The fairies are dancing—how nimbly they bound!They flit o'er the grass tops, they touch not the ground;Their kirtles of green are with diamonds bedight,All glittering and sparkling beneath the moonlight.Hark, hark to their music! how silvery and clear—'Tis surely the flower-bells that ringing I hear,—The lazy-wing'd moth, with the grasshopper wakes,And the field-mouse peeps out, and their revels partakes.How featly they trip it! how happy are theyWho pass all their moments in frolic and play,Who rove where they list, without sorrows or cares,And laugh at the fetters mortality wears!But where have they vanish'd?—a cloud 's o'er the moon,I 'll hie to the spot,—they 'll be seen again soon—I hasten—'tis lighter,—and what do I view?—The fairies were grasses, the diamonds were dew.And thus do the sparkling illusions of youthDeceive and allure, and we take them for truth;Too happy are they who the juggle unshroud,Ere the hint to inspect them be brought by a cloud.
The fairies are dancing—how nimbly they bound!They flit o'er the grass tops, they touch not the ground;Their kirtles of green are with diamonds bedight,All glittering and sparkling beneath the moonlight.
Hark, hark to their music! how silvery and clear—'Tis surely the flower-bells that ringing I hear,—The lazy-wing'd moth, with the grasshopper wakes,And the field-mouse peeps out, and their revels partakes.
How featly they trip it! how happy are theyWho pass all their moments in frolic and play,Who rove where they list, without sorrows or cares,And laugh at the fetters mortality wears!
But where have they vanish'd?—a cloud 's o'er the moon,I 'll hie to the spot,—they 'll be seen again soon—I hasten—'tis lighter,—and what do I view?—The fairies were grasses, the diamonds were dew.
And thus do the sparkling illusions of youthDeceive and allure, and we take them for truth;Too happy are they who the juggle unshroud,Ere the hint to inspect them be brought by a cloud.
How pleasant, how pleasant to wander away,O'er the fresh dewy fields at the dawning of day,—To have all this silence and lightness my own,And revel with Nature, alone,—all alone!What a flush of young beauty lies scatter'd around,In this calm, holy sunshine, and stillness profound!The myriads are sleeping, who waken to care,And earth looks like Eden, ere Adam was there.The herbage, the blossoms, the branches, the skies,That shower on the river their beautiful dyes,The far misty mountains, the wide waving fields,What healthful enjoyment surveying them yields!Yes, this is the hour Nature's lovers partake,The manna that melts when Life's vapours awake;Another, and thoughts will be busy, oh howUnlike the pure vision they 're ranging in now!Lo! the hare scudding forth, lo! the trout in the streamGently splashing, are stirring the folds of my dream,The cattle are rising, and hark, the first bird,—And now in full chorus the woodlands are heard.Oh, who on the summer-clad landscape can gaze,In the orison hour, nor break forth into praise,—Who, through this fair garden contemplative rove,Nor feel that the Author and Ruler is love?I ask no hewn temple, sufficient is here;I ask not art's anthems, the woodland is near;The breeze is all risen, each leaf at his callHas a tear drop of gratitude ready to fall!
How pleasant, how pleasant to wander away,O'er the fresh dewy fields at the dawning of day,—To have all this silence and lightness my own,And revel with Nature, alone,—all alone!
What a flush of young beauty lies scatter'd around,In this calm, holy sunshine, and stillness profound!The myriads are sleeping, who waken to care,And earth looks like Eden, ere Adam was there.
The herbage, the blossoms, the branches, the skies,That shower on the river their beautiful dyes,The far misty mountains, the wide waving fields,What healthful enjoyment surveying them yields!
Yes, this is the hour Nature's lovers partake,The manna that melts when Life's vapours awake;Another, and thoughts will be busy, oh howUnlike the pure vision they 're ranging in now!
Lo! the hare scudding forth, lo! the trout in the streamGently splashing, are stirring the folds of my dream,The cattle are rising, and hark, the first bird,—And now in full chorus the woodlands are heard.
Oh, who on the summer-clad landscape can gaze,In the orison hour, nor break forth into praise,—Who, through this fair garden contemplative rove,Nor feel that the Author and Ruler is love?
I ask no hewn temple, sufficient is here;I ask not art's anthems, the woodland is near;The breeze is all risen, each leaf at his callHas a tear drop of gratitude ready to fall!
There 's music in the flowing tide, there 's music in the air,There 's music in the swallow's wing, that skims so lightly there,There 's music in each waving tress of grove, and bower, and tree,To eye and ear 'tis music all where Nature revels free.There 's discord in the gilded halls where lordly rivals meet,There 's discord where the harpers ring to beauty's glancing feet,There 's discord 'neath the jewell'd robe, the wreath, the plume, the crest,Wherever Fashion waves her wand, there discord rules the breast.There 's music 'neath the cottage eaves, when, at the close of day,Kind-hearted mirth and social ease the toiling hour repay;Though coarse the fare, though rude the jest, that cheer that lowly board,There loving hearts and honest lips sweet harmony afford!Oh! who the music of the groves, the music of the heart,Would barter for the city's din, the frigid tones of art?The virtues flourish fresh and fair, where rural waters glide.They shrink and wither, droop and die, where rolls that turbid tide.
There 's music in the flowing tide, there 's music in the air,There 's music in the swallow's wing, that skims so lightly there,There 's music in each waving tress of grove, and bower, and tree,To eye and ear 'tis music all where Nature revels free.
