The works of Allan Ramsay :: :: University of Virginia Library

Were I but a prince or King,
I'de advance ye, I'de advance ye;
Were I but a prince or King,
So highly's I'de advance ye.
Great Sence and Wit are ever found
'Mong you always for to abound,
Much like the Orbs that still move round,
No way's constrain'd, but Easy.
Were I, &c.

Most of what's hid from Vulgar eye,
Even from earth's center to the sky,
Your Brighter thoughts do clearly spy,
Which makes you wise and Easy.
Were I, &c.

Appollo's Self unknown attends,
And in good humour re-ascends
The forkt Parnassus, and Commends
You for being blyth and easy.
Were I, &c.

All faction in the Church or State,
With greater wisdom still you hate,
And leave learn'd fools these to Debate;
Like Rocks in Seas ye're easy.
Were I, &c.

May all you do Successfull prove,
And may you never fall in love
With what's not firm for your behoof,
Or may make you uneasy.
Were I, &c.

150

I love ye well—O! let me be
One of your Blyth Society,
And, like your Selves, I'll strive to be
Ay humorous and Easy.
Were I, &c.

On Andrew Brown Hanging Himself

[_]

[c. 1713]

Now what could be the carl's drift
to which auld Nick lent him a lift
Unless it were a wylie shift
To hain his bread
Now he'll eat nane and that is thrift
Since he is dead

How coud the fallow be sa daft
to tye himsell up to the laft I
at's awn bed fit, where he sa aft . . . [OMITTED]

By heaven's it was cursedly uncivil
In a bout to prove his fathers Rivall
And then in Rage without Reprivall
his sire to send
with Cords down headlong to the devill
Oh fatall end

here be thou seiz'd with plague and pox
Even hell account thee heterodox
Just heaven inflict most grievous stro(kes)
Till thou perpends
thy sire below needs make no clocks
Where time nere ends

151

Cauld be your cast who curst your dad
May fleas ay bite you i' your bed
be drawn when hanged in a sled
to gallow lee
After curst sauls to pluto fled
there ay hing ye.

In a Clock cord baith tough and snell
Some others think he hangd himsell
Which was a nearer cut to hell
and with mare speed,
Where base ------ [OMITTED]

[_]

(The fragment ends here)

A Rebuke to Antony Uneasy

[_]

[1713]

Uneasy's a thief; 'tis black burning shame.
I'le flite his muse deaf, and blunder his name.
His muse, said I? Hang it! It must be damn'd lame—
She pilfer'd from Bion, the great son of fame.
Confess then ye'r dull and greatly to blame
To fancy our club so silly and tame
To be tricked by Ma(d)ge in the weeds of her dame.

From my forge at Parnasus, the 18th of the 8 moon, the year of our club 2. Take this, Sir, from your most proud and arogant Deacon, Gawain Douglas.

152

THE LAMENTATION

9 Nov. 1715

George
Why drooping thus? Say, Gawin, what is the cause
That surly face dares break our Easy laws.

Gawin
These drumbly times do very much confound
My easy thinking and my judgement wound,
While grief and hope alternately go round.

George
Let wild confusions do the worst they can,
No accident shall crush the vertuous man;
Should jarring discord make all nature crack
And wasting wars make of this world a wrack,
No casual event can his peace controul,
He stands secure, fix'd on his lofty soul.

Gawin
Ah George, methinks it stupid not to moan—
Should we not sigh to hear our Mother groan
Now when her sides are tore with civil broils
And her brave blood in dreadful madness boils?
Her hardy sons, whose fame was heard afar,
Now 'gainst each other threaten cruel war.
They who spread terrour in the dusky plain
And, panting, trod o're mountains of the slain,
Who knew to dye much better than to yield
And still were slain, or victors kept the field—

153

Now must this daring courage all be spent
In quelling private feuds and discontent?
Degenerate age, say what can be the cause
To prompt such wrath as shocks all nature's laws.
'Gainst brother brother, father 'gainst the son,
Both seem resolv'd their party's risque to run,
To gain their end no danger seem to shun.
The kind emotions of a tender wife
Who, fainting, views her husband in the strife,
Dismay'd, she fears his slender tack of life.
But now nor wife nor infant charms can make
His strong resolves or inclinations shake
Tho both his life and fortune's at the stake.
He mounts his steed, nor her advice does ask
But sets his all upon the dreadful cast.
She's left alone and doubts of his return;
She loves the man and can not chuse but mourn,
Thus tryes to waste her grief by shedding tears
And by faint hopes to crush substantial fears.
Pacific hinds whose humble minds regard
No politicks beyond their barn and yard
Are forced to arms.
These tools of death they weild with awkward hand,
While ploughs on until'd ridg[e]s neglected stand.
They see destruction through the kingdom reel
And meagre famine treading on its heel
When frugal arts of peace are laid aside
To gratifie a dull schismatick pride.
These sure are ills, yet there are ten times more
Which every thinking Scotsmen should deplore.

George
They are, indeed. Yet often when disease
Does threaten death to give the patient ease,
From purple veins the lancet gives a pass
To that base blood which would defile the mass.
So may it hit.

154

I know the horrid cause for which we smart,
The black idea's rivet in my heart.
O may they only suffer by the rod
Who with this cursed crime offended God.

Gawin
So may it end as I would wish, and then
I'll change my airs and tune my reed again.

Both
Till then heav'd blast our foes and save true hearted men.

To the Right Honourable George, Lord Ramsay

Edinburgh, Janr 1st 1719

To you my lord, my earlyest lays belong,
a Ramsay's Chief demands a Ramsay's song,
deemst not presumtion nor with scorn refuse
the humble Tribute of an honest muse.
In virteous days long 'ere the Romish priest
By Avarice made goodness seem a jest,
e're Clergy discord from Men's Bosoms drove
Nat'rule Simplicity, Social love,
The Bards of old the Heroes did inspire
with noble sentiments and Gen'rous fire,
sweet & sublime their happy numbers flow'd
and all arround a generall good Bestow'd.

155

The Brave and Great with Justice pant for fame
But often wander wide and miss their aim,
oft' best of Men their best Designs are Crost,
by want of Skill in Errour's Mazes lost,
But he who Studys Men and Books aright
Views Causes and Effects in their trew light,
when polite knowledge Litrature Refines
that patriot with uncommon luster shines.
Thus you, My Lord (fame sayst,—& fame says Truth)
Restore your usefull Time, and vig'rous Youth.
Well may you prosper in each Bright Desire
Still taking for your patern your Brave Sire
posest of all his prudence & his fire.
The thinking Man eyes his Ancestor's worth
preservs the Grandure of his house and Birth
and through the Golden Mien he wisely steers
Not cheated with vain Hopes nor Crush'd with fears.
By fortitude of mind he conquest gains
O're sordid pleasures and imagind pains
superior to the puny pleagues of Life
looks down on trifles which engender strife.
such a great Soul can destiny command
who holds his passions with a steady hand
Great in himself, he all his actions Rules
by virtue, and leavs pegeantry to fools
he scorns to cringe at courts or Blur his mind
with consent, when his countrey's fall's designd
But when plac'd at the Helm of state affairs
the publick good engroses all his Cares
How litle Fuscus looks how mean & vile
at him the sullen rail and jovial smile
an Empty Buble with a Vast Estate
design'd a slave, but by mistaken fate
thrown on a family to its disgrace
staining the honour'd glorys of his Race

156

without a thought from stew to stew he scours
and nothing minds but drunkeness and whoors
Now these fair ridges which his fathers won
wastes like the snow before the summer's sun,
thus he goes on, destroying life & health
and hangs a dead weight on the Commonwealth,
But soon of him the nation shall have ease,
a young old man all Rotten with desease!

I show this Monster just to make yow Laugh
Your inate vertues shall preserve yow safe,
for greater uses by indulgent Heav'n
your Sprightly Soul, and nervous limbs wer giv'n,
Thousands we hope from your brave loyns shall spring
to serve their God, their Countrey, & their King.

O may that fair! whose circling arms shal twine
your manly Breast, in all that's Charming Shine,
May she be sent on purpose from above
be worthy yow and Worthy of your Love:
In this Important Choise My Lord be nice,
and take your Motions by our Chief's advice,
Experience crowns his wisdom, and he knows
the springs from which this or that Event flows.
That He whose nod the Universe Obeys
May give yow lengthned lease of Joyfull Days

My Lord Your Lordship's most humble and devouted servant Allan Ramsay.

THE HAPPY MAN

How happy's he who rais'd above low care
by plenteous fortune, with ane equall mind,
Enjoys what Heaven has given him for his share
with Conduct, and a Spirit unconfin'd.

157

Whose active Soul delights in the pursuit
of knowledge, where true honour's only form'd,
That use of life which Yeilds the fairest fruit
and gives a fame Detraction cannot wound.

Who has a Partner of a cast divine
all Prudence, Goodness and of Humour Sweet,
Whose Virtues throw Her lovely features shine
and amiably in her Actions meet,

Forbiding Spleen and all domestick Strife
groundless mistake the Spring of all debate,
The best of Husbands he—she the best Wife,
brings human life near to the Heavenly state.

But who can paint the Addition of his Joys
when in their dawn he his own worth can trace,
In the rich Budings of his Lovely Boys
and all their Mother in each Daughter's Grace,

Whose Beautyous Smiles engage Paternal Love
to Cultivate the hopefull Early Bloom
In minds he can so easylie improve
that have for every virtue Spacious Room.

Happy the man thus Blest twice happy he!
that is and views his Bliss in proper light,
with gratefull Soul from Spleen & Envy free,
takes in these gifts divine or just delight.

Knows where to fix th'extent of his desire
nor slights the real for imagin'd good
Nor suffers vice t'inflame with wasting fire
nor is with all these excellencys proud.

158

But where, say you, shall we in this vile Age
the Originall of these outlines remark
My friend attend then, And I shall engage
to Show them all and more in S(i)r John Clerk.

Writen at Newbigging, 29 March, 1720

[To Mr. Jo. Kerr of King's College, Aberdeen]

[_]

[c. 1721]

Sir Your Epistle came to Hand
and trouth I tak it kind
when men wha numbers understand
sae frankly tell their mind

well Likes a poet to be praisd
by Learnd & worthy men
Sae by your Lays I'm higher Raisd
than those of other Ten

Since tis weel kend that lang or now
you've pleast the nicest tast
By what ye sing if ye mean true
my Muse is Doubly Gract

weell Bee't sae then Now tent me Ker
nor my reqwest refuse
O! to the Beautys Donian fair
dear Lad make my excuse

For Rowtining Clyd and fleechyng Tweed
and siller Breasted Tay
had got possession of my head
and dang out don & spay

159

Nae farrer north my muse did Rove
when she sang oer the plaid
Then throw the Green Glantanar grove
wher Jove Imbracd the maid

that Lovely Lass wha now apears
before Sols rearing sighing Beams
was Born and past her Infant years
by Dona's silver streams

she promp to't by ane Inate Love
each for their Birth place have
she as annither Boon frae Jove
this Benison did crave

That virgins Born on Don or Dee
shoud be the Beautyous Bost
of hight or plain within ilk sea
that shields Brittanias Coast

Besides to them she does impart
to wear and Dy and spin maist fine
the plaid nae mair Minerva's art
but of fair Iris thine

Dear Donian Nymphs cease to Reflect
My fault I frankly own
have for a penetent respect
wha canna bear your frown

ah Smile upon me & I'll sing
your smiles ye sweetest fair
your Beautys throw the warld shall ring
till warlds shall be nae mair

160

farewell my Friend god Grant Ye health
and Easyness of Mind
possest of these ye want nae wealth
and Hea[v]n to you is Kind

Say may kind heavn proptious prove
and grant what ere ye Crave
An[d] him a Corner in your Love
who is your humble slave

ON THE MARRIAGE OF URBAN AND BELLA. JULY 10th, 1721.

Night now had spread her Gloom o'er all the Skies,
And Sleep had seal'd up every Guardian's Eyes;
When o'er the darken'd plain kind Urban stray'd;
With careful pace, to meet his faithful Maid,
But there's no wandring where true Love's the Guide,
Soon in his Arms he found his lovely Bride.
Ee'r yet the Morn had rais'd her rosy Head,
To cross the Waves the swelling Sails are spread,
Pleas'd Ocean smooth'd his Brow, the Winds blew fair,
And seemed to whisper doun each lesser Care;
When to his Bella Urban did impart,
In softest words th'emotions of his Heart.
My dearest charge (said he) drop every Care,
Let these be mine—they're now fall'n to my share,
Them I can bear—so Heav'n has well design'd,
Our Fortitude to shield your softer Mind,
Now you are mine so fate consents and You,
And to the join't consent each one must Bow;
Ev'n He who claims your Duty and your Love,
Since he is Wise, there's hopes he will approve,
Him gain'd we'll slight each medd'ling little Mind,
That to the Strength of Sympathy are blind;
Who think join't hands make Nuptial rites compleat
While Inclinations never chance to meet;

161

Then let no doubts of what the World may say,
Raise the least Cloud on our fair Marriage Day.
A Blushing Glance here serv'd for a reply,
And Urban read what pleas'd him in her Eye,
Which rais'd his Raptures, and forbade each pain,
That frights poor fools from Hymen's happy Chain;
The Chain which now with glad consent they bear,
And mutual Love shall make them easy wear.
No sooner had loud Fame with spreading Blast,
Giv'n out the News when each their verdict past,
At sullen Coffee—at the sparkling Wine,
Or the lov'd Circle where the Fair combine
To sip their Tea—I got this fair account
Which justly balanc'd, here is the amount;
Some envy'd—some their weaker Souls betray'd,
Believing what each low detracter said;
Such have nor Sense, nor Courage to Assert,
(Like Urban's self,) the Cause of wrong'd desert.
But these who dare to own their thoughts aloud
And wisely sep'rate from the thoughtless Croud,
Approv'd the Choice of both, since only Love,
Calls doun the Marriage Blessings from above,
Which to Old age may they enjoy profuse,
Is the kind wishes of an honest Muse.

To His Grace John Duke Of Roxburgh,

The Address of Allan Ramsay, S[cots] P[oet].

May it please your Grace

In south Brittania there is Bays
Plac'd on a Poets pow,
and stipend wi't, his strains to raise,
and gar his Genius Glow,

162

well sic a Lad may link aff Lays,
and various volumes stow
with winsome witt, and a' his Days
sing But a Dowf, heh How!
frae want secure.

'Tis Eith to Guess my Meaning here,
and woodyfa' them's Joaking,
for tho I be na Gare on Gear
I Loo na to be Broken,
but fain wad keep my Credit Clear
and look a wee thought Cockin,
for gin I honest like appear
it keeps dull Coofs frae Mockin
our Gang aft poor.

Now ound, by a', to be a Bard,
a wonder vogey Title!
but Heir to no ae Inch of Eard,
my Income's somthing kitle.
wherfore, since I Claim your Regard,
may post or pension litle,
Obtaind By YOU, be my Reward
lest poortith do my Witt ill,
And spill my Breeding.

For nought am I to save our Tongue
with numbers, Gloss, and Notes,
and smooth the Brows of Auld and Young,
while warbling throu' their Throats.
A Cheil with poutch and pantrie Clung
maun Guzzell swats wi' sots,
syn stanzas, frae sic Liquor sung,
will neer be worth twa groats,
or bide the Reading

163

And wadna that look very fine,
to see a Lad like me,
Ca'd aft the Dawtie of the NINE,
sic Dowie dumps to dree
Thus, for the lak of Claret wine,
to gar me tak the Gie,
my Muse in Tippony to tine!
And look like let me be,
Baith blate & Blew!

Frae public funds Thousands are fed
with some of whom we're vext,
wha make Divinity a Trade,
Riving in deugs the Text,
while painfou poets, better Bred,
Their precepts less perplext
with God-sen(t) gifts are unco glad,
and naithing sure anext,
yet Thanks to YOU,

That when my Glaring freinds gae way,
and I was at a stand,
(with Quarto Book, my fate to sey)
held out your helping HAND,
and chargd my purse with Guineas gay,
withouten my Demand,
This of your Goodness was a Ray
which I right Genial fand,
That happy Day.

Grecious examples ever Ding
the advice of wisest Men,
Tho' I should like a seraph sing
what way should some fowk ken,
The streek of Blyth Thalai's wing
unless you PRINCES Len
your Aprobation, and gar Bring
the Canty Billy ben,
This makes him Gay,

164

Since I was Tented by Your GRACE,
My Muse with pleasure rises;
wide nature's feilds I frankly Trace
wherever she advises,
on Pindus' Height she takes her place,
nor cackling Criticks prizes,
with careles air she smooths my face,
and a' the Drolls dispises
with Gladsome Glee.

Health, Blythnes, Love, and a' thats Great
delightfou, Good, and fine
Be YOURS and Blooming BOWMONT's fate,
and lang lang may ye shine:
These are our prayers, air & late,
To Guardian powers Divine,
My wishes These, when, Left thumb gate,
we Bend about the wine,
and ay shall Be.

