these countries, was cut off. The deer then grew so numerous and familiar, that they eat up the poor people's crops in the night; and the foxes multiplied so as to threaten the total destruction of their flocks. Arms indeed are necessary in these wastes, not only to protect the natives from wild beasts, but to assist them in supporting themselves. ΤΟ SIR J***S G***T, BARONET. "The man of bounties, loving and belov'd." WHILE on the meadowy banks of Spey, And while she casts her pensive view With glowing heart and trembling hand And wide o'er all her native land The voice of grateful truth convey, * See note No. 1. And while she consecrates the strain, Will smile indulgent on her lays. Oh, form'd to prove each feeling dear The Patriot Chief, who dwells belov'd Who when the dreadful blast of war His willing people call'd from far, With wakening pipe of martial sound: The valiant clan, on every side, With sudden, warlike ardour burns ; And views those long-lov'd homes with pride, Whose loss no exil'd native mourns. From every mountain, strath, and glen, In safety dwells, with honour crown'd. "For thee (they cried) dear native earth, "We gladly dare the battle's roar ; 6. Our kindred ties, our sacred hearth, 66 Returning peace will soon restore. "No ruthless, mercenary swains "Shall feed our babes and hoary sires *. "And when each tender pledge we leave, "Our parent Chief, with guardian care, "Shall soothe their woes, their wants relieve, "And save the mourners from despair." Beneath his mild paternal sway, The pow'r of cultivation smiles, And swelling, proud, impetuous Spey Rejoices, while the peasant toils: See note No. 2. + See note No. To see his banks on every side Well pleas'd he wanders near the dome And Painting speaks, and Music swells. When frosts untimely check'd the spring, To G**** she gave her teeming horn†, And fruitless Labour mourn'd no more. To Woe, while Pity yields relief, While Truth adorns the plausive lay, Our vows shall bless the Patriarch Chief Who rules the grateful banks of Spey. +Alluding to an ample provision made for the lower class of his country, during the hard winter 1800. |