Lines.

LINES.

O sweet was the breath o the bright sunny morn,
As I sat by the fountain all sad and forlorn,

And sweet was the music that came from the grove,
As the accents that flow from the lips that we love!
The harebell around raised its soft drooping head,
Like a spirit of peace from the wake of the dead!
The blue sky, reposed on the top of the mountain,
As pure as the water that flowed from the fountain.
But alas! what can calm the forebodings within,
When the soul is involved in the darkness of sin ?
What magic can soothe the deep workings of sorrow,
Which even from the grave nothing dismal can borrow.
Is there ought in the charms of earth's loveliest smile,
That the fury of guilt or despair can beguile?

Ah! no, when the soul is all hopeless and weary,
Even the bright face of nature looks charmless and dreary,
And the sun as he shines in the east newly risen,

Seems a lamp to the darkest and loneliest prison!

January, 1819.

TO THE EDITOR.

EINNEB

more.

SIR,

I had once three children, the offspring of one mother. Being desirous the eldest should appear in the world, and thinking he might become one of your honour's pages. I sent him away for that purpose, taking care to bear the expences of his journey,-I never heard of him The second I likewise sent on the same errand, with instrucHis fortions to inquire after his brother that was gone before him. I now send the third, and you may tune never reached my ears. well think it is not without some degree of hesitation that I send him on a journey of such mysterious peril. Trusting however to Providence, and the care and kindness of yourself, I expect to hear of him soon, and am your most obedient servant,

NEWMILNS, 8th. Jan. 1819.

you

J. W.

Song-Loudon Castle.

SONG. LOUDOUN CASTLE.

Tune-Roslin Castle.

Where yonder woods are waving green,
And yonder castle walls are seen,
I'll wander oft when prest with care,
For Solitude dwells ever there.

There owl, and bat, may make resort,
The timorous hare walk through the court,
And swallow build her nest of clay,
On Loudoun Castle once so gay.

The turrets rise as proud and high,
And winter's stormy rage defy;
The stately chambers seem as fair,
Though lonely left, so cold and bare;
The marble stands, and graven stone,
The windows glitter in the sun,
But all the soul is fled away
From Loudoun Castle once so gay.

No welcome greets the stranger's ear,
No board is spread with goodly cheer.
The dance is done, the song is o'er,
And mirth, and joy, is heard no more;
The children startle at the gloom,
That fills each fair, but cheerless room,
The
poor man weeps, and turns away
From Loudoun Castle once so gay.

When in the paths of life we meet
A lovely form, and aspect sweet,
We feel regret, if we should find
That lovely form without a mind;
So when we view at eve or morn,
This scene so lovely, so forlorn,
We feel regret as lone we stray
By Loudoun Castle once so gay.

Extracts from New Publications.

Extracts from New Publications.

CAMPBELL; OR THE SCOTTISH PROBATIONER.

A NOVEL

In this Novel there are perhaps not the bold and striking characters of the productions of the great Jedediah Cleishbotham -but for truth to nature-for the soft and interesting detail of simple life-for the uniform adherence to moral effect-we know not any work of the present day with which to compare it. Many extracts from it have already appeared-we beg leave to present our readers with the following lively and well-described scene.—

"It was night before Mr. Belfield and his servant returned. Donald had been very much agitated at the relation of his sister's melancholy situation, and returned with his master in a very thoughtful mood.

“ Mr. Belfield listened with much interest, as we detailed our interview with Flora, and expressed his wishes, that she could be placed in some asylum, where with proper attention, there might be a probability of the poor girl's recovery.

Next morning, such articles of clothing as the ladies could spare from their wardrobe and some other little things to be had at the Inn, were made up in a parcel and given to Donald, who had solicited leave to ride over again to see his sister, knowing that she was now gone home. The poor fellow set out with a grateful, though heavy heart. We endeavoured to pass the day with cheerfulness; but the recollection of Flora interrupted every effort to enjoy ourselves.

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Night came, and Donald did not return; but as we supposed that he had stopped all night with his parents, his absence did not alarm us. Another day, however, passed; and as he did not make his appearance, we began to be rather uneasy, although hardly knowing what to fear.

"On the following morning, while we were at breakfast, a gentleman in the neighbourhood sent in his name and requested to see Mr. Belfield. After being introduced, and understanding that we were all of the same party, he thus addressed himself to Mr. Belfield.

"I presume, sir, I am correct in supposing that you are the master of Donald McDonald; and I have also reason to believe, that you are already acquainted with the melancholy story of his sister Flora?" "Upon Mr. Belfield's replying in the affirmative, he continued ; ← ← Į last night witnessed such manly conduct in your servant, in be,

Campbell; or the Scottish Probationer.

half of his unhappy sister, as impelled me, although a stranger, to call this morning, and introduce myself, that I might inform you of the particulars." Having been rather surprised at Donald's absence, we expressed our anxiety, and begged him to proceed,—It seems, said he, that Donald was sent by you to his father's where he had an interview with his sister; and her piteous situtation, with the distressed state of her parents, had completely overpowered his feelings: He stopped all night, and next day rode to Glenbeath, to obtain an interview with her seducer. On arriving there, he found the squire was not at home, but obtaining some information of his tract, he followed him and soon learned he was gone to Glenbracken, where there was to be a ball that evening.