Edr, Aprile 20th, 1722

TO THE MEMORY OF MARY, DUCHESS DOWAGER OF BEAUFORT AND COUNTESS DOWAGER OF DUNDONALD

[_]

[1722]

with Daring flight the Scotian Muse essays
t'imortallize a Lovely princes[s'] praise
Great Osburns Race her saftest Lays demand
wha Love their Brave Ansestors' native Land
Nor will Carmarthan deem our sorow Less
Altho we shed our Tears in Rural dress
even Mighty Maro, who Best sang of Wier
with shepherds Lays could please Augustus' ear
Allow us then My Lord to pay what's Due
To Beauty, virtue, greatnes, Love, and You

165

frae Ospurn sprung wha stood his monarchs stoop
when Majesty was Basely made to droop
But when the Black Rebelious night was oer
he shone with greater splendor than Before
The Consort of high Beaufort craves our Strains
Beaufort who Drew his Blood from Royal Viens
Dundonald worthy patriot! ah! oer soon
thou Left a Heaven Below for that aboon.
but Destiny hard hearted never spears
thy darling scars(e) tents her tender tears,
Love Magnif[i]es her Loss she's paind to be
Earths joys grow mean—she droops she hasts to thee
The Noble Brother finds his heart to ake
The sudden Loss does all his pleasures shake
striving my Lord to bring you some Relife
A humble Bard would paint a Naitons grief
Belinda's Dead!—the Murning Maya Crys
while Gushing Streams flow from her sparking eyes
Belind[a']s Dead!—Liza with sighs Replys

May

Bauld are [the] Blasts that Blaw oer yonder hight
Short . . . and Langs the dreery Night
Yet nights and days I'd thole the Wind and rain
coud that bring Back Belindas Breath again

Lizie

Cauld is the Snaw that Cleads the Clinty Cleugh
Hard is the Ice that Hings out oer the Heugh
yet Barefut Wad I wade throw mony a wreath
Could that Bring Back the Lovd Belinda's breath

Young Colin darnd behind a Ruck of Wheat
with melting heart oerhard the Lasses Greet
he felt their pain, but of more strength possest
forbad his Tears—and thus the Maids adrest

166

[Colin]
Dear Lasses just is ilka tear ye shed
for her whas Bounty made us aft fou glad
whase sweetness wan the hearts of Great & Sma
while her strick virtues gart us stand in aw
sae at Sun whase chearing Beams we find
we darna Glowr for fear he make us Blind
But Lear to be content and thole yer pain
for we can neer behad her face again

Maya
'tis unco Easy to hardhearted men
to meet with Tinsell & neer let fouk ken
while we of safter minds sigh mony a day
or we can get the uperhand of wae
as Lang's I see a Lady sweet and fair
with keuly looks mix'd with a princly air
if sic there be with grief I'll ca to mind
the Blest Belinda Best of a' her kind

Lizi
when E'er I trade alang the Bony Green
where she at Ilka dance was chosen Queen
or by yon Burn where on the floury Brae
we usd to sport and see the Fishes play
a Thousand thoughts of her and Time that's gane
will sink my saul wi grief and ay renew my pain

May
now Day grows Langer and the welcome Spring
comes on apace the Birds begin to sing
the primrose Buds the Gowan knots appear
with a' the rising Beautys of the year

167

But no to me this seson Gay & fair
can joy restore or mitigate my Care
Belinda's Death ay in my mind will ring
and sour the saftest sweetness of the spring

Lizi
and Cease ye Lambs to Bleet—cease faling dews
Cease streams to murmur, Echo to repeat
Yes weep ye flock aloud that hills may hear
Be ilka chrystall pearl of Dew a tear
for dear Belinda streams for ever Murn
for her let Echo sigh[i]ng sad return
the Dolefu Tale—while we with grief relate
her goodnes[s] Beauty and oer hasty fate

Colin
But now frae ilka fear of Greef shes free
and tastes the fruit of th'Imortall Tree
But mind she's freed frae a' our cares & strife
and born aboon where endles joys are rife
wher never enters sorrow sighs or pain
sae for her Loss ye Greetna but your ain

May
Ah hasty Death to pou her in her prime
when eild it sell is but sae scrimp a time
Thousands there are less usefou here beneath
we could have spared for her and wi Lesser Skaith
her words were musick and her deeds wer kind
fair was [her] frame and generous was her mind
nae spitefou passion e'er coud find [a] place
within her Brest or Cloud her Lovely face
Descended frae a Chief yet free frae pride
she did with meekness a' her actions Guide

168

Lizi
not siller showers in drouth mair kindly fa
than wer her welcome favour to us a'

[Colin]
nor is my heart nae mair than yours of steel
yes I our tinsell as severly feell
But stranger Reason comes to take my part
while you less Guarded sink beneath the smart
then dry ye'r Cheeks—and learn ye to Behave
ye'r sells like her then shall your virtues crave
Love in your Life and honour in your Grave

MACARONIC

Nil mihi rescribus at aman ipse vene
For your kitle Latine, in conscience I dinna kent bene,
Sed video right mikle, quo tendit ad meum honorem;
Sic silvae saltantis when cantylie I play before 'em
On my landart lyra—Castalides omnia ambitious
Videre this ferly new—weel be't sae, benignus Patricus,
Accipio for granted tu cogitas quid thou hast dictus,
And blythsum audire my pow is cum laurel amictus.
Ago tibi gratias. When ye come to Senex Fumosus,
Spero to se ye where a botle of the best shall rejoyce us.

Allanus Ramisaeus.

Edr., June 11, 1722.

SILVIA TO A--- R---

O Ramsay Rare wha Blythly can
Revive the Heart of Maid or Man
if you a favour will bestow
upon a Lass tho' very Low

169

in Rhime she here addresses you
and craves you'll send her somthing new
flames Raptures darts and hearts on fire
are Subjects I dont much admire
The only Thing I'd wish to have
is Somthing Gay but nothing grave
this favour if you'll grant to me
I shal Respect you till I die

Silvia

ANSWER Octr 1722

When Silvia asks wha can deny
wha has the use of ear or eye
yes I in either prose or Rhime
will serve the ffair at ony time
“If you a favour will bestow
that Sentance gars my vitals glow
but you forbid me to Imploy
or name the artilery of the boy
That Callan wha, Ill deedy Shit!
Sae afften on a Poets wit
makes a' his Arrows gleg at point
to Shoot young Hearts quite out of joynt
that done the Wean, black be his fa!
Skips to his Mam with a Gafa
and tells his Pranks—she claps his Pow
Syn frae her Stays new bends his Bow
gies his wee gab the ither Smack
tyes a fou Quiver on his back
with her ain garters—bids him gae
arround the Warld and burn & slae

He's on his march now to our City
wher I'm affraid he'll hae nae Pity

170

but kill some hundreds in a night
Where yielding Hearts by Candle Light
attend the dear deluding Charms
of Musick sounding saft alarms
which wakens up their Youthfu Glee
and gars them dust it chearfully

[_]

[Four lines illegibly deleted]

He has not yet forsook the Shade
where he has conquerd mony a Maid
then tent O Silvia how ye jest
with him or me his destin'd Priest
obligd, by ane I watna fate
aft at his Altars wild to wait
and sing his Victorys on the Plain
wher the mair Inocent are slain
or in the Brughs wher silk & lace
him aft Repulses with disgrace
and animates the scornfu Belle
his sharpest arrows to repell
tho shot frae wiggs as whyt as milk
or Brawns adorn'd with pearly Silk
when in Array ilk Lad & Lass
come arm'd in Bravery from the Glass
with a fring'd wastcoat Gowdspink Tryes
to save himsel frae Lintwhyts eyes
the shining Gems round Linty's neck
has aft'ner the same effect
But Love at some unguarded hour
Gets her at last beneath his power
and tho even arm'd in Gowd Brocad
he aften foils the Round facd Lad
and brings him on his Marrow Bains
Syn Craws when he the Victory Gains

Dear Silvia thus ye see in spite
of my design I'm forc'd to write
nor dare his dread command refuse
who Rules the Sovraign of my muse

171

The Pleasures of Improv[e]ments in Agriculture

[_]

[c. 1723]

[Dedication]

To the Honourable & Ingenious Fraternity for Improvments in Agriculter Planting Gardening &c Success Plenty & Joy their Humble Poet Begs them to attend his Landwart Lays while he attemps to Sing their Benficial & Generous Design, which we Introduce with a Text from the Renownd Sr David Lindsay in his conversation with Dame Rememberance about the State of Scotland you'll excuse its being Some Longer than a Common Sentance or So of Horace or Ovid

while we attempt to Chaunt in Rural Strains
Improvments in the Forest Garth & Plains
aid us ye Powers that changing Seasons Grant
with Dew & Rays to Nurish evry Plant
with flaming fancy fond of fit(t)er fame
fain wald we saftly sing sae sweet a Theme
that on ae styl our Labours may be seen
with Mantuan Maro & the French Rapin
These sung beneath the Mirtle & the Vine
upon the Banks of Tyber & the Sein
whilst we beneath a Hathorn farther North
upon the Caulder shore of Rowling Forth
may be allowd a drawback in our fire
if its allowd warm Beams the Bards Inspire
This Nation Long more keen of martial toil
than cultivating of a yeilding Soil
neglected Left each height & valey fair
without the help of art to natures care
she Plenteous did the Pregna(n)t mold adorn
with Bloming whins Broom Brackens Brier & Thorn

172

while Stagnnant Lakes o'er many straths did flow
wher Eells did sport & seggs did Plentous Grow
here ane Estate was hid beneath a flood
and flowry Parks lay buried under mud
wittness our Straitens Loch which we have seen
a wavy Lake now a Prolifick Green
of late by Rankeilier worthy lasting fame
whose Breast Glows with a Bright Inproving flame
now ditchd & hedgd and Circling Groves arise
to save its verdures from Inclement Skys
in these sweet walks beneath the Blooming Shade
the Citizen shall drop the cares of trade
while in the fragrant Scenes he takes delight
to Bask in Rising or in Setting Light
while Chearful rays throu Trembling Branches Glance
when they or Late or Early shoot askance
Here the Hermonious tennants of the air
to keep their Naturall consorts shall repair
thither in comely crouds the youthfull gang
in numerous Pairs to court shall Smiling thrang
no harm to virtue—This high powers aprove
when faith & honour are the Gaurds of Love
observing these ye Lovly plants with Ease
your Bon(n)y cheekys will but short time please
you'll follow out what renders you complet
if beauty neer with sence & action meet
by Education only you can rise
but Lasting Graces bless her tongue and eyes
that takes the most delight to deck her mind
Hope hear the sang which thy unwearied mind
for Publick good me thus to sing inclind
continou Best of Clubs Long to Improve
your native Plains and gain your nations Love
Rowse evry Lazy Laird of each wide feild
that unmanurd not half their Product yeild
shew them the proper season soils and art
how they may Plenty to their Lands impart
Treeple their Rents encrease the farmers store
without the Purches of one Acre more

173

[To the Duke of Queensberry]

[_]

[c. 1723]

Accept my Lord these honest Lays
that I have sowfd in Kathrines praise
and as they'r to her justly due
sae are a share of them to you
To you and to each noble mind
that waver not with ilka wind
Blaws frae the court like the slav'd Jouker
Wha sells good fame for filthy Lucre
while you and such as you my Lord
are by ilk gratefu heart adore'd
and well ye judge for alls a dream
without fair fame & Just esteem
which now are yours and still will prove
while Linton does his Nation love

A Pastoral Welcome To her Grace Cathrine Dutches of Queensbery on her coming first to Scotland June 1723

Wha's yon, dear Calli, shines on Nytha's green,
Sweet as a Naiad, gracefu as a Queen,
she appears new sent frae Heaven to Bless our Isles
yet seems na fremit by her friendly Smiles?

'Tis Her in whom a thousand Charms conspire
whose Brightness makes Inferiour rays retire
eclipsd by Beautys warmd with heavnly fire
now a young Prince of a brave Scotish Name
with equal Grandure meets the Dazling flame
and Beeks with ane extatick Love & joy
in Bleez Divine which could a World distroy

174

Sae Juno Charms the Awfu Thundere[r] Jove
and can in highest ardures meet his Love
while mortal Semelie sink doun to night
wishing for Beams too strong for humane sight

for Her late wisned parks revive in Hue
and Buding Roses bath themsells in dew
for Her the God of winds shuts up the East
and bids saft Zyphers fan her Lovely Breast
blaw Cawm ye winds shine fair ye morning Beams
you in the Woods, ye on the crystal Streams
while in the Shaw she Hears the Mavis sing
or tents the frisking Lambkins by a spring

Rejoyce ye Nymphs and sing ye ferlying Swains
when so Much Beauty Brightens on your Plains
such kindly warmth and nourishment she'll give
as mankind from the Suns fair orb recive
like Him she sheds benificence arround
and gars your glens with gladness a' resound
but like him too her shining charms deny
the rude approach of evry vulgar eye
while a' her Beautys Eyes & hearts command
her virtues makes them at due distance stand

Blest be [the] Fair, and lang may she shine clear:
but say my Bony Lass what brings her here?

She's mistress here of mony a Strath & height
that frae yon Lother taps wad tire your sight
adown clear Nyth wha does his Wimples guide
throw Meadows parks and woods on either side
sic frae the Alpine edges with delight
Hyperian Haughs apear to Travelers Sight
wha views on Arno's braes the Blooming Wood
frae Wreaths of Snaw neer Eelins with the flood
Braid are Her plains wher Ploughs make plenty Spring
high are the Hills wher a' her Shepherds Sing

175

for Her the fertile Rigs unumber'd bear
the Guilded product of the wheeling Year
for Her Ten Thousand Sheep & cowherds keep
the Rowting Ky & Shear the Bleating Sheep
for her as mony maids at Bught & Loan
gar milk in Torrents frae strute udders stroan

Rejoyce ye Nymphs and sing ye Chearfu Swains
when so much Beauty Brightens on your plains
Hark with what joy the Herds the Dee's & Hynds
Regard their princes with unrufled minds
with honest pleasure they proclaim their Praise
whilst all their Virtues a' their Spirits raise
not sae the Dowie Peasant can behave
wha to his Tyrant Lord maun be a Slave.
The Danube Tajo Tybur & the Sein
altho their Banks bear Lemons & the Vine
give not sae mikle glee as Nytha's plains
wher Liberty with needfu plenty Reigns
Then all of you wha're blest with sic a Lord
and Princess wha deserved to be ador'd
first thank your God & then Bow doun your heads
and kiss the ground where Bright Cathrina Treds
Rejoyce ye nymphs and sing ye Happy Swains
when so much Beauty Brightens on your plains

See see she comes Edina Busk thy Bowers
and make her welcome to thy Antient Towers
in Gay Assembleys bid your Sons advance
and lead your Lovely Doughters to the Dance
be Minstrells sweet and saftly tun'd the Sang
when the fair Angell joyns the Sparkling Thrang
yes Edin will frae Natures Purest Wealth
afford her a' that's fit for joy & Health
may joy and health and a' she can disire
be ever hers and late may she retire
To that great Spring aboon frae whence she came
in Ripest eild with ane Imortall fame

176

[To the Duchess of Queensberry]

[_]

[c. 1723]

Queensberys Come Thrice welcome Fair
Propitious Heavens peculiar care
it maun be sae els gifts divine
in saul and form coud never shine
in sic profusion bright & even
but in a favourite of Heven
Be blyth ye Lads on Nytha's dale
Lead out the Lasses to the Green
Blaw saft ye winds ye skyes be clear
Spring with thy flowers busk out the year.
Ye Clouds had aff the suns fair face
that he may bleez with blythsome grace
ye tunefu birds frae wild repair
and with saft musick fill the air
Queensbery comes. Guard her ye Gods
and with all pleasures pave her Roads
Nyth hears the news and blythly turns
around to all her crystal Burns
and bids them lilt oer Heugh & how
their Joys as frae their heights they flow
with gushing heart he lifts his Head
and tells it to his Brother Tweed
wha Echo'st fra his Banks sae wide
to Leader haughs & Teviots side
Clyd hears oer Tintock tap the din
and Roars it oer the Corhouse Lin
so loud its heard beyond the Tay
oer the still ness & Rapid Spay
The welcome Sound soughs throw the air
arround the Bush aboon Traquair
Fair flowing forth enriching Tide
auld Edinburghs Blessing and her Pride

177

in solem state Calms ilka wave
and Joyns in gladness with the Lave
and well he may wha kens hell share
with Nyth th'influence of the Pair
Queensberys Lord and his Fair mate
who dare be Noble to be great
while sauls hem'd in with scrimper views
slave out dull lives in scrapes & Bows
and stick at nought to reek their ends
sae far as their laigh sence extends
but like clung Tods worry bot reuth
whatever faus into their Mouth
and these scorn laits used lang sin syne
to tent laws Humane & divine
tho ilka hour damnation wait
to doom them their deserved fate
as they sail tween lifes craigs & shauls
unmindfu of their threed bare sauls
stand yont vile things ye make me sick
thus in your characters to keek
while I the praise of patriots sing
who love their Countrey God & King
The first twa slighted by your Tribes,
the Last respected as he Bribes
Ah coud the morall moral muse but win
ane of five score frae this curst sin
how Blyth shed be & ne'er repine
altho the deel gat ninty nine
But thanks to H--- there's some yet Great
wha will prove stoups to prop the State
But Thanks to Heaven their's a kind flow
whase hearts with publick ardure Glow
who have enough and strive to cure
the publick wounds that hurt the poor
by easing their half Broken Backs
of ilka ill placed heavy Tax
For This the honest Labouring kind
Shall lift to god his greatfu mind,

178

and he whas cast in Rougher form
dares push his fortune throw a storm
while Jarring tides [and] Tempests Gowll
will to the patriots Toom the Bowl
and bend his knee ilk even & morn
that sic as Queensbery were born
The Merchant with delighted view
his shelves with goods all loaden bow
while qu[i]ck returns of cash secure
his Trade & make his credit sure.
Mechanicks of all kinds shall sing
God bless our patriots and our King
who now haf gart thae dutys sink
that poisned a' our meat & drink
The Herd upon the green hill side
shall tent his bleeting care with pride
& count hou many ells do grow
of Claith ilk day on Goop & Ew
Reverse of servile sauls that stinge
at courts and to vile catifs cringe
Queensbery with superiour smile
Looks doun upon a nest so vile
whase Presence like the heavnly Ray
gives all arround a bleez of Day
while Independance props her state
being ever Good as she is Great
To patriots tune each chearfu note
and Queensbery be neer forgot

