MRS MARY MACARTHUR.
Mrs Mary Waugh, the widow of Mr James Macarthur, merchant, Glasgow, published in 1842 a duodecimo volume of verses, with the title, "The Necropolis, and other Poems." One of the compositions in that publication, entitled "The Missionary," is inserted in the present work, as being worthy of a place among the productions of the national Muse. In early life Mrs Macarthur lived in the south of Scotland; she has for many years been resident in Glasgow.
THE MISSIONARY.
He left his native land, and, far away
Across the waters sought a world unknown,
Though well he knew that he in vain might stray
In search of one so lovely as his own.
He left his home, around whose humble hearth
His parents, kindred, all he valued, smil'd—
Friends who had known and loved him from his birth,
And who still loved him as a fav'rite child.
He left the scenes by youthful hopes endear'd,
The woods, the streams, that sooth'd his infant ear;
The plants, the trees that he himself had rear'd,
And every charm to love and fancy dear.
All these he left, with sad but willing heart,
Though unallur'd by honours, wealth, or fame;
In them not even his wishes claim'd a part,
And the world knew not of his very name.
Canst thou not guess what taught his steps to stray?
'Twas love, but not such love as worldlings own,
That often smiles its sweetest to betray,
And stabs the breast that offered it a throne!