There 's discord in the gilded halls where lordly rivals meet,There 's discord where the harpers ring to beauty's glancing feet,There 's discord 'neath the jewell'd robe, the wreath, the plume, the crest,Wherever Fashion waves her wand, there discord rules the breast.
There 's music 'neath the cottage eaves, when, at the close of day,Kind-hearted mirth and social ease the toiling hour repay;Though coarse the fare, though rude the jest, that cheer that lowly board,There loving hearts and honest lips sweet harmony afford!
Oh! who the music of the groves, the music of the heart,Would barter for the city's din, the frigid tones of art?The virtues flourish fresh and fair, where rural waters glide.They shrink and wither, droop and die, where rolls that turbid tide.
Written to an Italian Air.
Ah! faded is that lovely bloom,And closed in death that speaking eye,And buried in a green grass tomb,What once breathed life and harmony!Surely the sky is all too dark,And chilly blows the summer air,—And, where 's thy song now, sprightly lark,That used to wake my slumb'ring fair?Ah! never shalt thou wake her more!And thou, bright sun, shalt ne'er again,On inland mead, or sea-girt shore,Salute the darling of the plain.Maiden! they bade me o'er thy fateNumbers and strains mellifluous swell,They knew the love I bore thee great,—They knew not what I ne'er can tell.The unstrung heart to others leavesThe music of a feebler woe,Her numbers are the sighs she heaves,Her off'ring tears that ever flow.Where could I gather fancies now?They 're with'ring on thy lowly tomb,—My summer was thy cheek and brow,And perish'd is that lovely bloom!
Ah! faded is that lovely bloom,And closed in death that speaking eye,And buried in a green grass tomb,What once breathed life and harmony!Surely the sky is all too dark,And chilly blows the summer air,—And, where 's thy song now, sprightly lark,That used to wake my slumb'ring fair?
Ah! never shalt thou wake her more!And thou, bright sun, shalt ne'er again,On inland mead, or sea-girt shore,Salute the darling of the plain.Maiden! they bade me o'er thy fateNumbers and strains mellifluous swell,They knew the love I bore thee great,—They knew not what I ne'er can tell.
The unstrung heart to others leavesThe music of a feebler woe,Her numbers are the sighs she heaves,Her off'ring tears that ever flow.Where could I gather fancies now?They 're with'ring on thy lowly tomb,—My summer was thy cheek and brow,And perish'd is that lovely bloom!
Illustrious as a metaphysician, Dr Thomas Brown is entitled to a place in the poetical literature of his country. He was the youngest son of Samuel Brown, minister of Kirkmabreck, in the stewartry of Kirkcudbright, and was born in the manse of that parish, on the 9th January 1778. His father dying when he was only a year old, his childhood was superintended solely by his mother, who established her abode in Edinburgh. Evincing an uncommon aptitude for knowledge, he could read and understand the Scriptures ere he had completed his fifth year. At the age of seven he was committed to the charge of a maternal uncle in London, who placed him at the schools of Camberwell and Chiswick, and afterwards at two other classical seminaries, in all of which he exhibited remarkable precocity in learning. On the death of his relative he returned to Edinburgh, and in his fourteenth year entered the University of that city. During a visit to Liverpool, in the summer of 1793, he was introduced to Dr Currie, who, presenting him with a copy of Dugald Stewart's "Elements of Philosophy," was the means of directing his attention to metaphysical inquiries. The following session he became a student in Professor Stewart's class; and differing from a theory advanced in one of the lectures, he modestly read his sentiments on the subject to his venerable preceptor. The philosopher and pupil were henceforth intimate friends.
In his nineteenth year, Brown became a member of the "Academy of Physics," a philosophical association established by the scientific youths of the University, and afterwards known to the world as having given origin to theEdinburgh Review. As a member of this society he formed the intimacy of Brougham, Jeffrey, Leyden, Logan, Sydney Smith, and other literary aspirants. In 1778 he published "Observations on the Zoonomia of Dr Darwin,"—a pamphlet replete with deep philosophical sentiment, and which so attracted the notice of his friends that they used every effort, though unsuccessfully, to secure him the chair of rhetoric in the University during the vacancy which soon afterwards occurred. His professional views were originally directed to the bar, but disgusted with the law after a twelve-month's trial, he entered on a medical course, to qualify himself as physician, and in 1803 received his diploma. His new profession was scarcely more congenial than that which he had abandoned, nor did the prospects of success, on being assumed as a partner by Dr Gregory, reconcile him to his duties. His favourite pursuits were philosophy and poetry; he published in 1804 two volumes of miscellaneous poems which he had chiefly written at college, and he was among the original contributors to theEdinburgh Review, the opening article in the second number, on "Kant's Philosophy," proceeding from his pen. An essay on Hume's "Theory of Causation," which he produced during the struggle attendant on Mr Leslie's appointment to the mathematical chair, established his hitherto growing reputation; and the public in the capital afterwards learned, with more than satisfaction, that he had consented to act as substitute for Professor Dugald Stewart, when increasing infirmities had compelled that distinguished individualto retire from the active business of his chair. In this new sphere he fully realised the expectations of his admirers; he read his own lectures, which, though hastily composed, often during the evenings prior to their delivery, were listened to with an overpowering interest, not only by the regular students, but by many professional persons in the city. Such distinction had its corresponding reward; after assisting in the moral philosophy class for two years, he was in 1810 appointed to the joint professorship.