[Another Poem to the Duchess of Queensberry]

[_]

[c. 1723]

Why from us does Clarinda stray
from us so much in Love
Ah coud our wish engadge her stay
She never hence would move

179

Here like her self in noble state
She'd reign oer every heart
her Life attended with that fate
that still rewards desert

in that high orb in which she's plac'd
with splendor ever shine
her virtues with respect be gracd
next that we pay divine

Ah why has Braitain's Southern plain
more of the chearfull sun
why more alurements that can gain
from us sae blest a Boon

Ah Calidonia cease to boast
thy green and fertile dales
thy Lofty hills and Plenteous coast
but litle now avails

Clarinda Leaves you droop your heads
yet bless the Beautyous Dame
since she so Long has gracd your Meads
it has advanct your fame

Hope her return with all the shine
that on her virtues tend
but never foolishly repine
at what ye cannot mend

To please your idle fondnes shoud
this darling of your mind
endure each storm and bluster loud
our rains and roring wind

these chilling frost[s] & fleecy snow
that Burry half our years
the winter spates that plain oerflow
and naught that sweet appears

180

till with the gay Returning spring
these fly like morning clouds
then Nature all begins to sing
young smile the Dales & Woods

then with elated gust we tast
each spring and summers sweet
rais'd higher by the cold that['s] past
our Joys are then complete

O dear Clarinda may we hope
with the returning year
when genial rays nurse up the crop
again you will appear

Appear upon the Pictland fields
with all your happy train
of sweets and joys that ever yield
Pleasure to Scotia's plain

So may kind Heaven with length of days
and sounder Health prolong
a life that merits every praise
and the Best poets song

long save his Grace the noble Shield
of all that's Good & fair
long with his Bow t'adorn our field
with all his virtues rare

181

On the B[ritish] P[arliament's] design of Taking The Bounty off the Victual exported. Decemr 1724

1

Poor slav'd tho' covenanted Land
anes Independant brave dominion
how like ane Idiot doest thou stand
Sair Payd and forc'd to kiss the wand
and bend thy Craig benaeth the U---

2

Ye Selfish sencles Sniv'ling Crew
drums of Rebelion and disorder
Tak up your dainty Divan now
They'l neither let ye Bake nor Brew
unless ye Creep within their Border

3

But O, quoth ye, the good auld Cause
thrives well & we have preaching rife
besides oppression & hard Laws
falds doun your P---s to your B---s
and gars ye live the chaster life

4

well said! good women hard ye yon
how do ye like the consequence
ist possible a dull Mess Jon
can please ye with sae dry a tone
while ye gaunt for Benevolence

182

5

O wives & maidens young and auld
with all the Pith of Language bang us
flyte girn & pet & greet, & Scauld
that we may keep with Courage bauld
the Beggars Bennison amang us

6

Gie sons & husbands little rest
Brag how their fathers drew their whingers
an[d] if they thole to be opprest
ye'll look upon them at the best
nae Better than Italian singers

Magy Dickson

[_]

[1724]

1

Assist ye Creil wives ane & a'
of Musselbrugh & fisher Raw
in souching sang the sooth to shaw
of that slee wife
that after she was hangit staw
again to Life

2

O Maggy Mony a heart was wae
for thee upon that dreiry day!
and mony a ane for the[e] did pray
that Sindle wont
to mind themsells when thou right blae
the steps did mount

183

3

Young well-fard creature[s] aft ye[t] cryd
and mony a time their cheeks they dryd
when hangy round thy wyson tyed
the deidly cord
the stoutest wad have been sair fleyd
to be sae shor'd

4

But little cause hads thou to fear
where he that throw thy case coud steer
or thou wan to thy fiftenth year
by word & wryt
took care to gar deaths Stang appear
but a flae Byte

5

great casts of confort did he reich
while he aft takingly did teich
syne when they strave thy neck to streich
with pious knack
elegantly he pen'd a speich
that thou neer spak

6

But now thou canst be word of mouth
tell the Backslydings of thy youth
Shame a' the deils & say the truth
of what befell
when thou haff sleeping slak'd the drouth
of Willy Bell

184

7

Syne hou thou shook & grat for dool
to think hou like a Silly fool
in sacking Brat they wad thee Snool
when thou confest
Should Stand on the Black penance Stool
abone the rest

8

Since thou came out of deaths cauld grips
and fairer shines after Eclips
some threep when folk their siller slips
into thy purse
that in sic Temproulls runeth Snips
thy Sprituall Nurse

9

and what's the mater 'pose he do
for faith ther's mony a rary show
on which the currious cash bestow
that's of less worth
Then its to see & hear thee—O!
and him hald forth

[A Dedication for the Evergreen]

[_]

[1724]

These Antient Bards with stronger gift of Sence
than cadence Smooth and florid Eloquence
with nature close Pursued in wheeling Rhyme
dispisers of vile trope & fals sublyme

185

to[o] Long neglected by a barbarous age
Distracted with Preist craft & Party rage
at Last appear and of your Lordships Clame
your kind Protection to defend their fame
their merit's just, but merit cannot save
one from the spite of evry snarling slave
Slaves to a vain conceit & empty Skull
who Judge still what they Relish not is dul
as if forsuthe their tast should be a Rule
I Love and I awow I love these Lays

SOME FEW OF THE CONTENTS [of The Evergreen]

[_]

[1724]

Heir mighty James the First, the best of Kings,
Imploys the merry Muse, and smyling sings.
Grave Balantyne, in verse divinely wyse,
Makis Vertew triumph owre fals fleechand Vyse.

And heir Dunbar does with unbound ingyne,
In satyre, joke, and in the serious schyne.
He to best poets skairslie zields in ocht;
In language he may fail, but not in thocht.

Blyth Kennedie, contesting for the bays,
Attackis his freind Dunbar in comick layis,
And seims the fittest hand (of ony then)
Against sae fell a fae to draw his pen.

Heir Lethington the Statisman courts the Nyne,
Draps politicks a quhyle, and turn divyne;
Sings the Creation, and fair Eden tint,
And promise made to man, man durst not hint.

186

To rouse couragious fyre behald the field,
Quhair Hardyknute, with lanss, bow, sword and scheild,
With his braif Sonis, dantit the King of Norss,
And cleithed the plain with mony a saules cors.
At Harlaw and Redsquire, the sonis may leir,
How thair forbeirs were unacquaint with feir.

Quhen frae the dumps ze wald zour mind discharge,
Then tak the air in smiling Semplis Berge:
Or heir him jyb the carlis did Grissy blame,
Quhen eild and spyte takis place of zouthheids Flame.

Licht skirtit lasses, and the girnand wyfe,
Fleming and Scot haif painted to the lyfe.
Scot, sweit tungd Scot, quha sings the Welcum hame
To Mary, our maist bony Soverane Dame;
How lyflie he and amorous Stuart sing!
Quhen lufe and bewtie bid them spred the wing.

To mend zour morals, with delyt attend,
Quhyle Henryson dois guidness recommend;
Quhyle Truth throw his transport Fablis schynes,
And all the mynd to quhat is just inclynes.

Amangst these starnis of ane immortal bleis,
Montgomery's quatorsimes sall evir pleis;
His eisy sangs, his Cherry and the Slae,
Sall be esteimd quhyle sichs saft lufe betray.

Lindsay the Lyon, hardly here is sene,
But in the third Apartment of the Grene,
He sall appeir as on the verdant Stage;
He towind the vyces of a corrupt aige.

Thair Warkis I've publisht, neat, correct, and fair,
Frae antique manuscriptis, with utmost cair.
Thus to their fame, a monument we raise,
Quhilk sall endure quhyle Tymis telld out be days.

187

[FRAGMENT OF AN EPISTLE]

[_]

[c. 1724]

Is their a condition
Included in your Late commission
That publick shoud be sae Respected
That private friends Maun be Neglected?
Or rather is't some Lovely She
That rivals Mony Mae than me?
If that's the case, then I knock under
And at your silence shall not wonder,
For that same little Godie Amor
Makes sic a hildiegildie clamour
Where eer he gets the uper hand
That ilk ane else maun silent stand.

Allan Ramsay Bard to the Royall Company July 13 1724

[_]

[LINES WRITTEN UNDER HIS SIGNATURE IN THE ROLL OF THE ROYAL COMPANY OF ARCHERS]

Apollo Patron of the Lyre
and of the valiant Archers Bow
Me with such sentiments inspire
as may appear from thee they flow
When by thy special will and dread Command
I sing the merits of the Royal Band

188

[The Men of Totness Town]

[_]

[c. 1725]

O Trusty men of Totness Town
Stoups of your Countrey & the Croun
be neer in doughty deeds dung doun:
and far as Reaches,
the blast of fame, be your Renown
for making Speeches

Lord but your Last ane was wel pend
That Devon Heroes did Comend
and mony men their lungs now lend
to that address
Sure what ye say nae man can mend
or Rhimes make less

The jacks may now have little Hope
and all their dreaming fancys drop
ye've gien them kicks upon the dowp
now their Pretender
Bred at the Elbuch of the Pope,
May Claim surender

for set he foot on British sands
with Beeds and Ava Mary Bands
while the Heroick Totens Stands
and men theirin
He will find wark for all his Hands
and a payd skin

get but your Wills ye'll surely make
Herod & Pontius Pilate Quake
when Mother Kirk is at the stake
or Trade's a strugling
or ought that dares attempt to break
your Gainfull Smugling

189

That happy way of yours by whi[c]h
Ye get the start of growning Rich
so that ye need nor spur nor switch
(when swords & axes
And Guns ding sogers in a ditch)
to pay your Taxes

Now after this Prelude of praises
which all to generous hearing raises
we do beseek that in like phrases
you would once more
pen ane Adress, for in all Places
we sell a store

Not Colins gainst the Phrophecy
nor Whiston 'gainst the Trinity
Nor Sachevrell 'gainst Liberty
eer better sold
each Sentance of your oratry
is worthy Gold

from ag'd who wear the Gravest look
to children in their spelling book
from stars to him leans on his crook
all do Confess
none coud a dish more merry cook
than your Adress

we, Totnes, each your Humble Slave
not only ask but Nations crave
annother speech so wise and brave
so said or sung.
the french and dutch already have
it in their Tongue

190

By us its greatfully confest
your writings make us drink the Best
and tho our farthing[s] rarley last
Lang in our purse
yet I subscribe for All the Rest
your servant, Birss.

[A Poem to Mr. Drummond]

[_]

[c. 1725]

Scot worthy Scot when you departed
sunk daylie till quite Broken hearted
he dropd his clay to take his Place
amongst the Best of Adams Race
to Pass a sweet Eternity
in friendship Smiles, & Hermony
of this we'r sure, since souls that Love
goodness and Justice mount above
Yet Drummond Lives, Long be his yeares
his Pleasures many few his cares:
from principles of friendship kind
youre frequent in his Social Mind
wha Langs in Kenedys to meet ye
and prompts the willing muse t'invite ye
that Rarely fails good will to shew
when askd by such as Him or you
Tho oft in Pet she droops the wing
when frost and snaw are taking leave
and Pleasures on the Sward revive
and now the Archers' Bosoms Glow
and wear the Bonnet & Bend the Bow

191

your Presence at their council Board
or in the field will joy afford
our wines are Good in nought weer Scanty
and for diversions we have Plenty

[A Jacobite Poem]

[_]

[c. 1726]

while my Dear Master far frae hame
a Loyal Exile Bravely strayd
with vile & vulgar hieghts my name
soon fled & soon my sweets decayd

Then was I spoild by the rude crew
of Saxon & Batavia Race
Minesia Blush! for maist by you
Thy spitefull arts wrought my disgrace

The silvan Gods then Great & Sma
refused around my skirts to sing
Left me in pet, & warst of a'!
my Argentine denyd his spring

They a' cryd out yon witherd Brae
and straths around's no worth our care
They now can neither sing or say
since our Lovd STRUAN is not there

But as they glided frae my Brow
they tald me to had up my heart
I shoild again My Master view
again shoild meet & never part

192

He like the morning star shoud shine
Usher to James our Royall sun
who with his friends would soon combine
to finish what they had well begun

While thus I stood Blasted and bare
neglected flowerles[s] sunk in greif
The Ranoch Heroe ends my care
Returns and gives me full relief

[_]

Obliterated by damp.

------ welcom chief of stallwart make
------ of the outward form and mind
------ whan can your dauntles courage shake
------ what to your countrey make unkind

Whom Palas Mars & Phebus Bred
in Learning, Hermony, & Weir
who better speaks who sings more Glad
and who in stour can stouter steer

Now he's Returnd I lift my head
adornd with Lawrell to the skies
on my green edge sweet Gowans spread
and Lilly with white Roses rise

Now Guardians of the wood & springs
with Nymphs & Neriads round me dance
while my ain Orpheus blythly s[i]ngs
in consort as the Train advance

The Muses leave the Grecian height
where they [were] wont to howf langsine
have chosen me and less delight
in Helicon than Argentine

193

Me bright Apollo makes his Throne
wingd pegasus upon me feads
Slavery and Rapine now are gone
and Loyalty with Truth succeeds

Ye gods who Justice Love look doun
and as you promisd hertofore
would you all Scotlands wishes crown
James with his Golden Reign restore

Again the Royal Band in fair array

[To the Royal Company of Archers]

[_]

[c. 1726]

Health Joy and all that Makes Life easy flow
to the Brave Band that Bauldly Bend the Bow
Cease Gloomy Sauls to Snarl at Blythe deray
nor grudge the chearfu mind a Social day
Sigh oer your Trash vile Nigards & be Slaves
till you unpitied Starve into your Graves
Ye publick Rovers a' thats sonsy sell
to pang your pride your Bountith sure in H---
while honest minds unsourd with clogs sae vile
can cast their cares aside and sometimes smile
smile at each wretch with vice & spleen oprest
well kenning Life is but a farce at Best
Let heavy heads there solemn nonsence Brook
and ward aff freindship with a sullen Look
Tis yours ye Royal Band with Joy to trace
beneovolence in ane annithers face
Ladys demand & flowry field invite
The Scotish Archers on the Plains to meet
frindeship & generous Love that only give
the Bliss that makes it worth ones while to live
Let sounds melodious Echo throw the air
and free ilk hearty archer Banish care

194

meet every youth who tyes of friendship bind
let him be fremit-fled who lags behind
be deemd a creeping span[i]el of state
and be the Butt of Bonny lasses hate
But to ilk archer who in good array
helps to adorn the March and Gambols gay
May ilka Patriot be his friend & prope
and softest Beauty gratifie his hope
These are rewards that can make life flow even
only bestowd on favourites of Hevven
Hail to the patriot chiefs who Grace the Band
May they still brook as they deserve command
May still their publick generous thought d[i]fuse
a joy unkend to those who power abuse
to latest ages may their fame desend
and to esteem their offspring recomend
Let sounds melodious echoe throw the air
and far frae noble patriots banish care
Clarinda smiles Calista looks serene
in lovely state they press the flowry green
a Thousand Beautys coppy from the pair
and by the Imitation look more fair
O Best of Paterns may you ever shine
the Leading Stars of Graces maist devine
when springing Beautys yet in lovely Bud
shall act with grandure what is wise & good
not rightly understood by Cloudy wights
who cannot place things in their proper light
to grace whats just convincingly theyl say
Clarinda and Calista Led the way
Let sounds melodious Echo throw the air
and far frae Patriot Beauty Banish care
Let spareking Bumpers Blythl[e]y wheel arround
and with the Best & fairest Toasts be crownd
such healths as makes the honest heart to Glow
of every worthy Scot who draws the Bow
and scorns to act a damnd or dirty thing
against his countrey conscience and his King,

195

who can look doun with virtuous disdain
on sic as dar trock them baith for gain
Dear Clara too in whom the Graces meet
with amacordia every way complete
with charms divine awaking softest Love
adorn the field and the parade approve
stand yont vile Things you must not interfere
with their Just Joys to whom their rights are dear
Dear be his Nation to ilk Archers heart
so may just heaven pay hame his high desert
with sic rewards no canker can destroy
when thers no conscious guilt to sour his Joy

[To the Royal Company of Archers]

[_]

[Edinburgh] [c. 1726]

what Joyous Din thus strikes my Ear
what mean these preparations gay
for what these clangors loud & clear
that in my night strikes up a day

P[oet]

Great Dame lift up your awfull head
and view the amiable show
Behold your Brave and Stalward brood
who march to draw the martial bow

Their Native Courage dignified
with art[s] Easyest dress

[_]

(The fragment ends here)

196

[A Marching Song]

[_]

[c. 1726]

O Come Let us be Joving
& merry mery Roving
come let us all agree
Then to the Links weer going
our Bows and arrows showing
with Rank and file in order
as every ane may se

O Calidonia wonder
the next line is a Blunder
how proud now may ye be
They Daylie are Increasing
in hopes of New Succession
to free us frae oppress[ion]
& bring us Libertie

[To a Gentleman in Ireland]

[_]

[c. 1726]

Safely oer the Hibernian Strand
your Blyth Epistle came to hand
But my Proud Muse was at a stand
when first We Red it
when she tween dock & Pos[t]script fand
Nae man to Dad it

what Father's he that thinks't a shame
to let his Yellings bear his name
far less shoud Poets Sons of fame
Desert their Lays
when none of mankind have a Claim
to sae much Praise

