Of spirit undaunted, of intellect bright
As the glistening lakes in thy bosom which lie; The archives of learning, the annals of might
Shall lustre for ever the heroes of Skye.[Note] Injustice may scathe thee, deep gloom thee surround,
Thy night shall yet vanish, bright dawn to restore; When peace and fair plenty once more shall abound,
From Macleod's sea-girt castle to Armadale's shore.
["BONNIE DUNDEE."]
Whene'er I hear the well-kent tune
My heart gangs ower the sea And communes with the loved o' yore
In the dear auld countrie.
Ance mair I run, wi' lichtsome step
And spirits fu' o' glee Ane o' a joyous, childish group
To school, in fair Dundee.
Ah! many a year has come and gane
Yet, time's long bridge atween I overstep, and live the past
As if it happed yestreen.
Though mony a hand is cauld in death,
And mony a grave grows green O' those that made the Yule-tide bricht
And hanselled Hallowe'en.
But, sometimes from the music creeps
A sicht that blurs the sang;— 'Twould discord sweetest tones e'er sung,
And put the minstrel wrang.
It is the picture o' a hame
O' Scotland's peasantry; In front stands Graeme of Claverhouse
The braw Viscount Dundee.
The troopers rein their panting steeds
Their General's will to bide; As, clinging to their mother's gown
The frightened bairnies hide.
I hear the haughty "Where is he?"
But—Oh, she answers well! Her faithful heart love fortified,
"That same I will na tell."
Dark grew his scowl; as fierce wild beast
Defrauded of its prey, With thirst of blood insatiate,
He gave his passions play.