Successful as a philosopher, Dr Brown was desirous of establishing a reputation as a poet. In 1814 he published anonymously the "Paradise of Coquettes," a poem which was favourably received. "The Wanderer of Norway," a poem, appeared in 1816, and "Agnes" and "Emily," two other distinct volumes of poems, in the two following years. He died at Brompton, near London, on the 2d April 1820, and his remains were conveyed for interment to the churchyard of his native parish. Amidst a flow of ornate and graceful language, the poetry of Dr Brown is disfigured by a morbid sensibility and a philosophy which dims rather than enlightens. He possessed, however, many of the mental concomitants of a great poet; he loved rural retirement and romantic scenery; well appreciated the beautiful both in nature and in art; was conversant with the workings of the human heart and the history of nations; was influenced by generous emotions, and luxuriated in a bold and lofty imagination.[113]
Yes! the shades we must leave which my childhood has haunted,Each charm by endearing remembrance improved;These walks of our love, the sweet bower thou hast planted,—We must leave them to eyes that will view them unmoved.Oh, weep not, my Fanny! though changed be our dwelling,We bear with us all, in the home of our mind;In virtues will glow that heart, fondly swelling,Affection's best treasure we leave not behind.I shall labour, but still by thy image attended—Can toil be severe which a smile can repay?How glad shall we meet! every care will be ended;And our evening of bliss will be more than a day.Content's cheerful beam will our cottage enlighten;New charms the new cares of thy love will inspire;Thy smiles, 'mid the smiles of our offspring, will lighten;I shall see it—and oh, can I feel a desire?
Yes! the shades we must leave which my childhood has haunted,Each charm by endearing remembrance improved;These walks of our love, the sweet bower thou hast planted,—We must leave them to eyes that will view them unmoved.
Oh, weep not, my Fanny! though changed be our dwelling,We bear with us all, in the home of our mind;In virtues will glow that heart, fondly swelling,Affection's best treasure we leave not behind.
I shall labour, but still by thy image attended—Can toil be severe which a smile can repay?How glad shall we meet! every care will be ended;And our evening of bliss will be more than a day.
Content's cheerful beam will our cottage enlighten;New charms the new cares of thy love will inspire;Thy smiles, 'mid the smiles of our offspring, will lighten;I shall see it—and oh, can I feel a desire?
When thy smile was still clouded in gloom,When the tear was still dim in thine eye,I thought of the virtues, scarce cold in the tomb,And I spoke not of love to thy sigh!I spoke not of love; yet the breast,Which mark'd thy long anguish,—deploreThe sire, whom in sickness, in age, thou hadst bless'd,Though silent, was loving thee more!How soon wert thou pledged to my arms,Thou hadst vow'd, but I urged not the day;And thine eye grateful turn'd, oh, so sweet were its charms,That it more than atoned the delay.I fear'd not, too slow of belief—I fear'd not, too proud of thy heart,That another would steal on the hour of thy grief,That thy grief would be soft to his art.Thou heardst—and how easy allured,Every vow of the past to forsware;The love, which for thee would all pangs have endured,Thou couldst smile, as thou gav'st to despair.Ah, think not my passion has flown!Why say that my vows now are free?Why say—yes! I feel that my heart is my own;I feel it is breaking for thee.
When thy smile was still clouded in gloom,When the tear was still dim in thine eye,I thought of the virtues, scarce cold in the tomb,And I spoke not of love to thy sigh!
I spoke not of love; yet the breast,Which mark'd thy long anguish,—deploreThe sire, whom in sickness, in age, thou hadst bless'd,Though silent, was loving thee more!
How soon wert thou pledged to my arms,Thou hadst vow'd, but I urged not the day;And thine eye grateful turn'd, oh, so sweet were its charms,That it more than atoned the delay.
I fear'd not, too slow of belief—I fear'd not, too proud of thy heart,That another would steal on the hour of thy grief,That thy grief would be soft to his art.
Thou heardst—and how easy allured,Every vow of the past to forsware;The love, which for thee would all pangs have endured,Thou couldst smile, as thou gav'st to despair.
Ah, think not my passion has flown!Why say that my vows now are free?Why say—yes! I feel that my heart is my own;I feel it is breaking for thee.
Ah! do not bid me wake the lute,It once was dear to Henry's ear.Now be its voice for ever mute,The voice which Henry ne'er can hear.Though many a month has pass'd since Spring,His grave's wan turf has bloom'd anew,One whisper of those chords would bring,In all its grief, our last adieu.The songs he loved—'twere sure profaneTo careless Pleasure's laughing browTo breathe; and oh! what other strainTo Henry's lute could love allow?Though not a sound thy soul hath caught,To mine it looks, thus softly dead,A sweeter tenderness of thoughtThan all its living strings have shed.Then ask me not—the charm was broke;With each loved vision must I part;If gay to every ear it spoke,'Twould speak no longer to my heart.Yet once too blest!—the moonlit grot,Where last I gave its tones to swell;Ah! thelasttones—thou heardst them not—From other hands than mine they fell.Still, silent slumbering, let it keepThat sacred touch! And oh! as dimTo life, would, would that I could sleep,Could sleep, and only dream ofhim!
Ah! do not bid me wake the lute,It once was dear to Henry's ear.Now be its voice for ever mute,The voice which Henry ne'er can hear.
Though many a month has pass'd since Spring,His grave's wan turf has bloom'd anew,One whisper of those chords would bring,In all its grief, our last adieu.
