University of Virginia Library

[The nipping Frosts and driving Sna]

The nipping Frosts and driving Sna
Are o'er the Hills and far awa;
Bauld Boreas sleeps, the Zephyres blaw,
And ilka Thing
Sae dainty, youthfou, gay and bra'
Invites to sing.
Then let's begin by creek of Day,
Kind Muse skiff to the Bent away,
To try anes mair the Landart Lay,
With a' thy Speed,
Since Burchet awns that thou can play
Upon the Reed.
Anes, anes again beneath some Tree
Exert thy Skill and nat'ral Glee,
To him wha has sae courteously,
To weaker Sight,
Set these rude Sonnets sung by me
In truest Light.

139

In truest Light may a' that's fine
In his fair Character still shine,
Sma' need he has of Sangs like mine,
To beet his Name;
For frae the North to Southern Line,
Wide gangs his Fame.
His Fame, which ever shall abide,
While Hist'ries tell of Tyrants Pride,
Wha vainly strave upon the Tide
T'invade these Lands,
Where Briton's Royal Fleet doth ride,
Which still commands.
These doughty Actions frae his Pen,
Our Age, and these to come, shall ken,
How stubborn Navies did contend
Upon the Waves,
How free-born Britons faught like Men,
Their Faes like Slaves.
Sae far inscribing, Sir, to you,
This Country Sang my Fancy flew,
Keen your just Merit to pursue;
But ah! I fear,
In giving Praises that are due,
I grate your Ear.
Yet tent a Poet's zealous Pray'r;
May Powers aboon with kindly Care,
Grant you a lang and muckle Skair
Of a' that's Good,
Till unto langest Life and mair
You've healthfu' stood.

140

May never Care your Blessings sowr,
And may the Muses ilka Hour
Improve your Mind, and Haunt your Bower:
I'm but a Callan:
Yet may I please you, while I'm your
Devoted Allan.
 

Having done me the Honour of turning some of my pastoral Poems into English justly and elegantly.

His valuable naval History.