The traveller, at this day, will stop and gaze On wrongs, which Nature scarcely seems to heed: For sheltered places, bosoms, nooks, and bays, And the pure mountains, and the gentle Tweed, And the green silent pastures, yet remain. XIII. YARROW UNVISITED. See the various Poems the scene of which is laid upon the banks of the Yarrow; in particular, the exquisite Ballad of Hamilton beginning "Busk ye, busk ye, my bonny, bonny Bride, FROM Stirling castle we had seen "Let Yarrow folk, frae Selkirk town, 5 ΙΟ On Yarrow's banks let herons feed, Hares couch, and rabbits burrow! But we will downward with the Tweed, 15 There's Galla Water, Leader Haughs, And Dryborough, where with chiming Tweed There's pleasant Tiviot-dale, a land Made blithe with plough and harrow : What's Yarrow but a river bare, 20 25 -Strange words they seemed of slight and scorn; My True-love sighed for sorrow; And looked me in the face, to think I thus could speak of Yarrow! "Oh! green," said I, "are Yarrow's holms, And sweet is Yarrow flowing! 30 Fair hangs the apple frae the rock,' 35 But we will leave it growing. O'er hilly path, and open Strath, We'll wander Scotland thorough; But, though so near, we will not turn 40 Let beeves and home-bred kine partake 1 See Hamilton's Ballad as above. 45 Be Yarrow stream unseen, unknown! We have a vision of our own; Ah! why should we undo it? The treasured dreams of times long past, 50 For when we're there, although 'tis fair, 55 'Twill be another Yarrow! If Care with freezing years should come, Should we be loth to stir from home, Should life be dull, and spirits low, That earth hath something yet to show, 60 XIV. SONNET IN THE PASS OF KILLICRANKY. An invasion being expected, October, 1803. Six thousand veterans practised in war's game, Tried men, at Killicranky were arrayed Against an equal host that wore the plaid, Shepherds and herdsmen.-Like a whirlwind came The Highlanders, the slaughter spread like flame; And Garry, thundering down his mountain road, Was stopped, and could not breathe beneath the load Of the dead bodies.-'Twas a day of shame O for a single hour of that Dundee, Who on that day the word of onset gave! XV. THE MATRON OF JEDBOROUGH AND HER HUSBAND. At Jedborough, my companion and I went into private lodgings for a few days; and the following Verses were called forth by the character and domestic situation of our Hostess. AGE! twine thy brows with fresh spring flowers, And bid them dance, and bid them sing; : That there is One who scorns thy power:- Nay! start not at that Figure-there Him who is rooted to his chair! 5 ΙΟ Look at him-look again! for he With legs that move not, if they can, The joyous Woman is the Mate I praise thee, Matron! and thy due Thy gladness unsubdued and bold: 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 |