The songs he loved—'twere sure profaneTo careless Pleasure's laughing browTo breathe; and oh! what other strainTo Henry's lute could love allow?
Though not a sound thy soul hath caught,To mine it looks, thus softly dead,A sweeter tenderness of thoughtThan all its living strings have shed.
Then ask me not—the charm was broke;With each loved vision must I part;If gay to every ear it spoke,'Twould speak no longer to my heart.
Yet once too blest!—the moonlit grot,Where last I gave its tones to swell;Ah! thelasttones—thou heardst them not—From other hands than mine they fell.
Still, silent slumbering, let it keepThat sacred touch! And oh! as dimTo life, would, would that I could sleep,Could sleep, and only dream ofhim!
William Chalmers was born at Paisley in 1779. He carried on the business of a tobacconist and grocer in his native town, and for a period enjoyed considerable prosperity. Unfortunate reverses caused him afterwards to abandon merchandise, and engage in a variety of occupations. At different times he sought employment as a dentist, a drysalter, and a book distributor; he sold small stationery as a travelling merchant, and ultimately became keeper of the refreshment booth at the Paisley railway station. He died at Paisley on the 3d of November 1843. Chalmers wrote respectable verses on a number of subjects, but his muse was especially of a humorous tendency. Possessed of a certain versatility of talent, he published, in 1839, a curious production with the quaint title, "Observations on the Weather in Scotland, shewing what kinds of weather the various winds produce, and what winds are most likely to prevail in each month of the year." His compositions in verse were chiefly contributed to the local periodicals and newspapers.
Air—"The Pride of the Broomlands."
Sing on, thou little bird,Thy wild notes sae loud,O sing, sweetly sing frae the tree;Aft beneath thy birken bow'rI have met at e'ening hourMy young Jamie that 's far o'er the sea.On yon bonnie heather knowesWe pledged our mutual vows,And dear is the spot unto me;Though pleasure I hae nane,While I wander alane,And my Jamie is far o'er the sea.But why should I mourn,The seasons will return,And verdure again clothe the lea;The flow'rets shall spring,And the saft breeze shall bring,My dear laddie again back to me.Thou star! give thy light,Guide my lover aright,Frae rocks and frae shoals keep him free;Now gold I hae in store,He shall wander no more,No, no more shall he sail o'er the sea.
Sing on, thou little bird,Thy wild notes sae loud,O sing, sweetly sing frae the tree;Aft beneath thy birken bow'rI have met at e'ening hourMy young Jamie that 's far o'er the sea.
On yon bonnie heather knowesWe pledged our mutual vows,And dear is the spot unto me;Though pleasure I hae nane,While I wander alane,And my Jamie is far o'er the sea.
But why should I mourn,The seasons will return,And verdure again clothe the lea;The flow'rets shall spring,And the saft breeze shall bring,My dear laddie again back to me.
Thou star! give thy light,Guide my lover aright,Frae rocks and frae shoals keep him free;Now gold I hae in store,He shall wander no more,No, no more shall he sail o'er the sea.
"O, lassie, wilt thou goTo the Lomond wi' me?The wild thyme 's in bloom.And the flower 's on the lea;Wilt thou go my dearest love?I will ever constant prove,I 'll range each hill and groveOn the Lomond wi' thee.""O young men are fickle,Nor trusted to be,And many a native gemShines fair on the lea:Thou mayst see some lovely flower,Of a more attractive power,And may take her to thy bowerOn the Lomond wi' thee.""The hynd shall forsake,On the mountain the doe,The stream of the fountainShall cease for to flow;Ben-Lomond shall bendHis high brow to the sea,Ere I take to my bowerAny flower, love, but thee."She 's taken her mantle,He 's taken his plaid;He coft her a ring,And he made her his bride:They 're far o'er yon hills,To spend their happy days,And range the woody glens'Mang the Lomond braes.
"O, lassie, wilt thou goTo the Lomond wi' me?The wild thyme 's in bloom.And the flower 's on the lea;Wilt thou go my dearest love?I will ever constant prove,I 'll range each hill and groveOn the Lomond wi' thee."
"O young men are fickle,Nor trusted to be,And many a native gemShines fair on the lea:Thou mayst see some lovely flower,Of a more attractive power,And may take her to thy bowerOn the Lomond wi' thee."
"The hynd shall forsake,On the mountain the doe,The stream of the fountainShall cease for to flow;Ben-Lomond shall bendHis high brow to the sea,Ere I take to my bowerAny flower, love, but thee."
She 's taken her mantle,He 's taken his plaid;He coft her a ring,And he made her his bride:They 're far o'er yon hills,To spend their happy days,And range the woody glens'Mang the Lomond braes.