197

and Better Loost and Sae ye think
wha at my fauts sae kindly wink
and Ruse me my Rimes in Clever Clink

[_]

(The fragment ends here)

To my unknown Corospondent in Irland

[_]

[1726]

Frae Thee unkend a second Time
I own t'ye I have Honourd been
wher Praises and reproof in rhime
you have bestowd baith kind & keen

A Thankless chiel is wordy blame
but sindle seen to affront our gang
and had your Letters tald your Name
I wadna awin my Debt sae Lang

Besides alowance maun be given
to poets of the truest kind
who can nought till indulgent Heaven
with Inspiration Warm their Mind

your Roundells row awa sae right
and what ye think sae smooth ye tell
that speak ye as far up the Height
as Wanton Willy or my Sell

Now that's a compliment indeed
for faith I'm unko sweer to roose
ilk poor pretending Loger head
that hob'ling Rapper-Gaws a muse

Ye may appear when eer ye please
for be the swatch that ye hae glen
I can observe that native bleez
that makes the Poets saul sae sheen

198

for me thank God I hae sung Gaily
and goten be't Baith fame & dollars
taking the start by arts right wylie
of some mair wise and better Scholars

To be oer wise oer Learnd oer Grave
neer claimd my wishing fond desire
I Like to ramble Laugh & rave
and glent with flaughts of Native fire

without Restraint I take my flight
neer minding what sour carpers say
while's dull enough whiles unko bright
I let a friend gang with a fae

when auld and cushlock I design
to weed my warks that Rankly grow
till then I'll not ae fancy tine
that wamles warmly in my Pow

As yet I'm canty & alive
fast rearing up annither colum
as Bony as I can contrive
by vulgar call'd a second volum

to be in Quarto at a Guinie
for first rate Patrons of renown
that has and can turn with their Cunzie
the same in Octave for a Crown

Farwell my friend and lang be Happy
but mind, O mind! ye're Made of Clay
whilk if ye keepna blythy sappy
ye'll gyssen geg & mool decay

Then drink doun spleen & ilka care
yet still within the tether Length
of Reason, that ye may play fair
baith with your cunzie & your strenth

199

My Service to all friends Hibernian
whose tunefu-sauls superiour shine
aboon the crowd whose dark discerning
relish no sweetness in the nine

Farwell again and I pray kiss
for me ilk bony Lass ye hear
with Heavnly Smile repete my Lay
lilt oer my sang & kindly speer
for Sir your & thier

Agust 30 1726

On the Ever Green's being gathered out of this Manuscript By Allan Ramsay who had the Loan of it from the Honourable Mr William Carmichaell Advocat Brother german to the Earl of Hynford
[_]

LINES WRITTEN AT THE END OF THE BANNATYNE MANUSCRIPT

In Seventeen hundred twenty-four
did Allan Ramsay keen
-ly gather from this Book that store
which fills his Ever Green

Thrice fifty and sax Towmonds neat
frae when it was colected
let worthy Poets hope good fate
throw Time they'll be respected

ffashions of words & witt may change
and rob in part their fame
and make them to dull fops look strange
but sence is still the same

200

And will bleeze bright to that Clear mind
that loves the antient strains
Like good Carmichael Patron kind
To whom this Book pertains

finis qd Allan Ramsay

July 6th 1726

MOLLY MOG

[_]

[c. 1726]

The Druken dull swagering Rake hell
May wallow in Stews like a Hog
Let him grumph till his poxy [?] Bones ake all
I'd healfuly kiss Molloy Mog

No sooner I saw the sweet creature
Than the conquering Archer slee Rogue
Shot my heart throw & throw from each feature
So sweet, of my dear Molly Mog

Court Ladys may coxcombs decoy
With e'vry fine fashion in vogue
For me I had rather enjoy
Stark Naked my dear Moly Mog

The alcove & coach are bewitching
And aft to the ugly a Scogue
To me a Low Celler & Kitching
Is Heven with my dear Molly Mog

The English shall hate Beef & puding
The Irish shal quat with his Brogue
The Scot shall have no Gentle Blood in
His viens e'er I slight Moly Mog

201

The Turkish sareglios ye go see
And search ev'ry Jew's Synagogue
And Antichrists Nunreys ye'll no see
Ane fairer than my Moly Mog

ANSWER [TO LADY SOMERVILLE'S POEM]

[_]

[1728]

Thus honourd by a Muse divine
Gives joy above all measure;
The generous lays so darling shine
Words fail to paint the pleasure.

Now I am sure my sangs are good
And all of taste will love 'em;
They must be dull that call them rude,
Madam, since you approve 'em.

Spleenatick wights may rail aloud,
The criticks I defy them;
The first-rate poets may be proud
To be thus blest as I am.

One may his equal recomend,
Having a left-hand view,
But when superiours condescend
To praise, we're sure it's true.

Madam, allow your Muse to fly—
Sublime will be the flight;
You can, and have a title by
Hereditary right.

202

This quality with all that's great,
Sweet, good, and wise are yours.
To guard my patroness's fate
Joyn, all ye upper powers!

[To William Somerville]

[_]

[1728]

with hou much art and turn polite
can Som'rill['s] Muse with Ease
Throw off the sour and draw the sweet
and every party please

while Britains Mighty King's refusd
by a Bold British swain
to Pass who deems himself ill usd
if broke his Bounded plain

The slave whose neck admires the yoke
and licks a Tyrants hand
will say this should a prince provoke
and racks & Ropes demand

while on the other rugged side
the Oliverian sour
run out as far and take a pride
t'affront and tred on power

from Both extreams your Equal mind
Both prince & subject clear
in Lays perspicous and refined
from flatery free & fear

203

The farmer who so bold behaves
you raise above Base Loads
And George who scorns to reign o'er slavves
you've clasd among the Gods

THE MILLER AND HIS MAN:

a Counter-part to The Monk and the Millers Wife. a Tale

[_]

[c. 1728]

That Husbands sometimes in their lives
may be as wanton as their wives,
the sequell of this Tale proves clear,
to all who like to read, or hear.

Halbert the miller, lately sung,
who with a schollars help, and rung
had driven a monk out of his door
wha'd gart his Bessy play the whore,

Some week therafter, when the light
grew mikle shorter than the Night,
and Corns were ruck'd up in the yard,
and nought but thumping flails were heard,
about this Time, their meal to tent
young maidens to the Mills were sent,
to Haby's Mill came bonny Jean
with rosie cheeks and jet-black een,
round were her haunches, jimp her waste,
tho but in Bodice she was laced,
The younkers gabs she made them watter
and uncko fain they wad been at her,

204

yet cannylie she shun'd their dandling
and kept her Jewel frae their handling,
Hab coost her mony a loving glower
and in his heart did wish to stow her,
lang in his breast he hid his smart
sighing frae legens of his Heart,
but by degrees he grew some baulder
and all his kindest thoughts he tauld her,
while the dear lass point-blank refused him,
and for his impudence missused him,
bad him gae hame to his ain Gawsie,
titter than tempt a simple Lassie,
Hab heard her as if heard her not,
pressing still forward with his plot,
where'er he met her late, or air,
whilk fash'd the young-thing very sair,
thus plagued, at last she tauld to Bess
his wife, the story mair and less.
I'm very blith, replyd the wife
to hear Hab has sae mikle life,
Let's nick him, in this merry mood;
'tis an ill wind blaws nane some good,
now my dear Bairn since ye're sae just
with this affair my sell to trust,
to cheat him, wee'll sae club our skill,
that hee'll ne'er tempt you at his mill,
the day's now short, and 'tis not right
to travell under cloud of night,
gae back and see your corn ground out,
and if my cowsie still prove stout,
and for a Grant be briskly bent
seem by degrees to give consent,
say that for anes, you'll be complyan
and tell the bed you are to ly in,
on hand we have sae mikle corn,
that he and Jock maun grind till morn,
sae when he thinks we're sound asleep
right sleely to your Bed he'll creep,

205

where I design to take my due,
by catching what he means for you,
while in my Bed, you may sleep soun,
and rise as leal as ye lay doun,

Thus the good-wife and pawky Jean
contriv'd to hoodwink Haby's een,
Streight to the mill the maiden went,
and after tigging, smild consent,
then rounded in his lug he might
come after midle of the night,
in stealing quiet as ony wreath:
and no to speak aboon his breath,
then all the favours that he wanted
should to his ain desire be granted,
Hab heard, well pleasd, the dear decoy
and worried oer the bait with Joy,
he clappd her round the neck sae sleek
and slaverd her frae cheek to cheek,
Jumpt in with all that she desire'd
to sic a bleez his saul was fire'd,

Now here, to make a lang Tale short
that we may hasten to the sport,
imagine that the Night's far fled,
they have sup'd and all gane to their Bed,
but happy Hab, and Jock his man,
wha maun attend the Mill till dawn,
the Noon of Night a while was gane
and a' was still as ony stane,
The moon was wysing to the west,
the Birds sat noding in the nest,
ther was nae noise, but mill-trows roaring,
and the hard labourd Threshers snoring,
when Hab, as pawky as a Theif,
staw sleelie to his loving Reif,
hooly and fairly did he tred
till he fand out the Lass's Bed,
Syne without either din or strife
e'en crap down quietly by his wife,

206

with dunting heart, kedgie and keen,
still thinking she was bonny Jean,
here let them kiss and court their fill,
for man and wife they'll do nae ill,
we draw the courtain here, tis best
to let you fancy out the rest,

Soon as wild passions get their vent
Reason returns, and we repent,
a crime commited, sinners feel,
conviction treding on its heel,
So fared it now with glunshan Hab,
wha hang his lugs, and threw his gab,
when he began to think if Jean
might, very likely, fa with wean
'twad, with the gracie, sink his credit,
soon as they came to ken wha did it,
then I, thought he, like an auld fool
maun for Adultry mount the Stool,
and for a year, stand like a Sentrie
in a sack-brab by the Kirk-entrie,
syne, warst of a', the girning strife
and curst reflections of my wife,
whilk ne'er will stint, till kindly death,
may prove my friend and stap her breath.

As thus his mind was driven with dread,
a lucky whim came in his Head,
Could I, thought he, perswade our Jock,
wha is young and crowse as ony cock,
to be gliff with Jeany kind,
'twad lift this burden aff my mind,
Sure, of the proffer he'll be fain,
the Deil's ay bussy with his ain.
Come hither, Jonny Lad, quoth hee
tell me young hash, what wad ye gie,
for a kind bout with Jeany Gream,
wha's lying in our house at hame,
with arms arround her head uplifted,
as saft and white as flour well sifted,

207

inviting to the tender tooly,
with breath like the pease bloom in July,

At this Jock's heart gade pitty-pattan
eegd on by flush of youth, and Satan,
he fidg'd and clew his heathery pow,
while his round cheeks began to glow,
Master, said he, my words ar few
I have nought els but a fat sow
She shall be yours by morning light,
if you help me to Jean this night,
the Bargin's haden, said the miller,
She's yours, and I'll direct you till her,
there, take this Key of the fore door,
slyd quiet and saftly oer the floor,
till ye come to the side-wa gantry,
that stands between the Ha and pantry,
there in the bed, that steeks with doors
the lovely lambie sweetly snores,
I leave the rest to your ain skill
to bring the lassie to your will,
She'll not be thraff, if ye be tenty,
to take the measures that are genty,
I gie ye leave your time to tak,
Now swith, and let me see your back,

Jock snoov'd away like ony thing
as streight as if led with a string,
to where the Good-wife took repose,
after the foresaid loving dose,
the lad himsell did canny guide,
and crap doun quietly by her side,
he thought her Jean,—she thought him Hab,
Syn very kindly, gab to gab,
they past their time till near day-breaking
at the auld trade of basket-making,
now having got his heart's desire,
Jock of the Sport began to tire
Startled for fear of a discovering,
Slade cleverly frae neath the covering

208

and staw out quiet, as quiet as coud be,
without e'er saying, Lord be w'ye,
the ungracious brush of foly oer,
Jock's wakened conscience 'gan to glower,
striking his heart strings to the quick,
with mony a grivious cuff, and kick,
ca'd him a wicked dog, to grein
by sic a trick to herrie Jean,
of what is ilka Maiden's pride
when she gangs to the Kirk a Bride,
but what he maist of a' did rew
was the daft tinsell of his Sow,
whilk now fell in his Master's cloutch
and put not sixpence in his poutch,

Here, Canty Muse, e'en take thy breath
till the good-wife has spread the claith,
for breakfast, and call'd Halbert hame
to comfort, and to stuff his wame,
with Eggs, tane cawller frae the nest,
to be synd down with Scuds the best,
Hab tenting with a stare right steady,
a swindging mealtith making ready,
speer'd at his spouse, wha was to eat?
all that great Table fu' of meat,
and these ten Eggs were in the pan?
indeed they're a' for you goodman,
quoth Bessy, smirkingly and leugh,
trowth ye deserve them well enough,
for I'm right certain since yestreen,
Ye've playd a manly part with Jean,
as ye imagined, while kind she
transfer'd your favours oer to me,
sae that instead of a young Lassie
you only kissd your ain auld Bessy,
and I'll refer'd now to your sell,
If ye can ony difference tell,

Halbert, by this, heard he was dung
but, very wisely, held his Tongue,

209

while Jean and Bessy were sae curst
to Laugh, till they were like to burst,
Hab in the Joke to[o] bare a part,
but had nae laughing at his Heart,
thinking how his ain doited pow,
had scrow'd him in the Cuckold' Row,
which gart him blate, and simple look,
and claw him where he didna youk,
fast frae them to the Mill he ran
to manage matters with his man,
and since he coudna better make o't,
to tutor Johnie not to speak o't.
O Jock, said he, ye're not to blame
that I have wrought my sell sic shame,
for our good-wife, wae-worth her for't,
has playd, last night, a bonny sport
chang'd Beds with Jean as they had plotted
sae by them we are baith out-witted,
I well deserve it, wha did tempt ye,
and on the graceless errand sent ye
now nae mair o't, but play me fair
and ne'er let on that ye was there,

On hearing this, Jock's vissage took,
a mair contented chearful look,
Dear master, ther's my hand, s[ai]d he,
the Tale shall ne'er be tald by me,
but mony a time I'll bless the day,
that by good luck it happened sae,
for since the deed, I have been sad,
but your good news now makes me glad,
for you must oun, 'tis very plain
that since our bargin was for Jean,
and not your wife, the Sow's my Ain

—Se vol. 2d octavo page 169. [This refers to The Monk and the Miller's Wife. See S.T.S. Vol. II, p. 146.]

210

THE CLEVER OFFCOME

[_]

[c. 1728]

When Lewis the grand monarque rung
whose doughty deeds french poets sung
when he with shining sword and fire
o'er Europe strave to have Empire
then to win Hearts and be Commanders
french Beaux dance'd a' the gate to Flanders
tho ane of Ten came scarcely back
of his atchevments bauld to crack
in Honour's Bed they got their lair
and never dream'd of Lasses mair

Ane dafter that had a young Wife
which he had newlie tane for life
went with the lave to win renown
with hazard of a broken Crown
sair sighd his Spouse and like a Spout
frae her kind Blinkers tears gusht out;
Roars out, Oh! this will break my Heart!
but Honour call[s] and they maun part
and streight he leavs his sighing Dame
to fen the best she could at hame
And she, wise woman, was not slaw
some comfort, for herself, to draw
From such as like'd better to wield,
Love's darts, than Mars's bloody shield,

To make our Tale as brief's we can,
He joyn'd the camp and playd the man,
and raxing at imortall fame
he in the Gazet stuck his name,
thus stoutly standing brunt of fight,
he by his prince was made a Knight,

Now when the winter winds grew bauld,
and Heroes doughtna fight for cauld,
they to their garisons retire
to rest, & lay in winter fire,

211

then to his Hame the Knight withdrew
with victor's wreaths upon his Brow,
but aft, midst Laurells, sprouting Horn
may bravest wariors' fronts adorn,
when wives forsaken likes blyth meetings
better than sunkan sighs & greetings.
the case S[i]r Bertram found his Spouse in
was Ranting Dancing & Carowsing
with twa three gilpys young & souple
nae slaves to superstitious scruple
Hence Jealousie, that gnawing Evil,
that's oft in marriage most uncivell,
streight cram'd our Heroes head with care
to ken if Dearest playd him fair,
but how proceed to find the Truth?
well thought—“I'll learn't frae her ain mouth
“next friday she's to be confest,
“I'll be in haly muslin drest
“in this disguise by canny jugling
“I may pump out her secret smug'ling
pleasd with the thought, at Time, & place
clad like a father full of Grace
He met his wife in silent Room
where with austere and awfull gloom
“Said, Daughter, as you'd scape the fangs
“of Deils and purgotary's pangs
“hide not from me your least polution
“as you expect true absolution
he said—his bonny wife begins
and lays in light her lesser sins
then penetently next proceeds
to tell her mair Lacivious deeds.
“Ah! cryd she, tho a new beginer
“Alas! I've been a sinfu' sinner
“even with a Captain, Knight, and priest,
“These have layn heavy on my Breast,
She had gane on—had not her Dearest,
roard out upon his faithless fairest,

212

a vile ratrime of nasty names,
for playing at sic graceless games.
“what with a priest, vile wretch, s[ai]d he,
“pray, what do you take me to be?
My husband, answerd she right stout,
(who by his fury found him out)
“Ah, Lovie,! cryd the paukie Gipsie,
“Could ye think me sae dull or tipsy
“Sae arrant, & unkind a fool,
“As not to ken you throw a Cowl,
“you're jealous Deary without Reason,
“nor has my Love commited Treason,
“you are the Captain, Knight, & priest,
“whom I confest about in Jest,
“two Titles valour won to thee,
“a priest now you appear to be,
“most Reverend Father, now resolve,
“either to punish, or absolve,
“your tender, kind, & faithfull wife,
“who loves you better than her life,

Here wit & aprehension quick,
provd notable, at such a nick,
in transports all his joys danc'd,
believing't truth what she advancd,
he by the bite sae well was buckled,
he never thought himself a cuckold.

