Classic Poem

THEME

On the spacious, shelving moor
with dells and promontories,
the hollow of Coire Fhraoich
was the fairest part.
 This is the pleasant land
 whereon spread kindly cheer,
 where there will be calves
 and the antlered stags:
 with aspect south and sunward
 and resultant cosiness—
 not loath is the small hind
 to be dwelling there,
 this mate of the grey lad
 that has the sprightliest step,
 and would not request
 the clergy to marry them.
 Pure, wholesome is her frame,
 she is modest in her style,
 nor was her breath offensive,
 if one caressed her.
'Tis the corrie that has won
the love of every youth,
who ever saw its side,
and came to know it well.
 There's many a narrow gap
 over which a breeze will rise,
 where the gallant lads
 have a rendezvous.
 The braes of the hill slopes,
 where a red herd will be,
 mark the goal of every hunt
 throughout their life-time.
 'Tis full of every wealth
 that germinates with dew;
 there is the scent of fruit bushes
 and roses there.
Supplies of fish could be obtained
within her border,
and chasing them by torch-light
was practised on the rapids:
 a slim, sharp fishing-spear,
 with its special shaft of pine,
 merry, stalwart men held
 in their fist grip.
 Joyous were the trout,
 leaping in calm pool,
 catching flitting flies
 in great quantities.
 There is neither sea nor land
 that has more opulence
 than there is disposed
 within thy boundary.