Heath flowers being a collection of poems, chiefly lyrical, written in the Highlands. By William Glen |
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THE HIGHLAND SOLDIER. |
 | Heath flowers |  |
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THE HIGHLAND SOLDIER.
Whare is the chiel frae the land o' the heather,
Wha e'er turned his back on his frien' or his fae?
He embraces the ane, an' he o'ercomes the ither,
An' the dictates o' honour he'll ever obey:
He caresna' for restin', however sae weary,
He caresna' for shelter, tho' dreepin' an' cauld;
But his task being done, tho' the night's mirk and dreary,
He sleeps on a snaw-wreath in tartan plaid faul'd.
Wha e'er turned his back on his frien' or his fae?
He embraces the ane, an' he o'ercomes the ither,
An' the dictates o' honour he'll ever obey:
He caresna' for restin', however sae weary,
He caresna' for shelter, tho' dreepin' an' cauld;
But his task being done, tho' the night's mirk and dreary,
He sleeps on a snaw-wreath in tartan plaid faul'd.
An' place him afore the disturbers of Britain,
How nobly he steps on the broad tented field!
His faes are afore him, their hour is but fleeting;
A Highlander conquers, but never will yield:
The glance o' his bright een are piercin' and killing,
His figure is soldier-like, manly, an' large;
An' whare is the fae, however sae willing,
Can staun' the firm shock o' a grand Highland charge?
How nobly he steps on the broad tented field!
His faes are afore him, their hour is but fleeting;
A Highlander conquers, but never will yield:
The glance o' his bright een are piercin' and killing,
His figure is soldier-like, manly, an' large;
An' whare is the fae, however sae willing,
Can staun' the firm shock o' a grand Highland charge?
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