A zealous and respectable antiquary and cultivator of historical literature, Joseph Train is likewise worthy of a niche in the temple of Scottish minstrelsy. His ancestors were for several generations land-stewards on the estate of Gilmilnscroft, in the parish of Sorn, and county of Ayr, where he was born on the 6th November 1779. When he was eight years old, his parents removed to Ayr, where, after a short attendance at school, he was apprenticed to a mechanical occupation. His leisure hours were sedulously devoted to reading and mental improvement. In 1799, he was balloted for the Ayrshire Militia; in which he served for three years till the regiment was disbanded on the peace of Amiens. When he was stationed at Inverness, he had commissioned through a bookseller a copy of Currie's edition of the "Works of Burns," then sold at three half-guineas, and this circumstance becoming incidentally known to the Colonel of the regiment, Sir David Hunter Blair, he caused the copy to be elegantly bound and delivered free of expense. Much pleased with his intelligence and attainments, Sir David, on the disembodiment of the regiment, actively sought his preferment; he procured him an agency at Ayr for the important manufacturing house of Finlay and Co., Glasgow, and in 1808, secured him an appointment in the Excise. In 1810, Train was sometime placed on service as a supernumerary in Perthshire; he was in the year following settled as anexcise officer at Largs, from which place in 1813 he was transferred to Newton Stewart. The latter location, from the numerous objects of interest which were presented in the surrounding district, was highly suitable for his inclinations and pursuits. Recovering many curious legends, he embodied some of them in metrical tales, which, along with a few lyrical pieces, he published in 1814, in a thin octavo volume,[114]under the title of "Strains of the Mountain Muse." While the sheets were passing through the press, some of them were accidentally seen by Sir Walter Scott, who, warmly approving of the author's tastes, procured his address, and communicated his desire to become a subscriber for the volume.
Gratified by the attention of Sir Walter, Mr Train transmitted for his consideration several curious Galloway traditions, which he had recovered. These Sir Walter politely acknowledged, and begged the favour of his endeavouring to procure for him some account of the present condition of Turnberry Castle, for his poem the "Lord of the Isles," which he was then engaged in composing. Mr Train amply fulfilled the request by visiting the ruined structure situated on the coast of Ayrshire; and he thereafter transmitted to his illustrious correspondent those particulars regarding it, and of the landing of Robert Bruce, and the Hospital founded by that monarch, at King's Case, near Prestwick, which are given by Sir Walter in the notes to the fifth canto of the poem. During a succession of years he regularly transmitted legendary tales and scraps to Sir Walter, which were turned to excellent account by the great novelist. The fruits of his communications appear in the "Chronicles of the Canongate," "Guy Mannering," "Old Mortality," "The Heart of Mid Lothian," "The Fair Maid of Perth," "Peveril of the Peak," "Quintin Durward," "The Surgeon's Daughter," and "Redgauntlet." He likewise supplied those materials on which Sir Walter founded his dramas of the "Doom of Devorgoil," and "Macduff's Cross."
When Sir Walter was engaged, a few years previous to his death, in preparing the Abbotsford or first uniform edition of his works, Mr Train communicated for his use many additional particulars regarding a number of the characters in the Waverley Novels, of which he had originally introduced the prototypes to the distinguished author. His most interesting narrative was an account of the family of Robert Paterson, the original "Old Mortality," which is so remarkable in its nature, that we owe no apology for introducing it. Mr Train received his information from Robert, a son of "Old Mortality," then in his seventy-fifth year, and residing at Dalry, in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. According to the testimony of this individual, his brother John sailed for America in 1774, where he made a fortune during the American War. He afterwards settled at Baltimore, where he married, and lived in prosperous circumstances. He had a son named Robert, after "Old Mortality," his father, and a daughter named Elizabeth; Robert espoused an American lady, who, surviving him, was married to the Marquis of Wellesley, and Elizabeth became the first wife of Prince Jerome Bonaparte.[115]
On his first connexion with the Excise, Mr Train turned his attention to the most efficient means of checking illicit distillation in the Highlands; and an essaywhich he prepared, suggesting improved legislation on the subject, was in 1815 laid before the Board of Excise and Customs, and transmitted with their approval to the Lords of the Treasury. His suggestions afterwards became the subject of statutory enactment. At this period, he began a correspondence with Mr George Chalmers, author of the "Caledonia," supplying him with much valuable information for the third volume of that great work. He had shortly before traced the course of an ancient wall known as the "Deil's Dyke," for a distance of eighty miles from the margin of Lochryan, in Wigtonshire, to Hightae, in Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire, and an account of this remarkable structure, together with a narrative of his discovery of Roman remains in Wigtonshire, greatly interested his indefatigable correspondent. In 1820, through the kindly offices of Sir Walter, he was appointed Supervisor. In this position he was employed to officiate at Cupar-Fife and at Kirkintilloch. He was stationed in succession at South Queensferry, Falkirk, Wigton, Dumfries, and Castle-Douglas. From these various districts he procured curious gleanings for Sir Walter, and objects of antiquity for the armory at Abbotsford.
Mr Train contributed to the periodicals both in prose and verse. Many of his compositions were published in theDumfries Magazine,Bennett's Glasgow Magazine, and theAyr CourierandDumfries Couriernewspapers. An interesting tale from his pen, entitled "Mysie and the Minister," appeared in the thirtieth number ofChambers' Edinburgh Journal; he contributed the legend of "Sir Ulrick Macwhirter" to Mr Robert Chambers' "Picture of Scotland," and made several gleanings in Galloway for the "Popular Rhymes of Scotland," published by the same gentleman. He had long contemplated the publication of a description ofGalloway, and he ultimately afforded valuable assistance to the Rev. William Mackenzie in preparing his history of that district. Mr Train likewise rendered useful aid to several clergymen in Galloway, in drawing up the statistical accounts of their parishes,—a service which was suitably acknowledged by the writers.
