O happy pleasure! here to dwell Of the wild sea; and I would have Some claim upon thee, if I could, Though but of common neighbourhood. What joy to hear thee, and to see! Thy elder Brother I would be, Thy Father, any thing to thee! Now thanks to Heaven! that of its grace Hath led me to this lonely place. Joy have I had; and going hence I bear away my recompence. In spots like these it is we prize eyes: Then, why should I be loth to stir? I feel this place was made for her; Nor am I loth, though pleased at heart, As fair before me shall behold, As I do now, the Cabin small, Degenerate Douglas! oh, the unworthy Lord! Whom mere despite of heart could so far please, And love of havoc (for with such disease Fame taxes him) that he could send forth word To level with the dust a noble horde, A brotherhood of venerable Trees, Leaving an ancient Dome, and Towers like these, Beggared and outraged!- Many hearts deplor'd The fate of those old Trees; and oft with pain The Traveller, at this day, will stop and gaze On wrongs, which Nature scarcely seems to heed: For shelter'd places, bosoms, nooks and bays, And the pure mountains, and the gentle Tweed, And the green silent pastures, yet remain. 8. ADDRESS TO THE SONS OF BURNS after visiting their Father's Grave. Ye now are panting up life's hill! "Tis twilight time of good and ill, And more than common strength and skill Must ye display If ye would give the better will Its lawful sway. Strong bodied if ye be to bear Intemperance with less harm, beware! But if your Father's wit ye share, Then, then indeed, Ye Sons of Burns! for watchful care There will be need. For honest men delight will take Will flatter you; and Fool and Rake And of your Father's name will make A snare for you. Let no mean hope your souls enslave; Be independent, generous, brave! Your Father such example gave, And such revere ! But be admonish'd by his Grave, And think, and fear! |