi>» 

Wigk^ Aonty de?er, aAive 
Itiwtt a nan or perfon. 

Wimpling^ a cnrtiing back- 
ward and forward, wiod- 
ding Eke tke mcaoders of 
a riTcr. 

Wiitt or aiwif to refidct 
dweU. 

WUmm^ win not 

Winmcks^ windowf. 

Winfomt gaining, defire- 
able. agreeable, comple te> 
large. 

Wirryhmi^ a bug-bear. 

mfenf, parcb'd, dry'd, wi- 
thered. 

Wlflli^ to esKbange money. 

Wiibirflfins^ motion agaittft 
the fun. 

^<v, or JV, wool. 

IfW, nad. 

/^Vm^, the gallowa. 

H^^rdj/t worthy. 



/^tfw, wonderful, flrange. 

Wreatbt^ of fnow, when 
heaps of it are blown to* 
getlicr by the wind. 

^^Xfwg inclining. Ta ntrfp^ 
to lead, train, 

Wyfen, the gullet. 

^/, to blame. Blame. 

Y A 

YAmpk^ ta bark, or 
makeaootfelikchV 

tle dogs. 
Tapy hungry, having a lonjg- 

ing dcfire for any thing 

ready. 
Yealtou, yea wilt thou. 
Ted, tp contend, wrangle. 
Teld, barren, as a cow d)at 

givct no milk. 
Terk^ to do any thinj wi|h 

celerity. 
Tefit ihe hiccup. 
-i^/^.gaie. 

Teftreen, yeffemight. 
Toudith, youthfulncli. 
r«iuAitf, wearied. 
2W/, a fwinging bloifc 
Tuke% the itch. 
Tulc^ Chtiibnaa.. 



FINIS, 



THE 



««<; 



CONTENTS 



rr^O the Cfitkk TaonCer, a 
X Fable, Page i 

Thb Morning Tntenriew, % 
Mo^y JobaftouttU Eiegy, u> 
Jibn Cow^iEkgy, 13 

Incky ^amTs Eiegy. itf 

lucky Sptuce*i lad adfice, 19 
Pamy Ssrtiy*$ Elegy, S3 

The laft Speech of a MUer, a? 
The Monk and theMUlet'aWilir 
3* 
€brift*» Kirk on the Green. Cajf 
toh 39 

Caato ir. 46 

Canto III.. 53 

Taruoa, or the Plaid, 60 

Editiburgl^Addit& to the coun- 

Oo Mr. Bruce and bis Bellowa 
Dilhefi^ r^ 

The Scriblen la(h*d, jft. 

Content, 7S 

Jifciii; and &md/:. On Mr .^4^- 
fitit 9» 

7«^- Barcbet, ESq ; to the Au- 
thor, 94 

ijeofwer to the foregoing^ ^5 

Seven faofiliar l^iet that 
pafi'd between Uent, Haml" 
/as and the Aothon 9^ 

Wealth, or the Woody: ' A 
Poem on the S&atb-Sea^ si 3 

E£tiburgb*$ SaktatiMi^ to the 
Marqois of Caraarv^jit 1 1 8 

Brofpeaofl Plenty.: i^Boenon 
tht Nortb-Sea, soo 

UMc and Fait of Stocks: Ab 
£pUUe to my Lovd Bmfay, 

i»7' 
ifrProloguCi. 133; 

Oulfd. thrown into t|M ^^ SM, 

H4i 



The Satyr's Proje^ 1341. 

To the Mulick Clab( 13^ 

Wine and Mafick, 13.7^ 

On the Eciiple, of the ion, ^ 

pril ijts* SS** 

The GentkmanVQaalifications 

debated, 139- 

Od Wit: The Tale of the 

mantihg Ead» 14^ 

On> Friendlhipr t^t 

Keitha: On the Cbnnteft' of 

H^ipoMi 1431; 

The Author's A^ldrefi to the 

Council of jE</taftt0;p&, ifj^- 
On a Gold' Tea pot.. r^j' 

On a Punch-bowl, 2 4^ 

The Author'r Bili'ta the m»- 

Bu/b dub* , i^. 