Having obtained from Sir Walter Scott a copy of Waldron's "Description of the Isle of Man," a very scarce and curious work, Mr Train conceived the idea of writing a history of that island. In the course of his researches, he accidentally discovered a M.S. volume containing one hundred and eight acts of the Manx Legislature, prior to the accession of the Atholl family to that kingdom. Of this acquisition he transmitted a transcript to Sir Walter, along with several Manx traditions, as an appropriate acknowledgment for the donation he had received. In 1845 he published his "History of the Isle of Man," in two large octavo volumes. His last work was a curious and interesting history of a religious sect, well known in the south of Scotland by the name of "The Buchanites." After a period of twenty-eight years' service in the Excise, Mr Train had his name placed on the retired list. He continued to reside at Castle-Douglas, in a cottage pleasantly situated on the banks of Carlingwark Lake. To the close of his career, he experienced pleasure in literary composition. He died at Lochvale, Castle-Douglas, on the 7th December 1852. His widow, with one son and one daughter, survive. A few months after his death, a pension of fifty pounds on the Civil List was conferred by the Queen on his widow and daughter, "in consequence of his personal services to literature, and the valuable aid derived by the late Sir Walter Scott from his antiquarian and literary researches prosecuted under Sir Walter's direction."
Air—"There 's cauld kail in Aberdeen."
The neighbours a' they wonder howI am sae ta'en wi' Maggie,But ah! they little ken, I trow,How kind she 's to my doggie.Yestreen as we linked o'er the lea,To meet her in the gloamin';She fondly on my Bawtie cried,Whene'er she saw us comin'.But was the tyke not e'en as kind,Though fast she beck'd to pat him;He louped up and slaked her cheek,Afore she could win at him.But save us, sirs, when I gaed in,To lean me on the settle,Atween my Bawtie and the catThere rose an awfu' battle.An' though that Maggie saw him layHis lugs in bawthron's coggie,She wi' the besom lounged poor chit,And syne she clapp'd my doggie.Sae weel do I this kindness feel,Though Mag she isna bonnie,An' though she 's feckly twice my age,I lo'e her best of ony.May not this simple ditty show,How oft affection catches,And from what silly sources, too,Proceed unseemly matches;An' eke the lover he may see,Albeit his joe seem saucy,If she is kind unto his dog,He 'll win at length the lassie.
The neighbours a' they wonder howI am sae ta'en wi' Maggie,But ah! they little ken, I trow,How kind she 's to my doggie.Yestreen as we linked o'er the lea,To meet her in the gloamin';She fondly on my Bawtie cried,Whene'er she saw us comin'.
But was the tyke not e'en as kind,Though fast she beck'd to pat him;He louped up and slaked her cheek,Afore she could win at him.But save us, sirs, when I gaed in,To lean me on the settle,Atween my Bawtie and the catThere rose an awfu' battle.
An' though that Maggie saw him layHis lugs in bawthron's coggie,She wi' the besom lounged poor chit,And syne she clapp'd my doggie.Sae weel do I this kindness feel,Though Mag she isna bonnie,An' though she 's feckly twice my age,I lo'e her best of ony.
May not this simple ditty show,How oft affection catches,And from what silly sources, too,Proceed unseemly matches;An' eke the lover he may see,Albeit his joe seem saucy,If she is kind unto his dog,He 'll win at length the lassie.
On this unfrequented plain,What can gar thee sigh alane,Bonnie blue-eyed lassie?Is thy mammy dead and gane,Or thy loving Jamie slain?Wed anither, mak nae main,Bonnie, blooming Jessie.Though I sob and sigh alane,I was never wed to ane,Quo' the blue-eyed lassie.But if loving Jamie's slain,Farewell pleasure, welcome pain,A' the joy wi' him is ganeO' poor hapless Jessie.Ere he cross'd the raging sea,Was he ever true to thee,Bonnie, blooming Jessie?Was he ever frank and free?Swore he constant aye to be?Did he on the roseate leaCa' thee blooming Jessie?Ere he cross'd the raging sea,Aft he on the dewy lea,Ca'd me blue-eyed lassie.Weel I mind his words to me,Were, if he abroad should die,His last throb and sigh should be,Bonnie, blooming Jessie.Far frae hame, and far frae thee,I saw loving Jamie die,Bonnie blue-eyed lassie.Fast a cannon ball did flee,Laid him stretch'd upo' the lea,Soon in death he closed his e'e,Crying, "Blooming Jessie."Swelling with a smother'd sigh,Rose the snowy bosom highOf the blue-eyed lassie.Fleeter than the streamers fly,When they flit athwart the sky,Went and came the rosy dyeOn the cheeks of Jessie.Longer wi' sic grief oppress'dJamie couldna sae distress'dSee the blue-eyed lassie.Fast he clasp'd her to his breast,Told her a' his dangers past,Vow'd that he would wed at lastBonnie, blooming Jessie.
On this unfrequented plain,What can gar thee sigh alane,Bonnie blue-eyed lassie?Is thy mammy dead and gane,Or thy loving Jamie slain?Wed anither, mak nae main,Bonnie, blooming Jessie.
Though I sob and sigh alane,I was never wed to ane,Quo' the blue-eyed lassie.But if loving Jamie's slain,Farewell pleasure, welcome pain,A' the joy wi' him is ganeO' poor hapless Jessie.
Ere he cross'd the raging sea,Was he ever true to thee,Bonnie, blooming Jessie?Was he ever frank and free?Swore he constant aye to be?Did he on the roseate leaCa' thee blooming Jessie?
Ere he cross'd the raging sea,Aft he on the dewy lea,Ca'd me blue-eyed lassie.Weel I mind his words to me,Were, if he abroad should die,His last throb and sigh should be,Bonnie, blooming Jessie.
