University of Virginia Library

'Tis true, the gay attentive throng
Admired, but loved not much, his song;
Admired his wondrous voice and skill,
His harp that thrilled or wept at will;
But that affected gaudy rhyme,
The querulous keys and changing chime,
Scarce could the Highland chieftain brook;
Disdain seemed kindling in his look,
That song so vapid, artful, terse,
Should e'er compete with Scottish verse.