INSCRIPTION FOR A GARDEN SEAT: SACRED TO THE REMEMBRANCE OF A BELOVED FRIEND, MISS A. O**** FORT-AUGUSTUS, APRIL 29. 1774. SACRED to thee and friendly love, I consecrate this humble seat, Oft at sober ev'ning move: And when thou'rt far remov'd from me, When the silver queen of night, Cheers the surface of the streams, Or darts thro' dusky shades a visionary light: Here Fancy shall exert her magic power, Fate soon will bear thee to some happier clime, Adorn'd with charms beyond the reach of time: NOT IN THE MANNER, BUT IN THE SPIRIT OF COLLINS. " Deep in yon bed of whispering reeds "Thy airy harp shall now be laid; "That he whose heart in sorrow bleeds, May love thro' life the soothing shade.” COLLINS. WHEN THOMSON'S harp of charming tone Giv'n to the favour'd bard alone, (Its tuneful master snatch'd away), 'Midst whispering reeds impervious lay; The winds awak'd its mournful swell, The wood-nymphs join'd the solemn knell. Her yellow locks mild Autumn tore, Wild Winter mourn'd in mantle hoar. Sweet Spring in weeping buds was drest, Sad Nature caught th' Æolian strain, And Fate proclaim'd, no daring hand WRITTEN IN ONE OF THE DUKE OF ATHOLE'S WALKS AT BLAIR, AFTER MAKING A CLANDESTINE ENTRANCE THROUGH THE RIVER TILT, THEN VERY LOW: SUMMER 1796. "There I suck the liquid air, "All amidst the gardens fair." MILTON. YOUR jealous walls, great Duke, in vain All access would refuse ; What walls can Highland steps restrain? What bars keep out the Muse? Where'er I go I bring with me "That mountain-nymph, sweet LIBERTY!" Would you engross each breathing sweet Yon violet banks exhale ? Or trees with od'rous blooms replete, That scent th' enamour'd gale: |