[A Prologue for Julius Caesar]

[_]

[August 19, 1729]

we Scarce dare hope in these censorious days
with all our dilegence to gain Much Praise
is it for Boys to act the fatal Doom
of Julius cesar and the fall of Rome

213

Some never to be Pleasd may duly say
we can expect no Pleasure from this Play
whoever thinks so, to your homes retire
and pelt your parts on those you please to hire
our Souls tho young are of a British Growth
they warmly breath[e] for Liberty & Scowth [OMITTED]

[_]

(Ten lines obliterated by damp and six lines deleted.)

and beter things from such who early aim
to front these rising hieghts that lead to fame
Let others joly dron away their youth
grope throw the gloom whilst we in quest of truth
discover how Ill governd Passions cause
their slaves neglect Reson & virtues Laws
and hury them at Last throw all that evil
to Infamy destruction and the Devil
Taught by the Muse that clearly points our way
we change our times & place[s] can display

[A Prologue to The Gentle Shepherd]

[_]

[1729]

By Languages at first we'r gently traind
to these Learnd fields wher wisdoms to be gaind
where various volums teach us how to think
but rest we here we doun to Pedants sink
but when aplyd like to a ray divine
they make the active man supperiou[r] shine . . .
we've with the Roman Buskin Laid aside
now brav'ry fierce Politicks—Plots & pride
and streight intend to shew in softer strains
how love & virtue looks on Scotias Plains
wher Inocence unpolishd goodness guards
and fully the low state of Life rewards
with easy sleep, health, joy, and rich content,
and open Truth of friendship best cement

214

Tho tis but shepherds that wee'r now to act ye
yet gentle audience we'd not ha' ye mistak ye
to think your entertainment will be rude
most men & all the Ladys think it good
our [Learned] Author, Allan thinks so to[o] but fears
the diction may ofend some nicer ears
we think not so, & therfore will proceed
to act the blythsome life that shepherds lead
Hapy the youth or son of Lord or Knight
too much his Lady Mother's fond delight
were he hid from himself and have the fate
of good Sir Williams son and Gentle pate
thus give us leave to pass our none-age Tyme on
well a' be Pates and Lesley's be our Symon

[An Epilogue for a Schoolplay]

[_]

[1729]

To day our Scenes have to your View desp[l]ayd
The consequence of cruelty & pride
The Tyrant falls while one Heroick chief
to groning Nations gives a brave relief
such beautyous Painting should engage each mind
to all thats generous noble just & kind
Then since Improvment now is all our aim
we surely may your smiles & praises claim
which if obtaind youl Quickly see each Boy
spring throw his Learning up to man with Joy

215

Richy & Edi

ane Eclogue To the memory of Sr Richard Steel

[_]

[1729]

Dear Richy Welcome to these Happy Scenes
where Joys unbounded shall reward thy pains
The Pains thou tookst to make all mankind steer
aboone the Rubs of Chance and Stangs of fear

R[ichy]
how Glad am I O Hapy Gaist to find
that Death wants power to change thy friendly mind
still dear to me was Edie Love & fame
and throw Eternity shall be the same
Lay Josie in these shaws sae sweet & fair
are we with fools to Tooly ony mair
maun we again watch wakrife throw the Night
and wast our days to set the wandrer right

Edie
Nae Mair O Isaac, needs thou draw thy Pen
To Please the Ladys & instruct the men
the Prude Coquet the Sharper prig the Beau
are names that nane in a' Elysium know
nor here nae party with detracting tale
Strive under thumb oer ither to prevail
here Lov & Honour in full splendor shine
and at annothers Bliss na shades repine
Not sae Below wher thou with wondrows skill
raind pleasure & Instruction from thy Quill
whilst Hid behind thy Borrowed name & Place
Thy Taciturnity and shorten'd face

216

Like haf a God or prophet thou wast praisd
and ilka ane thy fame & value raisd
but soon as eer thee Englishman came forth
one party ceases to extole thy worth
Then Thou Indignant publisher was named
and father only to fair fondlings fam'd
nor did they mind how faithfully and True
thou helps frae me & others didst avow.

[_]

(the fragment ends here)

THE ADDRESS

[_]

[c. 1729]

My Generous Patrons, who have lang
Approven of my merry Sang
Smiled at my tale and own I write
The Pastoral that gives delyte,
And that my Native Muse is able
For comick epigram and fable.
The higher strains I darena brag
Afraid in this I should prove lag,
Yet since in other lays I please
Thanks to Appolo, I'm at ease.
And will not Blush while I demand
Assistance from your helping hand
When I design, with tenty speed,
Fairly to print, that you may read,
The seven-years labours of my head.

While to my Patrons thus I pray,
Methinks I hear 'S[?]abella say,
“Cheer up, blyth Bard, nor cease to sing;
Nae critick sour shall clip thy wing:
I, with a thousand Beautys mae
Shall shield thee frae ilk surly fae.
We'll keep thy cottage tight and bein,
Thy pot in play, thy owerlay clean,

217

And slip into thy purse some store,
To breed thy son and daughters four
Please us, the Powers of Love and we
Will take peculiar care of thee.”

Ye Glorys of the British Isle,
As long as I enjoy your smile,
My cares shall vanish like a dream
Or mist that hovers o'er the stream,
Till Phoebus, with a bleez of day,
Forbids the damp t'oppose his ray.
'Twas [my?] study and my Pride
To have the fair upon my side,
And while you thus indulgent shine,
My gratitude shall ne'er decline.

“Fleech on,” cries N[?]abal, brag or pet
But de'il ye (one) doit frae me ye'se get.
Ye've gotten mair than your deserving,
While mony a better Rhymer's sterving
As ye should a, baith gude and ill,
With my consent, had I my will.
Gie glancing gowd for wicked rhymes?
O wicked fashions! wicked times!
Gie poets cash!—gie them the woody,
Swith to a garret, poor and duddy,
Till hunger has your bulk refined,
For the enlargement of your mind.

[An Elegy in Memory of William Aikman]

[_]

[1731]

Is there a Life where the reward
for Goodnes shall be fully payed
where virtues that the Best regard
shall in full lusture be displayd

218

Is their a Glorious calm repose
wheir neither Pain or Death appears
wher every Joy Transporting flows
unmixt with vexing cares & fears

Is ther a place wher Hermony
and Love springs from the Source Divine
wher souls from heavy earth set free
for ever like high Angels shine

There Aikman is where he Enjoys,
that goodnes which still graced his mind
Now, No Inferior care anoys
but as he wishd are all refined

O Best of men! the muse neglects
thy spirit for the first of art[s]
while she with melting mind reflects
on worth that captivated hearts

That Wisdom witt Each Gentle Sweet
which all thy other merits crownd
and make a man the most complete
To such a pitch are rarely found

None bad more fair to reach that height
than thy dear Boy whom Heaven still just
took from the clod in virtue bright
all free from Earths defiling rust

In all he thought or did or Said
Sich ane Hermonious Beauty ran
it humane Nature dignified
that such a Soul Informed a Man

The Double Loss gives double Pain
to all our weak & fond disire
that with good reason hoped again
in all the Son to view the Sire

219

How vain the Medling Mind of Man
that with his Narrow Bounded Sence
atempts complaint, or dares to Scan
the Maze divine of Providence

See the great universal scene
all things in fairest order Move
The almighty power does naught in vain
and its our duty to aprove

To you kind Sir whose generous h[eart]
Can sympathize in humane woe
I try to sing [of] his desert
whose Death makes floods of tears to flow

But cease self Love to promt our Sigh
Ripennd in virtues Heavens has tane
Our Aikman to his Native Sky
then 'tis but Weakness to complain

come my friend I wishd thee here
go with me to yon shady Glen
there from the world let us retire
to talk about the best of men

and let us give a loose to grief
Since our Loved Aikman is no more
our mutual sighs will bring relife
while we so great a loss deplore

I like the kind proposall well
he to my heart was ever dear
wher now for him such Twangs I feell
as makes all Joys in Clouds appear

220

How worthles is the lack of life!
hou soon the litle race is run!
Its pleasure few its pains sa rife
and shut up eer its well begun

Yet while on Canvas colours glow
t'imortalize the brave & fair
Painters unborn shall praise Bestow
on pices finishd by his care

if any come but near his way
the artist raptures warm shall feel
when a good judge shall chance to say
like Aikman[s] manner its Gentile

O Pope his much indeared friend
who far excells in tunefull verse
imploy thy Lays that worth comend
which we take pleasure to rehearse

no subject can more merit yield
wher truth suport the touring Theme
nor ever was a fairer field
for Bard by giving to get fame

Far[e]well dear Shades tho short your days
yet shall your fame and fair Renown
Last out with Time deserved praise
Throw ages shall your merits crown

My friend wipe of[f] that falling Tear
Let smiles again Light up our Eyes
if virtuously throw Life we steer
weell meet them soon above the Skyes

221

[A Second Elegy on William Aikman]

[_]

[1731]

[Clerk]
Welcome Dear friend I wishd to meet the[e] here
Soft Breath[e] the Winds [and] a' the lift looks clear
to yon Deep Glen wher sun beams sinle shine
throw Shading Birks let's hy & there recline
there freely let us give a loose to greef
our mutual sighs will bring us some relief
whilest we the Merits sing & soul sae even
that made our Aikman Sae soon ripe for heaven

F[orbes]
O Clerk I like the kind proposall well
for in my Breast sic tender Twangs I feel
that all that pleasd me once now dull appear
since we have lost the man to us so dear
what worth is Life it yeilds no stayd repose
when what we wish to keep we soonest Lose

Clerk
Take care it sets not mortalls to repine
with weak reflections [on] the Will devine
all that he breathd for her[e] below
and hinders merits flow to blow

[_]

(The fragment ends here)

222

[In Memory of a Youth]

[_]

[1731]

O Much Loved Youth for thee in tender Grief
with gushing Eyes ten Thousand Seek relief
who with delight beheld thy rising Shine
Blazing with splendor Humane & Divine
Thy Morning promised us a Beautyous Day
free from these Mists that cloud the Heavnly way
when Reason, Sacred Guide! in Shakles divine
and Blinded Zeal with Ignorance combine
to Banish Love & Quench the Holy fire
which makes the Soul up to its God aspire
Leaving the weak sunk in the Quags of Doubt
confirming in their vice the Godles Rout
Thoughts more Elate and of a higher kind
with raptures Glowd in our young prophets mind
he saw he knew & felt that God was Love
and taught the heart in amrous strains to move
Toward that source wher glories all abound
where all we wish & all we want are found
Alas! no more, we Hear the Heavnly youth
with Energy demonstrate Christian Truth
with all that force & Beautys which controll
the Burst of vice & captivate the Soul
to tred those pious paths that calmly Lead
the thristing mind to the Great fountain Head
where now enlarged from every Humane Strife
with Joy he Quaffs the Eternall streams of Life
There Envious detraction never wounds
nor is Low Intrest known in these Bright Bounds
There stormy Pride fierce anger sullen spleen
cease to pursue with stinges envenomd keen
But there in its meridian Blazes Bright
The Bond of all perfection and delight
The Grace we ought to grasp of greaces worth
much disrespected on this Hell-tinged Earth

223

He saw its Beauty & with pious care
Implored the gift from God & had his share
But cease kind friends to wast[e] your useles Tears
for him who now sormounts all pains & fears
Born up with seraphs wings he leaves this Globe
to be adornd with Lights Eternall Robe
he takes his Harp and tunes the Hermonious Strings
to his Patrons praise the Almighty King of Kings

[Reversal of Situation]

[_]

[c. 1732]

Now Now the Glorious Dawning Daws
on happy hill side haunters
for Lords & Lairds prop the auld cause
and vote for Covenanters

Turn up the white side of your Eeen
on the Kirk legislator
and bless the day that ye have seen
a Marrow Moderator

have seen what rarely has been known
throwout a course of ages
Patriots the patrons right disown
and vote 'gainst patronages

224

[A Prologue to Macbeth]

[_]

[1732]

In Mimick Scenes w' atemp with action Bold
to represent great Incidents of old
when Usurpation and Tyranick sway
did on brave Calidonia's vitalls prey
Till Heaven auspicous for the righteous side
defeat th'opressor in his height of Pride
Then Royal Malcom rose, in all thats Bright
Like the fair Sun after a stormy night
and made his Influense kind to all extend
his countreys father & its Bravest friend
This Night we hope to please whilst round we veiw
ane audience of a tast so Just and true
the Royall Band who nobly are Inspird
with Sentments that their Brave fathers fired
who like to think to act & Dress & move
Like them whose Memorys demand our Love
Justly demand these wreaths shall neer decay
highest Esteem and the Imortal Lay
Hail to the Royall Archers who delight
to Imitate these Guardians of our Right
may they with Grandure flurish & display
spirits still Brave brightend with all thats Gay
the worthy Paterns to the Rising age
and patronize the muses & the stage
by your Indul[g]ence will arise Refined
above the Insult of the Inferiour kind
which we'll despise whilst we Your favor find

225

KATE AND SUSAN,

A Pastoral to the Memory of John Gay, Esqr.

[_]

[1732]

The Bard whase carrols pleasd us weel
Whase happy fame shall last for ay
With men of wit and thinking leel—
This gain'd, he wad nae longer stay.
Tir'd with the turns of Fortune's wheel,
In virtues ripe, he sprang away
To Prior, Addison, and Steel.
God grant me, when my years are o'er,
To meet with these immortal four.

Katty

Your welcome, Susan, to our haugh.
Come, let's gae sing beneath yon saugh.
What's aills you that ye dinna laugh
With usual glee?
Ye're a' begrutten and look baugh;
I'm wae to s'ye.

Have ye been wrang'd in goods or name,
Or girn'd at by our cankard dame,
Or has some swankie nought can tame
Or ever mend
Done that whilk gars us a' think shame
Whene'er it's kend?

Susan

The spring-well canna be mair clear
Than I'm frae spots that maidens fear;
Sour reek and flyting I could bear
Wi' far less pain
Than what I thole for ane we ne'er
Shall see again.

226

He's dead! Oh Kattie, Johny's dead,
Wha daintily coud tune his reed
To please the brugh and chear the mead.
Nane drave away
The dronan frumps wi' faster speed
Than Johny Gay.

Katty

O death, again thy ruthless sting
Shall ne'er to mools ane better bring.
He was a comrade for a king,
And clergy might
And mimmest maidens hear him sing
With free delight.

On summer mornings Pate and I
By day-break in the eastlin sky
Aft to the highland sheils wad hy,
And a' the day,
While we on flow'ry braes did ly,
Sang Johny Gay.

Susan

To Gay and to ae other wight
We awe our thanks baith day and night,
Wha did frae rust and rubish dight
Blyth British tunes,
Which ane and a' began to slight
For outland crunes,

Crunes prick'd where princes, poor with pride,
To silly saftness sangsters ride.
Shoud we, to freedom born, abide
Sic fosie notes,
Notes that throw unkend language slide
And cheepand throats?

227

Katty

His ballads a' we blythly sung;
The[y] merry made baith auld and young,
And shall, while Britons have a tongue
To sing or say,
Be still in vogue, and praises rung
To gentle Gay.

How snackly could he with a sneer
Jybe chiels that sell their sauls for gear,
Nor past he porter, prigg, or peer
That fell in's way.
Nane hit their blots mair snell and clear
Than Gabby Gay.

Susan

O canty lad, what didst thou mean
With Sunday's coat and owrly clean
To leave our bughts and bleer our een
To seek renown
Frae ribbons blue and ribbons green
In London toun?

Had ony of them e'er the grace
To heez thee to some idle place?
A daft attempt in thee, alace—
Oer mickle wit
And honesty bleez'd in thy face
That mark to hit.

Katty

Yet dear Clarinda—bonnier nane
Wha grace the court or glad the plain—
Great, good, and bountifou, did deign
In gracious way

228

To prop, to credit, and maintain
The aefauld Gay.

His worth she tented, lik'd his sang,
And rais'd him frae the vulgar thrang.
May a' her years be blyth and lang
We sooth-fast pray,
Wha frae laigh poortith's wissen'd fang
Preserv'd our Gay.

Susan

Waesme! as aft as I shall keek,
On his bound Book, and Shepherd's week,
Saut Tears will flood adoun my Cheek
It shou'd be sae,
Since lang and bootless we may seek,
For ane like Gay—

I'm sure the Show-fouk o' the Stage,
Wha mint to mend the Gawky Age,
Will ne'er play o'er his Op'ra page
Withouten Grief,
For him wha bauldly durst engage
Wi' ilka Thief

Frae Thieves that under Coro'nets hide,
And in their Coach and Sixes ride,
To them wha o'er the Country wide,
Demand your Purse;
Throw' a' their Crooks he was our Guide,
And their great Curse.

229

Katty

His Roundels a' were snod and sweet,
Well taught he how to wawk the Street,
On drouthy Days, in Wind and Weet,
His Sonnet tells;
How we frae mischiefs, we might meet,
Should shield our Sells

Like snacky Easop too right slee,
He with a' Ranks of Men made free,
And wyl'd us frae our fau'ts wi' Glee
And Moral Saws;
Mair pithy, Men of Sense agree,
Than stonkard Laws.

