II. In vain to me the cowslips blaw, In vain to me the vi'lets spring; And maun I still, &c. III. Wi' joy the tentie seedsman stalks ; And maun I still, 8c. IV. The wanton coot the water skims, Amang the reeds the ducklings cry, And maun I still, 8c. V. And owre the moorlands whistles shill, Wi' wild, unequal, wand'ring step And maun I still, 8c. VI. Blythe waukens by the daisy's side, And maun I still, &c. VII. And raging bend the naked tree; When nature all is sad like me! And maun I still on Menie doat, And bear the scorn that's in her e'e ! For it 's jet, jet black, an' it's like a hawk, An' it winna let a body be. We cannot presume to alter any of the poems of our bard, and more especially those printed under his own direction; yet it is to be regretted that this chorus, which is not of his own composition, should be attached to these fine stanzas, as it perpetually interrupts the train of sentiment which they excite. SONG VI. THE GLOOMY NIGHT, &c. AIR-ROSLIN CASTLE, I. The gloomy night is gath'ring fast, Loud roars the wild inconstant blast, Yon murky cloud is foul with rain, I see it driving o'er the plain ; The hunter now has left the moor, The scatt'red coveys meet secure, While here I wander prest wi' care, Along the lonely banks of Ayr. II. The autumn mourns her rip'ning corn By early winter's ravage torn; Across her placid, azure sky, She sees the scowling tempest fly; Chill runs my blood to hear it rave, III. 'Tis not the surging billow's roar, 'Tis not that fatal, deadly shore; Though death in ev'ry shape appear, The wretched have no more to fear : But round my heart the ties are bound, That heart transpierc'd with many a wound ; Those bleed afresh, those ties I tear, To leaye the bonnie banks of Ayr. IV. Farewell, old Coila's hills and dales, Her heathy moors and winding vales ; The scenes where wretched fancy roves, Pursuing past, unhappy loves ; Farewell, my friends ! farewell, my foes ! My peace with these, my love with those The bursting tears my heart declare, Farewell, the bonnie banks of Ayr! SONG VII. FROM THEE, ELIZA, I MUST GO. AIR.-GILDEROY. I. And from my native shore: A boundless ocean's roar: Between my love and me, My heart and soul from thee: Il. Farewell, farewell, Eliza dear, The maid that I adore ! We part to meet no more ! While death stands victor by, That throb, Eliza, is thy part, And thine that latest sigh ! |