Far frae hame, and far frae thee,I saw loving Jamie die,Bonnie blue-eyed lassie.Fast a cannon ball did flee,Laid him stretch'd upo' the lea,Soon in death he closed his e'e,Crying, "Blooming Jessie."
Swelling with a smother'd sigh,Rose the snowy bosom highOf the blue-eyed lassie.Fleeter than the streamers fly,When they flit athwart the sky,Went and came the rosy dyeOn the cheeks of Jessie.
Longer wi' sic grief oppress'dJamie couldna sae distress'dSee the blue-eyed lassie.Fast he clasp'd her to his breast,Told her a' his dangers past,Vow'd that he would wed at lastBonnie, blooming Jessie.
I 've loved thee, old Scotia, and love thee I will,Till the heart that now beats in my bosom is still.My forefathers loved thee, for often they drewTheir dirks in defence of thy banners of blue;Though murky thy glens, where the wolf prowl'd of yore,And craggy thy mountains, where cataracts roar,The race of old Albyn, when danger was nigh,For thee stood resolved still to conquer or die.I love yet to roam where the beacon-light rose,Where echoed thy slogan, or gather'd thy foes,Whilst forth rush'd thy heroic sons to the fight,Opposing the stranger who came in his might.I love through thy time-fretted castles to stray,The mould'ring halls of thy chiefs to survey;To grope through the keep, and the turret explore,Where waved the blue flag when the battle was o'er.I love yet to roam o'er each field of thy fame,Where valour has gain'd thee a glorious name;I love where the cairn or the cromlach is made,To ponder, for low there the mighty are laid.Were these fall'n heroes to rise from their graves,They might deem us dastards, they might deem us slaves;But let a foe face thee, raise fire on each hill,Thy sons, my dear Scotia, will fight for thee still!
I 've loved thee, old Scotia, and love thee I will,Till the heart that now beats in my bosom is still.My forefathers loved thee, for often they drewTheir dirks in defence of thy banners of blue;Though murky thy glens, where the wolf prowl'd of yore,And craggy thy mountains, where cataracts roar,The race of old Albyn, when danger was nigh,For thee stood resolved still to conquer or die.
I love yet to roam where the beacon-light rose,Where echoed thy slogan, or gather'd thy foes,Whilst forth rush'd thy heroic sons to the fight,Opposing the stranger who came in his might.I love through thy time-fretted castles to stray,The mould'ring halls of thy chiefs to survey;To grope through the keep, and the turret explore,Where waved the blue flag when the battle was o'er.
I love yet to roam o'er each field of thy fame,Where valour has gain'd thee a glorious name;I love where the cairn or the cromlach is made,To ponder, for low there the mighty are laid.Were these fall'n heroes to rise from their graves,They might deem us dastards, they might deem us slaves;But let a foe face thee, raise fire on each hill,Thy sons, my dear Scotia, will fight for thee still!
An intelligent antiquary, an elegant scholar, and a respectable writer of verses, Robert Jamieson was born in Morayshire about the year 1780. At an early age he became classical assistant in the school of Macclesfield in Cheshire. About the year 1800 he proceeded to the shores of the Baltic, to occupy an appointment in the Academy of Riga. Prior to his departure, he had formed the scheme of publishing a collection of ballads recovered from tradition, and on his return to Scotland he resumed his plan with the ardour of an enthusiast. In 1806 he published, in two octavo volumes, "Popular Ballads and Songs, from Tradition, Manuscripts, and Scarce Editions; with Translations of Similar Pieces from the Ancient Danish Language, and a few Originals by the Editor." In the preparation of this work, he acknowledges his obligations to Dr Jamieson, author of the "History of the Culdees," Dr Robert Anderson, editor of the "British Poets," Dr John Leyden, and some others. On the recommendation of Sir Walter Scott he was received into the General Register House, as assistant to the Deputy-Clerk-Register, in the publication of the public records. He held this office till 1836, during a period of thirty years. Subsequently he resided at Newhaven, near Edinburgh, and ultimately in London, where he died on the 24th of September 1844. Familiar with the northern languages,he edited, conjointly with Sir Walter Scott and Henry Weber, a learned work, entitled "Illustrations of Northern Antiquities from the Earlier Teutonic and Scandinavian Romances." Edinburgh, 1814, quarto. In 1818 he published, with some contributions from Scott, a new edition of Burt's "Letters from the North of Scotland."
Mr Jamieson was of the middle size, of muscular form, and of strongly-marked features. As a literary antiquary, he was held in high estimation by the men of learning in the capital. As a poet he composed several songs in early life, which are worthy of a place among the modern minstrelsy of his country.
Tune—"My Wife 's a wanton wee Thing."
My wife 's a winsome wee thing,A bonnie, blythesome wee thing,My dear, my constant wee thing,And evermair sall be;It warms my heart to view her,I canna choose but lo'e her,And oh! weel may I trow herHow dearly she lo'es me!For though her face sae fair be,As nane could ever mair be;And though her wit sae rare be,As seenil do we see;Her beauty ne'er had gain'd me,Her wit had ne'er enchain'd me,Nor baith sae lang retain'd me,But for her love to me.When wealth and pride disown'd me,A' views were dark around me,And sad and laigh she found me,As friendless worth could be;When ither hope gaed frae me,Her pity kind did stay me,And love for love she ga'e me;And that 's the love for me.And, till this heart is cald, IThat charm of life will hald by;And, though my wife grow auld, myLeal love aye young will be;For she 's my winsome wee thing,My canty, blythesome wee thing,My tender, constant wee thing,And evermair sall be.