"The poor fellow's mind was probably more heated with resentment, when he thought of the despicable seducer's engaging in such amusements, while the hapless victim of his villany was in so deplorable a state. On his arrival at Glenbracken, he put up his horse, knocked at the door of the ball room and inquired if Mr. Rwas there. The servant who answered told him he was gone out with his master, and some other gentlemen, to an Inn a few yards off. The agitation of Donald's face and manner did not escape the observation of some persons who passed him at the ball room door; and he was also recognised as the brother of Flora M‘Donald. The tale soon circulated in the room, where every one knew and commisserated the poor girl; but before this, Donald had gone to the Inn.

"Suspicions arose in the company that some disagreeable occurrence might take place, for your servant when in this quarter of the country, was known to possess both a brawny arm and an independant mind.

"Along with a few others, I hastened to the Inn, and, by a little address, succeeded in obtaining admission into a room adjoining to that which Donald had just entered with squire R- and separated

only by a wooden partition. We could distinctly hear all that passed, and were just in time for the commencement of the following dialogue: 'Are you Mr. Rof Glenbeath, ?'-'yes sir' I am Flora M'Donald's brother; Well-and what then?' Is she not the mother of your son?' I am not to be questioned by a servant in livery.' 'I shall see that,' and we heard the room door immediately bolted; Sir, this is very extraordinary-please to recollect, Sir that I am a gentleman, I wish you had recollected that yourself, Sir, when you seduced and ruined my sister,' Why, young man, I cannot say but that I am sorry, very sorry at the turn which things have taken; it is more than I expected.' No doubt, you expected, because, my sister was poor and her parents helpless, that no one would dare to say you had done wrong. She is now a poor forlorn wanderer, lost to herself and the world; her mother is stretched on a sick bed, broken hearted by the fate of her daughter; and my father pining under poverty and a woun ded spirit. And all this is your work! I have often thought of in

Campbell; or the Scottish Probationer.

6

quiring after them; But something shall be done to relieve them, and what is it you intend to do? "If she does not get better she must be sent to an asylum, where she will be cared for, and under proper management.' And if she does get better?' Why then she may do very well.' 'As how?' She may perhaps get a husband.' 'I am glad to hear you say so, and to find that you intend making all the recompense in your power. Indeed I was always fond of Flora; and were an offer to come in her way, I would not hesitate upon giv. ing her and her husband a little trifle to furnish their house, and set them down comfortably.' So you wish my sister to marry another?"` 'I do not understaud you! Did not you promise to marry Flora?” 'Young man you surprise me; I thought you had common sense!' 'Come, come, Sir, no trifling--to the point at once. Did you not promise to marry Flora M'Donald?' When? Where? produce your witnesses!' 'Lay your hand upon your heart, Sir; there you will find a witness, who even now tells you, in a voice ot thunder, that you seduced my sister under promise of marriage!' 'Young man be calm, consider who I am.' 'I am afraid I know that too well already-but I degrade myself by holding any longer conversation-So, in a word Mr. Rwill you marry my sister, provided she is restored to her senses?' Why, sir, I believe you are now as mad as she!' This from you, Sir! However, that I may not be deemed unreasouable, will you give me a written obligation to marry her upon recovery of her senses? I would ask your word of honour; but that is forfeited long ago.' 'No, Sir, I will never marry her!' Well then sir you are a scoundrel !' 'Sir this language cannot become!' • Well, sir, although degraded from the rank, you perhaps still expect the privileges of a gentleman. Here are two pistols-take your choice.' What! Fight with a footman-a groom!'No word, sir, take a pistol!' 'No' Will you not fight?' Not with you sir!' Then, sir, you are a mean, dirty, cowardly, scoundrel, and I shall treat you accordingly. "On his saying this, we heard a whip smacking about the shoulders of the young squire, while he capered round the room. When satisfied with the chastisement he bestowed, we heard Donald unlock the door, and again addressed him, Now sir, I have been told that you intend marrying into a respectable family; but you would be a disgrace to any family; therefore I shall take care that they know In the mean time I shall couduct you to your friend.' He then opened the door, seized Mr. R- -by the nose, led him out of the house, and gave him a hearty kick on the seat of honour, which made him tumble among the croud whom curiosity had collected at the door- Donald was now become a subject of general interest, and every one pressed forward to see him; but the poor lad's feelings were so much agitated, that he burst through the crowd, ran to the stable, and before any one could get time to address him, mounted his horse, and went off at full gallop.

you.

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