on sg some water-fowl in loch-turit
a wild se among the hills of oughtertyre.
“this was the produ of a solitary forenoon's walk from oughtertyre house. i lived there, the guest of sir william murray, for two or three weeks, and was much fttered by my hospitable reception. what a pity that the mere emotions of gratitude are so impotent in this world. 'tis lucky that, as we are told, they will be of some avail in the world to e.” —r.b., glenriddell mss.
why, ye tenants of the ke,
for me your wat'ry haunt forsake?
tell me, fellow-creatures, why
at my presehus you fly?
why disturb your social joys,
parent, filial, kiies?—
on friend to you and me,
yature's gifts to all are free:
peaceful keep your dimpling wave,
busy feed, or wanton ve;
or, beh the sheltering rock,
bide the surging billow's shock.
scious, blushing for our race,
soon, too soon, your fears i trace,
man, your proud, usurping foe,
would be lord of all below:
plumes himself in freedom's pride,
tyrant stern to all beside.
the eagle, from the cliffy brow,
marking you his prey below,
in his breast no pity dwells,
strong y pels:
but man, to whom alone is giv'n
a ray direct from pitying heav'n,
glories in his heart humane—
and creatures for his pleasure sin!
in these savage, liquid pins,
only known to wand&# swains,
where the mossy riv'let strays,
far from human haunts and ways;
all on nature you depend,
and life's poor season peaceful spend.
or, if man's superiht
dare invade your native right,
on the lofty ether borne,
man with all his pow'rs you s;
swiftly seek, on g wings,
other kes and other springs;
and the foe you ot brave,
s at least to be his sve.