Classic Poem

ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND .

Since fate, with honour, bids thee leave
Thy country for a while,
It is nae friendly part to grieve,
When powers propitious smile.

The task assign'd thee 's great and good,
To cultivate two Grahams,
Wha from bauld heroes draw their blood,
Of brave immortal names.

Like wax, the dawning genius takes
Impressions thraw'n or even;
Then he wha fair the moulding makes,
Does journey-work for heaven.

The sour weak pedants spoil the mind
Of those beneath their care,
Who think instruction is confin'd
To poor grammatic ware.

But better kens my friend, and can
Far nobler plans design,
To lead the boy up to a man
That 's fit in courts to shine.

Frae Grampian heights (some may object)
Can you sic knowledge bring?
But those laigh tinkers ne'er reflect,
Some sauls ken ilka thing,

With vaster ease, at the first glance,
Than misty minds that plod
And thresh for thought, but ne'er advance
Their stawk aboon their clod.

But he that could, in tender strains,
Raise Margaret's plaining shade,
And paint distress that chills the veins,
While William's crimes are red;

Shaws to the world, cou'd they observe,
A clear deserving flame: —
Thus I can reese without reserve,
When truth supports my theme.

Gae, lad, and win a nation's love,
By making those in trust,
Like Wallace's Achates, prove
Wise, generous, brave, and just.

Sae may his Grace th' illustrious sire
With joy paternal see
Their rising blaze of manly fire,
And pay his thanks to thee.