Susan

If honest Teachers have a right,
To dwell where never was a Night,
If tunefu Sauls rise ever bright,
Sure virtuous Gay;
Lous'd frae his Cares tow'rs to the Height
Of Bleezing Day.

But see my Lass yon sooty Cloud,
Is burning with a stormy Thud
Lets kilt our coats and hame-o'er Scud
And cease to mourn,
For tho our Een should rain a Flood,
He'll ne'er return.

230

TO THE Rt HONble SUSANA, COUNTESS OF EGLINTOUN.

The Muse's Salutation, on New Years Day 1733 after the late sickly weather.

The Sun, with a' his haelsome Rays,
was far to southern nations gane,
dreary our nights, and short our Days,
Naked, and blashy, was the plain.
Nae verdent leaf wav'd on the Tree,
Nor flowers upon the meadows blew,
Spates flow'd in Lochs upon the Lee,
the Heights were of a wissened hew,
Nature waxd heavy, sour, and dowf,
Dumb were the tunefu shepherds' reeds,
Nor coud the Birds the carrols sowf,
But droopt the wing and hid their Heads.
The Lazy south wind tholl'd the mist
to hover thick, oercharg'd with Death,
Then feverish mortalls e'er the[y] wist
Glow'd in the Cauld and gasp'd for breath.
Even Eglintoun, the favourite
of Heaven, and its peculiar care,
With her dear Blosoms fair and sweet
had in the generall grief a share,
Blest Fair, still good as thou art great,
Ne'er misconstruct the will of Heaven
On virtue still waits happy fate,
And soon all oddness is made even
Some wandering twangs of humane pain
Make full amends for their annoys,
When by the canny cast we gain
A better gust for honest Joys,

Hast[e], Zyphers, blaw the welkin clear,
Drive a' the stagnant damps away;
Phebus return, with this new year
and bless us with thy Shining Day.

231

A good New Year to Eglintoun,
on her and on her Lovely Care,
Heaven pour thy best of favours doun
and lang a life sae precious spare,
Daughters of Thule that wad shine
With a' that captivates the Heart,
Copy a patern sae divine
And rise aboon affected art,
Do good things, in a gracefu way,
be never mean, nor puff'd with pride,
Mingle the solid, with the gay,
Beauty, and Honour, neer divide
Then shall the admiring world allow
that you've coppyd happylie and well
bright Eglintoun, the standard true,
in whom the conquering charms excell.

To Dr Robinson when at Edinburgh July 30th 1734

Now troth dear Doctor it is kind
and shaws a Cowthie Aefauld mind
in you wha live sae far away
on Brittain's sunny side of the Brae
to dawt and clap a Northern pow
owning his roundels easy row
I own I like the scawpy height
where men maist sib to Gods delight
yet pay my debts and school my Weans
by canny conduct of my gains
and fowk think that ane unko ferly
'cause poets play that part sae rarely

232

Thanks to Queensberry and the rest
wha gave what biggit up my nest
when Quarto volume chancd to get in
five hundreds frae the best in Brittain
for which I'll chant and shaw I'm gratefull
'till canker'd Eild make singing hatefull

[AN ELEGY ON THE COUNTESS OF MORAY]

[_]

[1734]

Sprung from the Brave Macculinmore
the generous stream enrichd her vien
that gave & gives our nation store
of Heroes that our right sustain
Joynd with a chief of worth & might
Whose heart the Royall currants move
Stuart in Campbell took delight—
May Campbells ever Stuarts Love

Just pious good and Generous dame
whose noble spirit mounts on hy
Tho Earth thy Mortall fabrick claim
Thy Praise & fame shall never die
but fragrant young as flowers shall spring
unfading as the Verdand bays
and evry gratefull heart shall sing
The Generous Lady Morray's praise
On fortha's Banks wher late was heard
Nought but the gay and chearful sound
while Morrays liberal hand debard
all wants and Dealt her Bliss arround

233

Now sullen grief shades every face
tears flow where smiles were usd to brood
While with a great yet easy grace
She grandure mixt with all thats good.

Let all who blosomned in her shine
To every mour[n]ful thought give way
tis a just debt none shoud decline
A nation should the Tribute pay

[In Praise of Caroline]

[_]

[c. 1735]

Allan
The weets awa the morning fair
nae rumbling wind desturbs the air
the Birds are singing throw the shaws
Echoes repete the watter faws
the Bees have left their waxy Bowers
to suck their sweetnes frae the flowers
a' things agrree in humour gay
to make this out a pleasant day
Then come my Lasie lets lean doun
here distant frae the dinsome Toun
and help me as thou aft hast done
to put my Landart pipes in tune

Muse
Ah Shepherd thou at last maun tire
for Eild will sloken out thy fire

234

consider on thy borrowed een
and fifty winters thou hast seen
since now thy youthfu flames away
forget to sing & learn to pray

Bard
Oh say na that again my Dear
I yet have health & fancy clear
& gust the pleasures of the plain
as heartyly withouten pain
as when you taught me by yon spring
My Gentle Shepherds Loves to Sing

Muse
I'm blith to hear't than ne'er be Dowf
as lang's ye can a sonnet sowf
I never will my help refuse
and now what subject do ye chuse

Bard
I fain would sing of Caroline
our Lady gracious sweet & sheen
whase goodness keeps our Joys alive
wha takes delyte to see us thrive
sent doun frae heaven without a flaw
a Nursing Mother to us a'
wha finds our pleasure & our pain
as touching as they were her ain
a thousand ways she has found out
to bring our happynes about

235

amang the lave the other day
her Lads & Lasies heard her say
That she & a' her Bony Breed
Shoud nae mair Busk in foraign weed
but cast a coppy to the Rest
by being in hamelt cleathathing dress[ed]
Now spinsters with the nicesest care
twine sma ye're lint and bleach it fair
Let lang extended webs be seen
like new fawn snaw on ilka green
Shepherds be tenty of your sheip
and frae their Backs a Treasure Reip
a Treasure that befar excells
hoards howkit out of Spanzie fells
ye Lads that Labour on the Loom
be nae mair fleyd for purses Toom
wark true & tight ye'll never fail
to have a clever canny sale

To the Countes of Eglingtoun with the bass-relief Bustos of the 12 Cesars

[_]

[1735]

These first Imperial twelve who blaze
So bright in antient story
Who did by noble conquest raise
old Rome to all her Glory
Attend you ladyship in Bust
were they in Being now
Sure Julius or the great Agust
would share the world with you

236

Dalkieths Welcome to Her prince

ane ode

His Grace Duke of Buccleughs return to Scotland 1735

Ye winds Ly Hush within your caves
auld ocean calm thy roaring waves
fair sun with brighter rays arise
and wheel arround unclouded skys
Flora & ceres lift your painted heads
oer gilded plains & verdant meads
Tune all your notes that spread the wing
and Joyn in concert while we sing
a welcome to our gracious Lord
by all his subjects Hearts adord
Thousands who his kind Influence feell
Grateful to Heaven devoutly kneel
that for them such a prince was born
whose crouding virtues strive t'adorn
these Honours that are handed Doun
from Royal Blood, & old renown
Thus all the good & great unite
to make his character complete.
Propitious power who ever guards
the patriot and his worth rewards
on our dear prince thy Blessing Shower
who coppying heaven Imploys his power
and all the virtues of his mind
in actions noble just, & Kind
witness the chearfull Smiles we trace
on every pleasd Depantant face
who're blest with such a happy fate
upon the Godlike man to wate
get up ye Nymphs & all ye swains
that dwell oer his extended plains

237

from mountains where your flocks you feed
from every Holm & flowry mead
wher millions of Black catle stray
and round the chry[s]tall margins play
from Ridges that the Dales adorn
with Richest Loads of various corn
with heartsome Look in best array
ye Blythsome Lads & Lases gay
soon as your healthfull labours past
and phebus dips down to the west
meet on the green & by the spring
lead out the dance & sweetly sing
your joys for your brave Lord returnd
whose absence you oftimes have mournd
and let this thought still chear your Blood
that he delights to do you good
and on your thriving neer will frown
whilst he esteems you as his own
beneath whose shining Influence
who is your Patron & Defence
flourish, strangers to the pain
[of] those who drag a Tyrants chain
and wish th'oppressor far away
while you Implore your prince's stay
Ye Scotian chiefs who oft decline
in your own proper Sphere to Shine
while like Satelitys you Roam
who'd shine the first Rate Stars at home
Coppy from Brave Buccleught the art
to gain the Love of every heart
by chusing on these field[s] to move
that God & Nature bids you Love
wher honours shall flow like a stream
from honest hearts that gush esteem
joynd with that humble will shall make
them for you all Hazards undertake
and if its cald for at their Hand
even hazard Life at your command

238

Hear us you powers who mankind rule
by your divine almighty will
Let Healthy Days of Lengthend date
Be our great Scots propitious fate
Croud all his hours with that delight
to which the Patriot has a right
The wish of all the best of Scots
from cheviot Hills to John a Grots
heard by the Muses who rejoyce
to Echo round the general voice
delighted with the task divine
to sing the virtues that combine
and give the Great the fairest shine

Epistle to John Wardlaw

[_]

[June, 1736]

My worthy friend, I here conjure ye,
By the respect I ever bure ye,
You'll let me ken, by your niest letter,
Why ye hae been sae lang my debtor.
I charge ye by these royall names,
Frae Fergus Furst, to Octave James,
As loyalty you still exprest,
To mind your friend whan he's distrest,
Distrest wi' little trading gawin,
And the driegh income of what's awin,
The curst peremptor, London bills,
That gif return'd, our credit kills.
Then there's the necessars of life,
That crave frae ane that has a wife,
House-hawding, baith in milk and meall,
And mutton, beef, and shanks o' veall;

239

Nay, now and then, aff care to syne
A sneaker, or a waught o' wine;
And that the getlings prove na fools,
They maun be hawden att the schools.
All these require the ready down
Frae us wha live in Borrowstown,
That neither hae nor barn, nor byre,
Washing, nor elding for our fire;
Nor sheep, nor swine, or hens, or geese,
Nor sarking lint, or claithing fleece,
Unless that Dubbies-land be staickit
By us, we e'en may strutt stark naiket
And starve—While ye jock upo' lands,
Have ilka thing laid to your hands
Of whatsoe'er ye stand in need,
Of your ain growth and your ain breed.
Frae udders of your kine and ewes
Your cream, your cheese, your butter flows;
Your eggs and chickens (best o' fare)
Are yours, withouten ony care;
The nursing hen asks nae mair pay,
But only what ye fling away;
Whane'er ye like ye cram your creels
Wi' trouts, and pikes, and carps, and eels;
Horse-laids of fruit bob on your trees,
The honey's brought you by the bees;
Roots for your pott ye hae in plenty,
Wi' artichoaks, and bow-kaill dainty;
For gryce and goslings, calves and lamb,
Ye've meickle mair, nor can ye cramm;
Your bannocks, grow upon your strae
Your barley, brings you usquebae.

From what I've said, its eith to prove
You shou'd not filthy lucre love;
What use for cash hae landwart lairds,
Unless to play't att dice or cards,
If useless in your poutch, 't wears less,
Until it grows as smooth as glass.

240

Now since it obvious is and plain,
That coin so worthless is and vain
Wi' such as you—Let me advise ye
Ne'er let regards for it intice ye,
To haud your hands o'er hard about it,
And since we canna fend without it,
Pray gather't up, white, yellow, brown,
And pack it in to our poor town.

Now either do this same, frae hand
Or keep it; and gie us the land.
Before you een sett wicked Tray,
That barking satt upo' the stray,
Yet cou'dna mak a meall of meat o't,
But wadna let poor horsie eat o't.
Wadd ye to what I say agree,
Ye soon wou'd ken what drinkers drie.

Thus far, Sir, I have merry been,
As a sworn enemy to spleen,
And hearty friends, like us, weell ken,
There's nought ill said, thats no ill ta'en.
My proper view, ye'll eithly find
Was mainly to put you in mind
I wad be vext, were ye unkind;
But never having reason gi'en,
I hope you're still what ye hae been,
As you in mony ways did show it,
The Friend and Patron of your Poet.

A. R.

UPON THE RIGHT REV(EREN)D RALPH ERSKIN

[_]

[1737]

Behold the man whose tunefull tone
would melt a very heart of stone,
When he against the Drunkard roars
or lays about him at the Whores.

241

O thou great whore of Babel fear
thy forsaid downfall draweth near
For Ralf the Seir, Ralf hath said
thou on thy Back shall soon be laid,
This is the man who far and near
the Marrow Moderns flock to hear,
Him prove these Brethren want a missive
that take the Oaths and Are Submissive,
Who blinded with the light of Reason,
find out no Godliness in Treason,
Obeying laws like Simple Sotts
to which Black Bishops gave their Votes,
Who only preach against our Crimes
but never touch upon the Times,
While Such in Common Doctrines juggle,
Great Ralf converts with Rhime & Ridle,
All hail Dunfermling's shining star
thy face & verse shall travell far,
And make mae people laugh & sleep,
than 'eer thy Sermons caus'd to weep.

MR. EBENEZER ERSKINS PROTEST

Against Five of his Elders for their Submission to Order & Government, and Summonding them from his Pulpit in Stirling to appear before the Tribunall of Jesus Christ—Versified.

[_]

[1736 or 1737]

Since ther is nothing should be done
in the House of him that rules aboon
but what sutes with his will—or mine
who am his plenipo Divine
and seeing the old Jewish nation
under the Antient dispensation

242

in observation were so strict
that not one nail or pin or stick
were shap'd or placed withouten order
in Tabernacle's rail or Border
how much more then should our new rules
be onserv'd by us who are greater fools
then hear ye Elders worst & best
me Ebenezer take protest
That in my kirk there may no flaw stick
by a sad sentance Ecles'astick
Tyranical and high Erastin
Confirm'd by magistrates unchristian
who without the least Marrow Grace
set up Roost Rullers of this place
and by coroboration drumbly
have broke the Kirk-house order comely
by wedging in, who we may call
Erastian Elders nominall
in number five—'gainst my Commanding
I saw besides the offering standing,
cash for the poor colecting, who
have not a title to do so.

On which for the exoneration
of my oun conscience & discration
I in my Master's name, and mine—
and each Seceding learn'd Divine
also in name of the Eleven
Elders wha ken the gate to Heaven
ound to have been true blew proffessors
by their most worthy predecessors
Prottest that now my Preaching here
connected with their standing there
may not infer homologation
of consequence to congregation
but whate'er loss the parish poor
may suffer by them at the door
be charg'd to them and all the unblest
Who dare to adhere or to assist.

243

on which forsaid before the world
I do as messenger and Herauld
of my great Master, in his name
summon all you that bear the blame
you intrometters with the Siller
Henry Christy—& Andrew Miller
Robert Banks and William Macbane
and Hary Allan for what ye hae done
all to compere with one accord
before Tribunall of the Lord
to answer what you have to say
for your said conduct on that day
as also I add summond letters
to all your aiders and abettors
oer all the Earth both great & small
with the black Diel to drive ye all
to his Tolbooth where flogs & fetters
may teach you to obey your Betters.

[On Church Patronage]

[_]

[March 1738]

Hear O hear ye silly sheep,
for sheep I well may call ye
who're now so snoold ye dare na cheep
Tho Patronages Gall ye

Oh on these days turn back your Eeen
when we were Brave & Bigg
and fought it fine on Rulion Green
and eke at Bothwell Brig

244

These These wer[e] Times ay Times indeed
when folk woud rather swing
or on a Scafold give their Head
as yeild to Lord or King

Now godles Patrons manage Calls
and had the Kirk but ill up
oer Bellys of ten Thousand Sauls
ye'r Vacancys they fill up

with Trucklers that will start at Treason
who wad with Marrow Mingle
the Ranting of their Sence & Reason
and Heathenish Morall Jingle

o fy for shame will no Bauld stirk
now head the Honest Rable
with forks & flails to free the Kirk
from all this Brood of Bable

THE MARROW BALLAD

On Seeing a Stroling Congregation Going to a Field Meeting, May 9th, 1738.

[_]

To the Tune of: Fy let us a' to the Bridal.

O fy let us a' to the meeting
for there will be canting there
Where some will be laughing some greeting
at the preaching of Erskine and Mair
then rouze ye up, Robie and Willy;
The lasies are raiking awa
in petty-coats white as the lilly
And biggonets prind on fou braw.

245

And there will be blinkan eyed Bessy
blyth Baby, and sweet lipet Megg
and mony a rosie cheek'd Lassie
with coats kiltet to their mid-legg.
to gar them gang clever and lightly
we'll carry their hose and their shoon
syne kiss them and clap them fou tightly
as soon as the sermon is done.

The sun will be sunk in the west
before they have finishd the wark
then behind a whin Bush we can rest—
ther's mekle good done in the dark.
There Tammy to Tibby may creep
Slee Sandy may mool in with Kate
while other dowf sauls are asleep
we'll handle deep matters of State.

And shoud we deserve the black stools
for geting a gamphrell with wean
Wee'll answer we're no siccan fools
to obey them that have the oaths tane.
when the lave's to the parish Kirk Gawn
on Sundays—we'll rest us at hame
an' runing to Hills now and than
Makes it nowther a Sin nor a Shame

Then up with the Brethren true blew
wha lead us to siccan delight
and can prove it altho they be few,
that ther is naebody els wha is right.
and doun with all government Laws
that areimade by the Bishops of Baal
and the the ves wha climb oer the Kirk waw
and come not in by a right call.

