Classic Poem

The Highlanders come in their gay plaided tartan,
The music of Scotia floats free on the air;
Come over, brave lads, from Barnet and Barton,
From McIndoe's Falls and St. Johnsbury fair.
Come over and witness the games of a nation
Whose prowess is noted in story and song;
We'll furnish you all a fine " muscle " collation —
Come over, and bring your fair cousins along.

Our fathers who came here were fresh from the heather,
Our county still bears the old name of the Gael;
So up wi' the bonnet and bonnie blue feather,
Sit down by our table and eat of our kail.
Welcome, ay welcome, dear clansmen and brithers!
Hark to the bagpipe, and answer the ca';
Come wi' your wives, your sisters, and mithers,
We'll meet you and greet you, and welcome you a'!

Come from the valleys, the hills, and the mountains;
Gather as gathered your fathers of old —
From clear northern lakes and bright crystal fountains,
The half of whose beauty has never been told.
Rally, like true, loyal Scottish descendants,
Over the Border, and answer the ca'!
And twine round this day of Supreme Independence
The bluebell, the heather, the thistle and a'!