The Author^s'comick DeicriK- 

tion of hlrolcir; Ab £|>Klk 

toy. At T4p. 

To the Earl of Dalbwjtif,. 153. 
Horace to Vitvil,. rsg 

Ode to- Mr F.^ 15^ 

To the Pb^. S&lgs to the 

Tone oC Ituh her o*er vfifb 

Stract g$^' 

To Mr Aikman; sx> 

To Sir miHam Beanet, iL- 
Spokt to three yoong Ladies, 
j^ 
To a fliend at Fbreme, r^% 
The RbfeTree, 1^5: 

To R.H,B. 1^4. 

C/)^f 's Wdtonat to her Prince, 

On the Marquis- of BhomonS^ 
cutting off his hair; lO 8 
T6 (bme yoong Ladies. i6p 
To Mr Mitchel, , tjv 

Spoke to two Laflas^ . 2 7;i: 
The Poet Vwiai.. tti 

t - 



ro 



T^CONTENTSi 



The lUm and Buck, ij* 
W.p\f>nm to the Coi A. 1 74 
Hralil). e Poem, i^- 

A Peftoral on Mr Prw, 185 
C^gram 10 Mr Pope, 189 

Eptftle to the L. Advocate, ib. 
The Clock and Sun-dial, i 9a 
Ode on Lady M. j^nftruther, 

Uegy on Lofd Qtrtugie^ 191 
Elegy 00 Lady GarHes^ 19^ 
The bony La6 and the looking. 

glaff* 198 

JifiUr'$ Lotteiy, if 9 

Toe MUer and Msneh ^00 
The Ape and tlie Lcopaid,. or 

the ikao and the Wit, %o% 
The Ale and Brock, 103 

The Fo& and Rat, 204 

The Caterpillar and Ant, %o5 
The twa Cataaodtbe Cbceie,xo7 
The Camekon, xo» 

The twa Lizardi» 2109 

Mercury, in Qucft of Peaec,. » 1 1 
The Spring and SylLe, 
The daft Bargain, 
The twa Cut-pur(ef^ 
Xpiftle to Mr Xarde^ 
Tit for Tat, 
IpiOle from Mr SlarraK 
Aofwec to the above. 



a«4 
»15 

AID 

i»3 

Ode on the £arl of Weytnfs's 
Marriage, ^^4 

€n the Archers and their 
Toaftf, **? 

Epigram, w-rcte on L. iS.*s Song- 
Book, 23>i 
The Nopiiali^ a Mafque on the 
Marriage, of the Dnke of 
JiamUton, »3A 
Dn the Marriage of my Lord 
Ramfay^ a 39 
pie on the Birth of the Mer- 
' ^a of Drumlanrigt. a 4** 
EpiiUe to Mr John Gay^ 243 
Ode to the Coon tela of Ahoja 
on her Marriage. a>49 
Epigram on MxaiVl.iS/ci;i&> ^47 
Oo the BAim^e 4( Bi«^v 



