The Genius of Scotland Part 14

[Footnote 89: Serene and lonely.]

[Footnote 90: Smoked.]

[Footnote 91: Half.]

[Footnote 92: Gable.]

[Footnote 93: Clothing.]

[Footnote 94: Rattling, or running.]

[Footnote 95: Then.]

The two thoughtless friends have "a jolly meeting," and do not break up till "'tween twa and three" next morning. A weekly club is set up at the alehouse, a newspaper is procured, and things move on bravely. Willie becomes a "pot-house politician," and a hard drinker, the consequence of which is that he speedily goes to ruin. His wife also, to drown her sorrows, takes to drinking. The contrast between their past and present condition is touchingly described by the poet.

Wha was ance like Willie Gairlace?

Wha in neeboring town or farm?

Beauty's bloom shone in his fair face, Deadly strength was in his arm.

When he first saw Jeanie Miller, Wha wi' Jeanie could compare?

Thousands had mair braws and siller.[96]

But war ony half so fair?

See them now! how chang'd wi' drinking!

A' their youthfu' beauty gane!

Davered,[97] doited,[98] dazed[99] and blinking-- Worn to perfect skin and bane.

In the cauld month o' November, (Claise,[100] and cash, and credit out,) Cowering o'er a dying ember, Wi' ilk face as white's a clout.[101]

Bond and bill, and debts a' stoppit, Ilka sheaf selt[102] on the bent;[103]

Cattle, beds, and blankets roupit,[104]

Now to pay the laird his rent.

No anither night to lodge here-- No a friend their cause to plead!

He's ta'en[105] on to be a sodger, She wi' weans[106] to beg her bread!

[Footnote 96: Fine clothing and money.]

[Footnote 97: Bewildered.]

[Footnote 98: Foolish.]

[Footnote 99: Stupid.]

[Footnote 100: Clothes.]

[Footnote 101: Cloth.]

[Footnote 102: Sold.]

[Footnote 103: Stubble field.]

[Footnote 104: Sold at auction.]

[Footnote 105: Engaged.]

[Footnote 106: Children.]

Fortunately, Jeanie attracts the attention of the d.u.c.h.ess of Buccleugh, and obtains from her a pretty cottage, rent free, and such aid and protection as her circ.u.mstances demand. Willie loses a leg in battle, and returns a changed man, with a pension from government. Finding his wife and family, he is received to their embrace. The soldier's return, and the situation of the cottage are beautifully depicted.

Sometimes briskly, sometimes flaggin', Sometimes helpit, Will gat forth; On a cart or in a wagon, Hirplin[107] aye towards the north.

Tired ae e'ening, stepping hooly,[108]

Pondering on his thraward[109] fate, In the bonny month o' July, Willie, heedless, tent[110] his gate.[111]

Saft the southland breeze was blowing, Sweetly sughed[112] the green oak wood; Loud the din o' streams fast fa'ing, Strack the ear with thundering thud.

Ewes and lambs on braes ran bleating; Linties chirped on ilka tree; Frae the west the sun near setting, Flamed on Roslin's towers sae hie.[113]

Roslin's towers and braes sae bonny!

Craigs and water, woods and glen!

Roslin's banks unpeered by ony, Save the Muses' Hawthornden!

Ilka sound and charm delighting, Will (though hardly fit to gang,)[114]

Wandered on through scenes inviting, Listening to the mavis' sang.

Faint at length, the day fast closing, On a fragrant strawberry steep, Esk's sweet dream to rest composing, Wearied nature drapt asleep.

'Soldier, rise!--the dews o' e'ening, Gathering fa' wi' deadly skaith!-- Wounded soldier! if complaining, Sleep na here, and catch your death.'

[Footnote 107: Limping.]

[Footnote 108: Carefully.]

[Footnote 109: Untoward.]

[Footnote 110: Lost.]

[Footnote 111: Way.]

[Footnote 112: Sighed.]

[Footnote 113: High.]

[Footnote 114: Walk.]

Accepting an invitation to take shelter in a neighboring cottage, slowfully and painfully he followed his guide.

Silent stept he on, poor fellow!