My wife 's a winsome wee thing,A bonnie, blythesome wee thing,My dear, my constant wee thing,And evermair sall be;It warms my heart to view her,I canna choose but lo'e her,And oh! weel may I trow herHow dearly she lo'es me!
For though her face sae fair be,As nane could ever mair be;And though her wit sae rare be,As seenil do we see;Her beauty ne'er had gain'd me,Her wit had ne'er enchain'd me,Nor baith sae lang retain'd me,But for her love to me.
When wealth and pride disown'd me,A' views were dark around me,And sad and laigh she found me,As friendless worth could be;When ither hope gaed frae me,Her pity kind did stay me,And love for love she ga'e me;And that 's the love for me.
And, till this heart is cald, IThat charm of life will hald by;And, though my wife grow auld, myLeal love aye young will be;For she 's my winsome wee thing,My canty, blythesome wee thing,My tender, constant wee thing,And evermair sall be.
Go to him, then, if thou can'st go,Waste not a thought on me;My heart and mind are a' my store,And they were dear to thee.But there is music in his gold(I ne'er sae sweet could sing),That finds a chord in every breastIn unison to ring.The modest virtues dread the spell,The honest loves retire,The purer sympathies of soulFar other charms require.The breathings of my plaintive reedSink dying in despair,The still small voice of gratitude,Even that is heard nae mair.But, if thy heart can suffer thee,The powerful call obey,And mount the splendid bed that wealthAnd pride for thee display.Then gaily bid farewell to a'Love's trembling hopes and fears,While I my lanely pillow hereWash with unceasing tears.Yet, in the fremmit arms of himThat half thy worth ne'er knew,Oh! think na on my lang-tried love,How tender and how true!For sure 'twould break thy gentle heartMy breaking heart to see,Wi' a' the wrangs and waes it 's tholed,And yet maun thole for thee.
Go to him, then, if thou can'st go,Waste not a thought on me;My heart and mind are a' my store,And they were dear to thee.But there is music in his gold(I ne'er sae sweet could sing),That finds a chord in every breastIn unison to ring.
The modest virtues dread the spell,The honest loves retire,The purer sympathies of soulFar other charms require.The breathings of my plaintive reedSink dying in despair,The still small voice of gratitude,Even that is heard nae mair.
But, if thy heart can suffer thee,The powerful call obey,And mount the splendid bed that wealthAnd pride for thee display.Then gaily bid farewell to a'Love's trembling hopes and fears,While I my lanely pillow hereWash with unceasing tears.
Yet, in the fremmit arms of himThat half thy worth ne'er knew,Oh! think na on my lang-tried love,How tender and how true!For sure 'twould break thy gentle heartMy breaking heart to see,Wi' a' the wrangs and waes it 's tholed,And yet maun thole for thee.
Walter Watson was the son of a handloom weaver in the village of Chryston, in the parish of Calder, and county of Lanark, where he was born, on the 29th March 1780. Having a family of other two sons and four daughters, his parents could only afford to send him two years to school; when at the age of eight, he was engaged as a cow-herd. During the winter months he still continued to receive instructions from the village schoolmaster. At the age of eleven his father apprenticed him to a weaver; but he had contracted a love for the fields, and after a few years at the loom he hired himself as a farm-servant. In the hope of improving his circumstances, he proceeded to Glasgow, where he was employed as a sawyer. He now enlisted in the Scots Greys; but after a service of only three years, he was discharged, in June 1802, on the reduction of the army, subsequent to the peace of Amiens. At Chryston he resumed his earliest occupation, and, having married, resolved to employ himself for life at the loom. His spare hours were dedicated to the muse, and his compositions were submitted to criticism at the social meetings of his friends. Encouraged by their approval, he published in 1808 a small volume of poems and songs, which, well received, gained him considerable reputation as a versifier. Some of the songs at once became popular. In 1820 heremoved from Chryston, and accepted employment as a sawyer in the villages of Banton and Arnbrae, in Kilsyth; in 1826 he proceeded to Kirkintilloch, where he resumed the labours of the loom; in 1830 he changed his abode to Craigdarroch, in the parish of Calder, from which, in other five years, he removed to Lennoxtown of Campsie, where he and several of his family were employed in an extensive printwork. To Craigdarroch he returned at the end of two years; in other seven years he made a further change to Auchinairn which, in 1849, he left for Duntiblae, in Kirkintilloch. He died at the latter place on the 13th September 1854, in his seventy-fifth year. His remains were interred at Chryston, within a few yards of the house in which he was born. His widow, the "Maggie" of his songs, still survives, with only four of their ten children.
Besides the volume already mentioned, Watson published a small collection of miscellaneous poems in 1823, and a third volume in 1843. A selection of his best pieces was published during the year previous to his death, under the superintendence of several friends in Glasgow, with a biographical preface by Mr Hugh Macdonald. The proceeds of this volume, which was published by subscription, tended to the comfort of the last months of the poet's life. On two different occasions during his advanced years, he received public entertainments, and was presented with substantial tokens of esteem. Of amiable dispositions, modest demeanour, and industrious habits, he was beloved by all to whom he was known. His poems generally abound in genuine Scottish humour, but his reputation will rest upon a few of his songs, which have deservedly obtained a place in the affections of his countrymen.