246

TO MR. JAMES HOME

Sir,

These two volumes come to prove
Your poet's gratitude and love
To you whose taste and friendly spirit
Encourage the least mints of merit
Impartially, without regard,
Whether in shepherd, lord or laird;
For which and many another favour
That bind me to my best behaviour
I from this honest heart of mine
Beg you t'accept this small propine.
Tho scant the value, yet believe
It is the best that I can give,
And the most proper, you'll allow,
For me to give to such as you.

Then with a friendly smile admit
Me 'mongst your laughing friends, to wit:
Shoot yont your Milton and your Pope,
That chant sublime from the hill-top;
Make me a birth whin that I may
Cram in with Butler, Matt, and Gay;
That when the spleen or ought that's sour
Attacks you in a drumbly hour,
With these may Allan come before you
And to your gayity restore ye.
If I in this can recommend
My Muse to you, I've gained my end.
And if you own that I can sowff
A song or tale, nor dull nor dowf,
At some with no small pride I'll sneer,
Whose noddles are not quite so clear,
And never tent their grumble
While you stand by your

Servant humble, Allan Ramsay.

From my closet in Edr, August 10th, 1738.

247

EPISTLE TO MR. H. S. AT LONDON NOVr 1738

To me, far in the frozen north,
in winter on the banks of Forth,
where Boreas thuds with all his Strength,
through Nights of eighteen hours of Length,
ther's hardly aught coud please me better
than friendly love & your kind letter,
Happy the man who needs not roam,
but when he pleases, from his home,
who, when the Summer fields invite
and healthfull Hunting his delight,
can tire out a whole pack of Hounds
upon his oun paternall Grounds,
then soon as Winter gins to frown
in Coach and Six wheel to the Toun,
there ratle about, in spangl'd cloathing,
in mighty hurry doing—nothing,
unless for Nation's good, or so
the Orator says—Yes or No.

But we, who by our cast of fate
have not been tagg'd to an Estate,
must rouze up all our thinking Arts,
to ravish fortune by our parts,
now here, now there, whiles up, whiles down,
plodding for Rhino, or Renown,
should put our Tallents to the Test,
and of our Bargins make the best,
for, while gay Hopes are our support
faith all our Labour's but a sport,
and in our turn, ev'n in their faces,
can laugh at Lords, & even their Graces,
who rust unactive, standing still,
turn heavy, having all their will,
sunk oft in spleen, of life they tire,
Born to their best, they rise no higher,
the Stream of Joy must still grow less
when no more springs make it increase,

248

Ye want to know, ye say, what passes
Amongst the Edinburgh Lads & Lasses,
'Mongst Statesmen, and Kirk moderators,
'Mongst Gamsters, Bawds, & fornicators,
Then be it known, in this same place
folk seem as little crampt with grace,
as the unhallowd crouds who dwell
from Wapping west to the Pall-Mall.
the Scarlet Whore, indeed, they snarl at
but like right well a whore in scarlet,
and here, in plenty, ev'ry Lad
may have them in all collours clad,
from the silk Damask doun to Tartane
that's manufactur'd at Dunbartane,
a choice of goods, & mighty cheap,
for one a pox or clap may reap,
if with but litle pains he'll try,
for sixpence wet & sixpence dry,
and, if he's not a simple Stirk,
may bite the Treasurer of the Kirk,
for now, none heeds that dismall Dunner,
unless it be some sighing Sinner,

Thus whore, & Bawd, Doctor & pox,
the Tavern & a large white Ox,
are the whole sum for Lord or clown
of the Diversions of our Town,
since by a late sour-snouted law
which makes great Heroes stand in awe
the morall Teachers of broad Truths
have gotten padlocks on their mouths,
fierce Bajezet, and bold Macbeth
Othello, Cato, & Macheath,
now dumb, and of their Buskins stript,
our stage is in its blossom nipt,
which spreads ane universall frown
to see a Theater pull'd down,
which for seven years, at small expence,
had pleasd, without the least offence,

249

advanced a great way to remove
that Scarcrow of all social Love,
Enthousiastick vile delusion
which glorys in stift-rumpt confusion,
gives sanction to Rebellious plots,
and finds out grace in cutting Throats,
which, in the reigns of James & Charles,
prompted these Covenanted Quarles
and heezd the Leaguers up the Ladders
to swing aloft in hempen Tedders,
now since the softener of this rage,
the mannerly reforming Stage,
is tane away, 'tis justly dreaded,
'twill be by Biggotry succeeded,
Divisions from Divisions spring,
and partys spiteful dart the sting,

My friend be blyth, nor fash your Head
with nick-nack of each different creed
that various molds the Golden Calf
from stile of Rome to that of Ralf
yet never from these virtues start
which spring up in an honest Heart
quite strangers to the party Squable
which mads the great & litle Rable,
enjoy your Laugh, your friend, & Glass,
and, with chast Love, a chosen Lass,
sleep sound & never break your brains,
whither the Turk, or Russian gains,

Farewell, & let me be your debtor
for what would over-cram a letter,
till we meet fairly nose to nose,
then balance shall be payd in prose.

250

ON GEORGE WHITEFIELD THE STROLLING PREACHER

[_]

[1741]

Now Reverend S[i]r, after your wandering,
your Theiving, whooring, and your squandring
you may rejoyce, that you at last
on Scotland happylie are cast
where wildnes oft starts to extream
and men of lungs may somthing seem
amongst old women of both sexes,
who admire what Reason's light perplexes
tho' mostly folk of every Rank
deem you a mumping Montebank
yet Self-Sufficiency and noise
new nonsence and a canting voice
oft pass for grace & Doctrine true
amongst the giddy-headed crew.

Here you succesfully erected
your stage and was by priests protected.
there acted oft, nor playd in vain
the fable of your Georgian Scene . . .
unless their souls they strive to save
by giving you—all that they have.

Hail Englangs bold St. George the Second!
who hast the Infernall Dragon weaken'd!
roar on loud Champion, neer knock under
till you have fell'd him flat's a flounder.

But may we ask by whose permission,
by what Authority or Comission,
by what Law Custom or example,
or who imposd a task so ample
on you to act and use a diction
like Apostolick Jurisdiction
who but your self did e'er assume
who but your self did eer presume

251

to hack about & ape these Leaders
who were the first great Gospell Spreaders
Paul & Peter both we knew,
but start-up Whitefield who art thou
Doubtles you'll not accept a post less
than that of thirteenth of th'apostles
of Methodists Generall Reciever
which some translate a grand Deciever
In common wealths where'er you haunted
a beggar snack as ever canted
All Hail, thou devilish deep Divine
whose Theologicall Engine
has got the start of Archimedes
All Hail, thou devilish deep Divine
offered, if given a proper Station
he'd move the Earth & its foundation
the place you've found, & we have seen,
eclipt a Tent upon the Green
in which your lucky stance you take
and make th'Inferiour world to shake
that some part therof with much speed
you have cleverly turnd Arse o'er head.

O Sovran Seer who by pretended
mission, with zeal officious blended
which rather looks like a possession
then aught of Sacred Inspiration
Thou'st by thy vague licentious claver
thy bauling bullocking behaviour
most subtily thy self intruded
on the mean croud & them deluded
At the loud roar of sound's expence
unaided by perswasive sence
yet their long ears have been much kitled
even while their simple souls you bittled
that they durst think nought good or holy
but what was said by Whitefield soley,
their Squinting Guide—to Mamon true
honest as a stockjobing Jew

252

fit qualitys for such a Jugler
a practised Simon Magus smugler.

For certain George this self conceit
of yours that blows you up this rate
must spring from an opinion vile
you have of this part of the Isle
We oun we have a share of fools
that on occasion may prove Tools
to villains who with fair pretences
can cast the glamour o'er their Sences
and artfully can throw in faggots
to kindle up their fanatick maggots
these set aside the greater part
are worthy and of true desert
Just Temperate learned Brave & wise
whose touring Geniouses can rise
sublime to all thats great & bright
beyond the reach of thy weak sight.

To Dr Cunninghame

[Dr Cunningham and his lady's wishes for a return to their native soil when sojourning in Wales]

[_]

[1742]

On Pembroke plains we pensive walkd
when sighing we thought on
the Gowanie parks & Gowden Riggs
of our ain Clermiston

wher now with comely verdures crownd
the Plantings stoutly stand
The Thickets & the fencing Hedge
Set there by our ain hand

253

oft when the Cauldwalderians require
of us a an Pictland Sang
we find our pipes quite out of tune
and a the notes run wrang

How can we sing or laugh or dance
sae far frae friday Height
where Forth from Sterling to the Bass
with Beautys glad the sight

where fleecy flocks & Bearded Gaits
frisk throw the whinny Bloom
that chears the Sight; & fills the Air
with healthyest Perfume

Corsterph[i]ne hills when we forget
and Brither Willys Spaw
may we in Kilda be confind
to gang bare arsd in snaw

Tho fatness flows like a Spring Tide
with Pork & Pudding here
and pears & peaches are as rife
as dog-hips on the Briar

yet to our tast now far frae hame
come short in our esteem
to th'yellow Pound & Cauller egs
and sweet Corsterphine Ream

RESIGNATION

[_]

[February, 1744]

This world is freighted with wonders in store,
And we were sent to it to think and explore;
And when the due summons shall call us away,
No more's to be done but contented obey.

254

'TIS WELL THATS NOT WARSE

A Moral Tale

The Nights were Lang the frost was snell
the snaw wreaths deep on ilka Fell
when Travelers Sandy, Tam and Pate
met at ane Inn when it was late
the Beds were a' tane up but ane—
and not ae Guest was laid alane
on which these three maun do their best
to pigg together in ae nest
Slee Sandy he contrives it sae
to get the midst between the twae—
as warmest place, he thought, till Dawn
to what-e'er side the Claiths were drawn
now past his first and soundest sleep
he fand dificulty to keep
himsell frae rising to the pot
or setting a' the Bed on flote.
he doughtna think of ganging forth
Lest he should tine his cosie birth
Sae rather thought by way of Jest
to stroan upon his nighbour neist
who wakening with the Hovan glow
that frae his neck to heels did flow
Crys Damn ye Brock I'm a' bepisht
says Sandy be advised to whisht
ye're right well aff, sae never mind me
I'm shyting on the Chiel behind me.

The Moral

Thus others view in more distress
than us, makes ours appear the less.

255

[A POEM OF CIVIC REJOICING]

[_]

[c. 1746]

Let Edr heartyly Rejoyce
and waft her thanks up throu the air
Since by ane universall voice
Again Good --- fills The Chair
wha makes it all his care
To Meditate the Common weal
and does the Publick good prefer
to what Relates unto himsell

He Merits Praise who moves so just
That Envys self dares not Revile
upon His Candor we may trust
without disturbing fears of Guile
on whom even jarring partys smile
the Reason's plain they kenna how
detraction on his fame to wile
because that way their's Naithing due.

That Dame who has a Husband wise
and kens it too, with pleasure sits
Viewing his acts with Chearfull Eyes
& to his Rule with Love submits
Thus Edr like a wife comits
Her managment to them that Can
not feard for Loss or fainting fits
while --- is her good man

When fate's great Author is inclind
His blessings on a place to shower,
He raises men of upright mind
To had the rulling reins of power.
Those magistrates to angells tower
Who hate each avaritious crime
And by their prudence evry hour
Do good to thousands at a time.

256

[TO LADY DICK]

Decmr 20th 1746

Madam

Now when the furious Tempests gowl
and dampy vapours cloud the soul
while hid behind the masked sky
no Chearfull Rays rejoyce the eye
while slush and spate o'erflows the land
and trembling Trees all naked stand,
The featherd Minstrells droop the wing
with spirits sunk they downa sing
while thus the bleak and noisie storms
give winter all its horrid forms
why, Lady Dick, when we're involv'd
in the dull scene? are ye resolv'd
to keep so closs your Countrey Seat
and darn your Self in your retreat
The City pastimes thus refuse
and turn your self to a Recluse
Tho bloom of youth with every grace
Shines in your air your shape & face
Come and oblige our longing sight
and sing away the lengthen'd night
the friendly visit do not scorn
and the Tea Table ring adorn
which oft by party squable lours
where ther's a dearth of wit like yours.
but Madam here perhaps you'll say
I've glanc'd on what keeps you away;
to wit, the dull and spitefull jars
which flow from Rapin[e] blood & wars
and whirls about each giddy head
as pay, or superstition lead
to cangle, threep, & gogle sour,
with all the Malice in their Power

257

which they on every person vent
if from their nonsence they disent.

Madam, if I have guest your plea
I with your Ladyship aggree
'tis mighty just and one should take
all care to shun the envenom'd snake
The Haggard Look and tones unkind
sute ill with the hermonious mind

But there are souls, all thanks to heaven
of shining thoughts and actions even
whose social virtues are sublime
and think humanity no crime
these be your choice, and you can chuse
the best and all the bad refuse.

Madam accept of this short flight
with service to your Self & Knight,

From your Ladyships Most humble servt, A.R.

TO L[ADY] D[ICK]

Madam,

your quaint return to mine
I conn'd with pleasure every line
where you so easylie have hit
points of philosophy and wit
the arguments for your Retreat
are just are generous good & great.

Would Titled Scoundrells (that o'er-ride
plain honest men with paughty pride
and Steal & reave at every hand
to answer luxory's demand)

258

turn honest, and that plan pursue
so worthylie laid doun by you,
Brittain would brighten, Trade would flurish
and every branch of Credit nurish.

But while extravagant high living
brings in vile shuffelling & Theiving
to prop the glare of gentle fame
where nought remains o't but the name,
The industrious oprest by Knaves
must dwindle doun to silly slaves
with broken hearts to drag their Mancles
Clinchd round their Shaklebanes & Ancles,
yet force'd by fear to crub their Tongues
for fear their Riggings thole the Rungs
often bestow'd in large extension
by Knights of post & Lords of pension.

When thus accurst the Sacred Nine
dare not with proper lusture shine
for if their Votries sing ought snell
against these ugly Spawn of Hell,
ther's Dungeons pillorys & fines
to eclips them & their bright designs
wherefore Thalia crys bewar
my Bard & venture not too far
with morall satyre to refine
'tis wasting pearles upon Swine
retire from the ill-fated crowd
and closs within true virtue shrowd
thy self, from all curst party strife
the canker worm of pleasing life
Madam with Joy I heard the voice
which corosponded with your choice
and am resolv'd to raise my mind
like you above the Reptile kind
who crawl ignobley to wait
at courts & Levies of the great.
'tis grander far to tend the rise
of Beams that brighten up the skies

259

when radiant Aurora pours
doun joys on Man Beasts Birds & flowers.

Madam rejoyce & may each fear
be finished with this bloody year
but may th'ensuing win our praise
and bless us with more Halcion days,
and the Almighty goodnes grant
us all we wish & all we want.

M.Y.L.H.S. A.R.

Edr the last day of the year 1746

TO DOCTOR BOSWELL With the Two Vols. of my Poems.

These are the flowings from my Quill,
when in my youthful days
I scamper'd o'er the Muses' Hill,
and panted after praise.

Ambitious to appear in print,
my Labour was delyte,
Regardless of the envious Squint,
or growling Critick's Spite.

While those of the best Taste and Sence
indulg'd my native fire,
It bleezed by their benevolence,
and heaved my genius higher.

260

Dear Doctor Boswell, such were they,
resembled much by you,
Whose favours were the genial ray
by which to fame I grew.

From my first setting out in Rhime,
near fourty years have wheeld,
Like Israel's Sons, so long a Time
through fancy's wiles I've reeld.

May powers propitious by me stand,
since it is all my claim,
As they enjoyed their promised land,
may I my promised fame.

While Blythness then on health attends,
and love on Beauty's young,
My merry Tales shall have their friends,
and Sonnets shall be sung.

Sir, your humble Servant, Allan Ramsay

From my Bower on the Castle Bank of Edinburgh, March the 10th, 1747.

[EPITAPH ON ROBERT MYLNE]

[_]

[1747]

Faith Master Death, 'tis but a scurvy job,
To pay a visit to our friend ‘Old Rob’;
He liked good company, 'tis passing true,
But truly never would have thought of you.

261

AN EPISTLE WROTE FROM MAVISBANK MARCH 1748 TO A FRIEND IN EDR.

Dear friend to smoak and noise confine'd
which Soils your Shirt, and frets your mind,
and makes you rusty look, and crabbed,
as if you were bepoxed, or Scabbed,
or had been going through a dose
of Mercury, to save your Nose,
let me advise you, out of pity,
to leave the chattering, Stinking city,
wher pride, and Shallowness, take place
of plain Integrety, and grace,
where hidious Screams, would kill a Cat,
of who buys this or who buys that,
and through the Day from break of Mornings
the buz of Bills, protests, and Hornings,
besides the everlasting Squable
amongst the great and litle Rable
who tear their Lungs, & deave your Ears,
with all their party hopes and fears,
while ratling o'er their silly Cant,
learn'd from the Mercury, and Currant,
about the Aid that comes from Russia,
and the neutrality of Prussia,
of ffrance's Tyranie and Slavery,
of Holands Selfishness & knavery,
of Spain, the most beloved Son
of the old whore of Babylon,
the Guardian of her whips & fagots
and all her superstitious magots,
of all his gambols on the Green
with Hungary's Imperial Queen,
of Genoa's resolute resistance
without Napolitan assistance,
of passing Var, seiging Savona,
and breaking fidles at Cremona,

262

of how much Blood & dirt is cost
before a Town is won or lost,
of Popes, Stateholders, faith's Deffenders,
Generals, Marshals, and pretenders,
of Treaties, Ministers, and Kings,
and of a Thousand other Things,
of all which their Conceptions Dull,
sutes with the thickness of the Scull,
yet with such Stuff one must be worried,
that's through the City gauntlet hurried.

