Volume Ii Part 14 (1/2)

FIFE, AN' A' THE LAND ABOUT IT.[70]

TUNE--_”Roy's Wife o' Aldivalloch.”_

Fife, an' a' the land about it, Fife, an' a' the land about it; May health, an' peace, an' plenty glad, Fair Fife, an' a' the land about it.

We 'll raise the song on highest key, Through every grove till echo shout it; The sweet enchantin' theme shall be, Fair Fife, an' a' the land about it.

Fife, an' a' the land about it, &c.

Her braid an' lang extended vales Are clad wi' corn, a' wavin' yellow; Her flocks an' herds crown a' her hills; Her woods resound wi' music mellow.

Fife, an' a' the land about it, &c.

Her waters pastime sweet afford To ane an' a' wha like to angle; The seats o' mony a laird an' lord, Her plains, as stars the sky, bespangle.

Fife, an' a' the land about it, &c.

In ilka town an' village gay, Hark! Thrift, her wheel an' loom are usin'; While to an' frae each port an' bay, See wealthy Commerce briskly cruisin'.

Fife, an' a' the land about it, &c.

Her maids are frugal, modest, fair, As lilies by her burnies growin'; An' ilka swain may here repair, Whase heart wi' virt'ous love is glowin'.

Fife, an' a' the land about it, &c.

In peace, her sons like lammies mild, Are lightsome, friendly, an' engagin'; In war, they 're loyal, bauld, an' wild, As lions roused, an' fiercely ragin'.

Fife, an' a' the land about it, &c.

May auld an' young hae meat an' claes; May wark an' wages aye be plenty; An' may the sun to latest days See Fife an' a' her bairnies canty.

Fife, an' a' the land about it, Fife, an' a' the land about it; May health, an' peace, an' plenty glad, Fair Fife, an' a' the land about it.

[70] A song of this t.i.tle was composed by Robert Fergusson.

WILLIAM M'LAREN.

William M'Laren, a poet of some merit, and an a.s.sociate and biographer of Robert Tannahill, was born at Paisley about 1772. He originally followed the occupation of a handloom weaver, but was more devoted to the pursuits of literature than the business of his trade. Possessing a considerable share of poetical talent, he composed several volumes of verses, which were published by him on his own account, and very frequently to considerable pecuniary advantage. In 1817, he published, in quarto, a poetical tale, ent.i.tled, ”Emma; or, The Cruel Father;” and another narrative poem in 1827, under the t.i.tle of ”Isabella; or, The Robbers.” Many of his songs and lyrical pieces were contributed to provincial serials. His genius as a poet was exceeded by his skill as a prose writer; he composed in prose with elegance and power. In 1815, he published a memoir of Tannahill--an eloquent and affectionate tribute to the memory of his departed friend--to which is appended an _eloge_ on Robert Burns, delivered at an anniversary of that poet's birthday. In 1818, he published, with a memoir, the posthumous poetical works of his relative, the poet Scadlock. His other prose writings consist of pamphlets on a diversity of subjects.

At one period, M'Laren established himself as a manufacturer in Ireland; but, rendering himself obnoxious by the bold expression of his political opinions, he found it necessary to make a hasty departure for Scotland.

He latterly opened a change-house in Paisley, and his circ.u.mstances became considerably prosperous. He died in 1832, leaving a family. He is remembered as a person of somewhat singular manners, and of undaunted enterprise and decision of character. He was shrewd and well-informed, without much reading; he purchased no books, but was ingenious and successful in recommending his own.[71]

[71] Mr James Bowie, of Paisley, to whom we are under obligations for supplying curious and interesting information regarding several of the bards of the west, kindly furnished the particulars of the above memoir.

NOW SUMMER s.h.i.+NES WITH GAUDY PRIDE.