[109A]VARIATIONS
To join yon river on the Strath.
[109B]VARIATIONS
Now looking over firth and fauld,
Her horn the pale-fac’d Cynthia rear’d;
When, lo, in form of minstrel auld,
A storm and stalwart ghaist appear’d.
CXXX.
TO
JOHN MAXWELL OF TERRAUGHTY,
ON HIS BIRTHDAY.
[John Maxwell of Terraughty and Munshes, to whom these verses are addressed, though descended from the Earls of Nithsdale, cared little about lineage, and claimed merit only from a judgment sound and clear—a knowledge of business which penetrated into all the concerns of life, and a skill in handling the most difficult subjects, which was considered unrivalled. Under an austere manner, he hid much kindness of heart, and was in a fair way of doing an act of gentleness when giving a refusal. He loved to meet Burns: not that he either cared for or comprehended poetry; but he was pleased with his knowledge of human nature, and with the keen and piercing remarks in which he indulged. He was seventy-one years old when these verses were written, and survived the poet twenty years.]
Health to the Maxwell’s vet’ran chief!
Health, ay unsour’d by care or grief:
Inspir’d, I turn’d Fate’s sybil leaf
This natal morn;
I see thy life is stuff o’ prief,
Scarce quite half worn.