Lord Lyon, 14^ 

Epiftle to Mr Burchet^ 149 

The Gemval miibke. »So 

The Phoenix and the Owl, »S$ 

EpiOle to Baron Clerh^ on the 

Death of his Son; i57 

Oir Mr jilexaOer of «<ctti»^ 

M 

On the F«r Aftmbly. ^* 

On chufmg the dnka of HoM^ 

Mil Captain-General of the 

Royal company of Affcbern 

On the Royat Company'^ 
marching b th^ piopef ha* 
■*. bttt, »tf8 

Ode on the Britifi And^riaof ^ 
»70 
E^gram on a Prcient from the 
Marqnii of ^munuid/tf, %l^ 
Advice to Mr on bit Mar- 
riage. ^» 
Epigram Co Mm M, on hep 
Painting, ar74 
The Lure. »75 
A Love-trick. »78 
Epigram to Mr Pnmmmi^, 279 
Addrcfs to the Coondl of Edi0> 
burgbt H, 
Epigram on the duke of HsmiU 
Son*s (hooting an Ed, 283 
A Pafloral iarewel to Mr j^ik" 
mam, 184 
To Mr MalM» on kii Itaviog 
Scotland, a8tf 
Epigram to Caiifia, aST 
fafcrtption fba Mi JTsrilirw^* 
Tomb, a88 
Ode on the iaie Potdiell^ 
Hamillen, '^^ 
Ode on Sir Ifaac Ktewton, ifo 
Epiftle to Mr. Smerviit, 19* 
£pi(Ue from Mr Somtrvile, a94 
Anfwer to the above, 198' 
Reaibos for nor aniwering my 
Hackney Enemies 3<» 
EpiOle w Ml DmtU Muttuet*^ 
3o» 
Thanks 



The CONTENTS. 



M^/ 



Thanks to him for a Present 30% 
A baiiad on bony Kate^ y^i 
To Dr 7. C. whogor the fore- 
going to give to the youn^ 
Lady, 304 

Prologue and Epilogue for the 
young Gentlemen of Had- 
dirtgton School, f3« 

Prologue for Mr jijlott, 306 
A Cbaraaer» 3^7 

Ode to Mr Murray of Brugbton 
on his Marriage^ ib. 

On MnForbfs, late Lady New- 
ball, 308 
On the falling of & Slate on Mrs 
M. M.'s Bread. 3^9 
To my Obftquy-Singcrs in Jre- 
land, 310 
The Gentle Shepherd, a Fa(^ 
toral CoD>edy, 31 » 
The laft Time I came o'er the 
Moor, 384 
The lafs of Patie't Mill, 385 
Green Slecvet, 38^ 
Yeliow-haiffM Laddie^ 387 
Nanay-Ot ik» 
Bony Jtaot 388 
Auld Ung fyne, 389 
Lafs of Uvmgftmui^ 39<3 
Love's Cure, 39« 
Ode on Drinking, 39» 
BeJIy Bill and Mary Gray, ib. 
The young Laird and EiUahurgb 
Katy, 3W 
My Mither's ay glowran o'er 
me» iC0//aAii£Kcr» 395 



Spoke to Mrs i^. ^95 

Mary Scot, ib. 

O'er Bogie, 396 

O'er the Moor to Maggy, 397 
111 never leave thee, ib, 

Polwart, on the Green, 399 
John VayH bonny Ladle, 399 
Genty Tt^^^and (onQr NiUyAo^ 
Up in the Air, 401 

To Mrs j4. C. a Song, 40^ 
To Mrs £: C. a Song, 403 
To Califta, a Song, 404 

Locbaber no more, ib, 

Lafs with a Lumpof Land» 405 
To Mrs K, H. a Son^ 406 
111 gar ye be fain to follow me, 
40T 
'We\l9,UoKelfega, 408 

The Widow, 40P 

The Step-daughter, i5. 

The Soeer-Laddie, 410 

Bony cSriflyi 41 x 

The bony Scot, 41 » 

Love inviting Reaion, 4' 3 
The Bob of Duttbiam, 414 
Throw the Wood Laddie, 41s 
Ann thou wert my ain thing, ib» 
There'ii ray Thumb 1*W ne'er 
begaHe thee, 416 

The Highland Laddie; 41 7 
The Coalier's bony Laffie, 41 B 
CbKn and Girxy, 41^ 

The Mill, MiU-~0, 410 

To L, £. in MoQrBiD& 4*1 
The ConcIu(ion, j^» 

The Gloi&rj> |M 



4 •« 



t •«• « 



IM 



!•• 



• J 

i f '• 



r 



1 

r 



^r 



1 



NEW YORK PUBUC LIBRARY 
RBFBKENCB DBFARTMBNT 



Cflkcn from tli« Bvildtfii 




























































































fcf ti* «!■ 


1 J,' - 






r