But Ah! ye cry the dear dear Dances
with Beautys brisk, who harm our fancys,
for five or six gay hours complete
in circles of the Assembly Sweet,
who can forsake so fair a field
where all to conquering Beauty yield.
no doubt while in this am'rous fit
your next plea's Boxes, and the pit,
where wit, and humours of the Age
flow entertaining from the Stage,
where, if the Drama's right conducted,
one's both diverted and instructed.

Well I shall grant it bears with Reason
these have their charms in proper Season,
but must not be indulg'd too much,
lest they the Soften'd Soul bewitch,
and faculties in fetters bind
that are for greater ends design'd.
then, rouze ye from these dosing Dreams,
come view with me the golden Beams,
which, Phebus, every Morning pours
upon the plains, adorn'd with flowers,
with me o'er springing verdures stray,
where wimpling watters make their way,
here from the Oak with Ivy bound
you'll hear the soft melodious Sound
of all the Choiresters on hy
whose notes re-echoe through the skie,

263

better than concerts of your Town,
yet do not cost you half a crown,
here Blackbirds, Mavises & Linnets,
excell your fidles, flutes, & Spinnets,
next we may mount the broomy Height
and wild, wide Landskips chear our Sight,
diverted with the bleating Tribe,
and plough-men whistling oer the Glibe,
Thus we, with little Labour, gain
firm Health, and all its Joyfull Train,
silent repose, the chearfull Smile,
which best intruding cares beguile,
and makes the Springs of Life to flow
through every vein with kindly glow,
giving the Cheek a rosie teint
surpassing all the arts of paint.
The Heights survey'd, we may return
along the Margin of the Burn,
where fishes will divert your Eye
while jumping up to catch a fly,
which taught the Angler first to wait
and Hook them with the tempting Bait,
next the fair Gardens we may trace
where art adds life to Native grace,
The Walls & Espaliers Load, & lined,
with fruits of the best chosen kind,
the Borders fraughted with delight,
to please the Smelling, & the Sight,
while Ecchoe entertains the Ear
when rais'd by Notes well tune'd, & clear,

Such Morning walks, the Balmy Air,
improves the gust for healthy fair,
and, when the Bell for Breakfast rings,
at heels you'll find Hermetick wings,
to reach a Table, neatly crownd,
with all that's hearty, hale, & sound,
where in the shining vessels stand
Blessings of Jacob's promised Land,

264

of which with freedom you may share,
for ceremony comes not there.
Nature refresh'd, you may retire
with Books that jump with your Desire,
if cloudy Skies keep you within,
you've Closets warm & free from Din,
where in the well degested pages
you may review the by past ages,
or, with great Newton, take a flight
through all the rolling Orbs of Light,
their order note their bulk & shine
'till fire'd with raptures all divine,
or with the pen, and pincell's aid,
trace nature out in Light & Shade
with freedom, in a bold out line,
like Sachi, or Salvator, shine.

If Zyphers, and the radiant bleeze,
invite you to the Shady Trees,
some hours, in indolence, to pass
extended on the velvet gras,
with Milton, Pope, & all the Rest,
who smoothly coppy Nature best,
their Lays inspired, peruse, and find,
what brightens, and improves, the Mind,
and carrys it a pitch beyond,
these views, of which Low Minds are fond.

This is the Life, all those have sung,
most to be wish'd by old, and young,
by the most Brave, and the most ffair,
where Least Ambition, least of Care,
desturbs the Soul, where virteous Ease,
and Temperance, never cease to please.

So Sayth, Sir your humble Servt Allan Ramsay of Edr in his Grand Climaterek

[_]

Followed by a drawing of a caricature head, possibly a self portrait.

265

To the Lairds of Annandale Conjunctly & Severaly A. R. not Greeting, wishes them all a good Bridle-Hand

[_]

[August 17, 1748]

Let Lairds of Lockerby take tent
how they their Paughty Shoarings vent
against a Troop wha think nae mair
on flieing Naigs to Scowr throw Air
then Lads of Annan think to bratle
round Cheviot Heights for English Catle
nor think to daunt them with your huffing
your witty Kicks & merry Cuffing
Such fundamental reparties
their Dowps will never brook with Ease
but if they should, what then, they'll crack
they were set on behind their back

As for the auld gash Edinburgh Bard
He fears not either Lord or Laird
if they'll but fairly take the field
and feight with Weapons He can weild
for when Apollo lends him Quivers
he'll bring them down as they do plivers
He owns the Dons of Annandale
the Walls of a Goose-pye can Scale
tho on Rock, Beef and Hams its founded
and with a Ditch of punch sorrounded
yet his upon the Castle-Hill
will try their valour pith & skill
for being the fav'rite of Mons-Meg
the Patroness will Lift her leg
and shaw them a Confounding trick
by farting Bullets twa foot thick
besides what further may be done
by thunder-bowts brought frae the Moon

266

She too is on the Poets Side
and ev'ry bonny lass & Bride
frae Salway firth to Caithness Wick
No Sweeter Supports can he seek
sae Lairds even as ye like be bawlan
Your Ladys will take care of Allan

The Gods take care of Cato

[To George Clerk of Drumcrieff)

[_]

[Sept. 15, 1748]

Dear friend, t'enjoy Life arright
a man should rather turn his sight
On those who in their Stations move
below him, than on those above.
To be by vain ambition led,
to have fifty Thieves in livery clad,
with Cooks from frothy ffrance all able
with foolish fare to spread my Table,
Supported by large funds of wealth
and funds more worthy peace & health,
than to wheel the Luxurious round
of Pleasures sensuall and unsound,
I had rather like the earlyest men
on herbs and Acorns make a fen,
all free of Buz in health to sing
while cheap I quaf the Cauller spring,
and pass my circling hours with Joy
which glaring pride should neer destroy,
with neither Drabs nor Duns opprest
to croud my Dreams or break my rest,
or hinder me to bless my sight
with Nature in a proper light,

267

while by the fresh & rosie Dawn
I haunt the Stream or trace the lawn.

That mortall's foolish beyond measure
whose pride enslaves his truest pleasure,
and makes him act what's vile & low
to keep of Greatness a vain show,
weak coward minds who cant endure
the Scandall of being reckond poor,
preferring vice with titled shine,
to humble virtue's Rays Divine.

Blest is the man whose happy fate
has plac'd him 'twixt the Small and Great,
who independant can make choice
of life, both free of Toil and Noise,
and can, in Leasure hours resort,
to Streams & Moors for healthfull Sport,
and for delight, and manly ends,
enjoys his Garden, Books, & ffriends.
O George, you have it in your power
to sweeten life each wheeling hour,
while in the virtuous list you stand
and passions guide with Steady hand,
Indulgent Heaven has given you all
that's needfull on this rolling Ball,
with a Help Meet whose merits prove
her well deserving of your Love,
while Beauty, Sence, & Virtue, claim
Stations in Rolls of worthy fame,
then to your Lot your wishes bound
so shall your life with Joys be crown'd,
nor envy him whose wider fields
than yours an higher Rentall yields,
for tis Content can only claim
every Estate to make the same,
since happynes then is confin'd
to the emotions of the mind,
the Odds will turn out very Brief
between Dumlanrig & Drumcrief.

268

[THE EXCOMMUNICATION OF RALPH ERSKINE]

[_]

[1749]

The Synode to old Sathan sends
the Compliments of all his friends
to inform him, by their right Divine
they intend to make him a propine
of Brethren who reprov'd grow stiffer
and in some whitty-whattys differ
doing our cause sa mekle skaith
by favouring the Burgher Aith
for which we Masters Gib & Brown
to raise your Belzieships renown
have come to a full resolution
for fixing our constitution
by solemn excomunication
to sneg such off from their salvation
and first we shall begin with Ralf
that bungling ballad singing calf
who in his rhiming fidle didles
turnd the plain gospell into ridles
for which and taking Aiths to Kings
and whateer clips Seceding wings.
To cure all such upsprouting evils
we give him up to all the Devils
to lick him with their Taz so snell
doun the deepest pot of Hell.

269

VERSES ADDRESST TO THE MAVIS WELL WHICH FLOWS IN THE GARDENS OF MAVIS BANK

O fountain, favourit of fate!
hou early happy is thy state
soon as from Earth's dark cells thou springs,
at thy clear Head, the Mavis sings,
Joyn'd with th'hermonious choirs of mirth
to hail & celebrate thy birth,
no sooner thou beholds the light
than Nature's beautys glad thy sight,
and Flora with her frag'rant gales
all her refreshing scents retails,
Pomona with luxuriant Loads
Presents the Nectar of the Gods,
delighted with the croud of sweets
which Thee to Paradice invites,
with rapid rush, adoun thou pours
to incorporate with the fruits & flowers,
their roots to lave, & drouth expell
Midst them thy stores collected swell,
into a pond which to the Eye
reflects the glorys of the skie,
reflects the Nymphs of gracefull mein,
who tred arround thy margin green,
and with their songs artfull & sweet
make Ecchoe from thy Head repete,
was it oer thee, say limpid spring,
that the vain fop his head did hing?
where, daz'led with his oun dear Charms,
he fled the enamour'd virgin's arms,
Ay sure it was, for here, poor voice!
near Thee residing makes her choice
whence, from on high, she sees below
her still belov'd Narcissus grow—
O fountain, favourite of fate!
what muse thy merits can relate!

270

hou gratefull to the Taste, hou good
to staunch our drouth, & cool the blood,
for ever may thy spring still flow
and on the cheek make Health to glow.

A. R.

Mavis-Bank, June 15th

TO Sir ALEXander DICK OF PRESTONFIELD, BARONET, WITH MR. RAMSAY'S POEMS IN THIS AND SECOND VOLUME

My worthy friend, whose polish'd mind
Springs far aboon the common kind
Since in my verses you can find
What prompts your praise,
Allow yourself to be propined
With all my lays.

When I was clever, blyth, and young,
In strain stile of my mother tongue
What Nature dictated I sung.
Now as on columns,
Them fair, forever, I have hung
Up in these volums.

O! may they always have the power
To tune your saull, should it grow sour,
And clear up ilka gloomy hour.
When spleen is fashous,
May they make cankerd care to cour
With smiles sagacious.

271

May you and your fair partner lang
Enjoy life free of ilka twang.
To con my tales and sowf ilk sang
Can pleasure bring
Till ripe in years aloft we spang
With saints to sing.

Our sauls then freed frae hools of clay,
There we may hope to sing and say
All that is great, divinely gay,
And flights extend
O'er space immence, wher joy and day
Shall never end.

Qd Allan Ramsay the Auther.

Anno Domini: 1755 Etats suae LXX.

AN EPISTLE TO JAMES CLERK, ESQ. OF PENNYCUIK

Blyth may he be wha o'er the haugh,
All free of care, may sing and laugh;
Whase owsen lunges o'er a plain
Of wide extent, that's a' his ain.
No humdrum fears need break his rest,
Wha's not with debts and duns opprest;
Wha has enough, even tho' it's little,
If it can ward frae dangers kittle,
That chiels, fated to skelp vile dubs thro',
For living are oblig'd to rub thro',
To fend by troaking, buying, selling,
The profit's aft no worth the telling.
When aft'er, in ane honest way,
We've gained by them that timely pay,
In comes a customer, looks big,

272

Looks generous, and scorns to prig,
Buys heartily, bids mark it down,
He'll clear before he leaves the town;
Which, tho' they say't, they ne'er intend it;
We're bitten fair, but canna mend it.
A year wheels round, we hing about;
Hes sleeping, or he's just gane out:
If catch'd, he glooms like ony devil,
Swears braid, and calls us damn'd uncivil:
Or aft our doited lugs abuses,
With a ratrime of cant excuses;
And promises they stoutly ban to,
Which they have ne'er a mind to stand to.
As lang's their credit hads the feet o't,
They hound it round to seek the meat o't,
Till jointly we begin to gaud them,
And Edinburgh grows o'er het to had them:
Then aff they to the country scowp,
And reave us baith of cash and hope.
Syne we, the lovers of fair dealing,
Wha deem ill payment near to stealing,
Rin wood with care how we shall pay
Our bills against the destin'd day;
For lame excuse the banker scorns,
And terrifies with caps and horns;
Nae trader stands of trader awe,
But nolens volens gars him draw.

'Tis hard to be laigh poortith's slave,
And like a man of worth behave;
Wha creeps beneath a laid of care,
When interest points he's gleg and gare,
And will at naithing stap or stand,
That reeks him out a helping hand.

But here, dear Sir, do not mistake me,
As if grace did sae far forsake me,
As to allege that all poor fellows,

273

Unblest with wealth, deserv'd the gallows.
Na, God forbid that I should spell
Sae vile a fortune to mysell,
Tho' born to not ae inch of ground,
I keep my conscience white and sound;
And tho' I ne'er was a rich heaper,
To make that up I live the cheaper;
By this ae knack I've made a shift
To drive ambitious care a-drift;
And now in years and sense grown auld,
In ease I like my limbs to fauld.
Debts I abhor, and plan to be
Frae shochling trade and danger free,
That I may, loos'd frae care and strife,
With calmness view the edge of life;
And when a full ripe age shall crave,
Slide easily into my grave.
Now seventy years are o'er my head,
And thirty mae may lay me dead;
Should dreary care then stunt my muse,
And gar me aft her jogg refuse?
Sir, I have sung, and yet may sing,
Sonnets that o'er the dales may ring,
And in gash glee couch moral saw,
Reese virtue and keep vice in awe;
Make villainy look black and blue,
And give distinguish'd worth its due;
Fix its immortal fame in verse,
That men till doomsday shall rehearse.

I have it even within my pow'r,
The very kirk itself to scow'r,
And that you'll say's a brag right bauld;
But did not Lindsay this of auld?
Sir David's satyres help'd our nation
To carry on the Reformation,
And gave the scarlet whore a box
Mair snell than all the pelts of Knox.

274

Thus far, Sir, with no mean design,
To you I've poured out my mind,
And sketch'd you forth the toil and pain
Of them that have their bread to gain
With cares laborious, that you may,
In your blest sphere be ever gay,
Enjoying life with all that spirit
That your good sense and virtues merit.
Adieu, and ma' ye as happy be
As ever shall be wish'd by me.

Your ever obliged, humble servant, Allan Ramsay.

Pennycuick, May 9, 1755.

University of Virginia Library

(1) Poems for which dates can be assigned.

To the Most Happy Members of the Easy Club, 1712

On Andrew Brown Hanging Himself

A Rebuke to Antony Uneasy

THE LAMENTATION

9 Nov. 1715

To the Right Honourable George, Lord Ramsay

THE HAPPY MAN

[To Mr. Jo. Kerr of King's College, Aberdeen]

ON THE MARRIAGE OF URBAN AND BELLA. JULY 10th, 1721.

To His Grace John Duke Of Roxburgh,

The Address of Allan Ramsay, S[cots] P[oet].

TO THE MEMORY OF MARY, DUCHESS DOWAGER OF BEAUFORT AND COUNTESS DOWAGER OF DUNDONALD

MACARONIC

SILVIA TO A--- R---

ANSWER Octr 1722

The Pleasures of Improv[e]ments in Agriculture

[Dedication]

[To the Duke of Queensberry]

A Pastoral Welcome To her Grace Cathrine Dutches of Queensbery on her coming first to Scotland June 1723

[To the Duchess of Queensberry]

[Another Poem to the Duchess of Queensberry]

On the B[ritish] P[arliament's] design of Taking The Bounty off the Victual exported. Decemr 1724

1

2

3

4

5

6

Magy Dickson

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

[A Dedication for the Evergreen]

SOME FEW OF THE CONTENTS [of The Evergreen]

[FRAGMENT OF AN EPISTLE]

Allan Ramsay Bard to the Royall Company July 13 1724

[The Men of Totness Town]

[A Poem to Mr. Drummond]

[A Jacobite Poem]

Again the Royal Band in fair array

[To the Royal Company of Archers]

[A Marching Song]

[To a Gentleman in Ireland]

To my unknown Corospondent in Irland

On the Ever Green's being gathered out of this Manuscript By Allan Ramsay who had the Loan of it from the Honourable Mr William Carmichaell Advocat Brother german to the Earl of Hynford[_] LINES WRITTEN AT THE END OF THE BANNATYNE MANUSCRIPT

MOLLY MOG

ANSWER [TO LADY SOMERVILLE'S POEM]

[To William Somerville]

THE MILLER AND HIS MAN:

a Counter-part to The Monk and the Millers Wife. a Tale

THE CLEVER OFFCOME

[A Prologue for Julius Caesar]

[A Prologue to The Gentle Shepherd]

[An Epilogue for a Schoolplay]

Richy & Edi

ane Eclogue To the memory of Sr Richard Steel

THE ADDRESS

[An Elegy in Memory of William Aikman]

[A Second Elegy on William Aikman]

[In Memory of a Youth]

[Reversal of Situation]

[A Prologue to Macbeth]

KATE AND SUSAN,

A Pastoral to the Memory of John Gay, Esqr.

TO THE Rt HONble SUSANA, COUNTESS OF EGLINTOUN.

The Muse's Salutation, on New Years Day 1733 after the late sickly weather.

To Dr Robinson when at Edinburgh July 30th 1734

[AN ELEGY ON THE COUNTESS OF MORAY]

[In Praise of Caroline]

To the Countes of Eglingtoun with the bass-relief Bustos of the 12 Cesars

Dalkieths Welcome to Her prince

ane ode

On the Ever Green's being gathered out of this Manuscript By Allan Ramsay who had the Loan of it from the Honourable Mr William Carmichaell Advocat Brother german to the Earl of Hynford
[_]

LINES WRITTEN AT THE END OF THE BANNATYNE MANUSCRIPT