Classic Poem

The sun had risen but an hour,
And spread his golden ray
O'er sea, and land, and garden bower,--
Thus dawned a glorious day.

A stilly calm prevailed to rest
On the surrounding scene;
Scarce could upon the ocean's breast
Be a faint ripple seen.

The soft, fresh air of Summer morn
Stood peacefully around,
When we, upon the ocean borne,
In view of Leith were found.

I rose in haste to hail the sight
Of Scotland's lovely shore,
Which to my mind brought fancies bright
And thoughts of days of yore.

The good old castle towering stood
Majestic o'er the scene;
Defiance from its rocky rood
Was alway frowning seen.

I thought, had it the power to speak,
What stories could it tell;
What deeds of darkness could it break,
Or mysteries dispel.

Around its seat, in hidden gore,
Foul deeds of vengeance sleep,
Which caused orphans to implore,
And widows oft to weep.

And now, in close succession, see
The smoky ringlets rise,
From many a chimney-top set free,
Ascending to the skies.

Then comes there to salute the ear
Faint fragments of a sound;
And mingled noises soon I hear,--
The bustle turns profound,

From slumber as the city wakes,
And Duty gives her call,
And for each man a mission makes,--
A duty gives to all;

Then set I foot upon the shore--
The shore I long to gain;
It shall be dear for evermore,
While memory I retain.