Classic Poem

ODE XXXVI.

THE SAILOR.

I.

M Y Dame, behold a sailor brave!
And he maun plough the raging sea;
And quit, for ocean's sounding wave,
The rippling burn and whispering tree.
The linnets chirm, and laverocks ring
Their music thro' the welkin clear,
And seem to cry, as sweet they sing,
Still, honest sailor, linger here.
But, Dame, you view a sailor brave,
And he maun plough the ocean wave.

II.

Yon dainty palace charms this eye,
And Avon's waters sweetly glide,
Fair Bircleugh's flowery terrace, nigh,
Hastening to meet the bonny Clyde:
Ah! pleasing scene! In rapt'rous mood,
How near thy braes he still could stray!
How range yon deep romantic wood,
And talk of love the live long day!
But, Dame, you view a sailor brave,
And he maun plough the ocean wave.

III.

Your Peggy's eye is dew-drop-bright,
Her smiling cheek as lily fair,
Her feet as hare's move saft and light,
Her voice as mavis' shrill and clear:
Oh! she goes near to wound my heart,
As oft she sings her " Highland Laddie , "
So quickly, Dame, must I depart,
And keep my heart still tight and steady.
For, Dame, you view a sailor brave,
And he maun plough the ocean wave.

IV.

But, when on Ocean's restless bed,
The ship rolls rocking to the wind,
When shores and clifts, and hills are fled,
Thy kindness will I call to mind.
When dowie droops this head with grief,
And from my eyelid steals a tear,
In grateful thoughts I'll find relief,
And Peggy's song my breast shall cheer.
But, Dame, farewell! a sailor brave
Maun haste to plough the ocean wave.