Black Evan; A Tale of the "Forty-Five" in Verse (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901. Excerpt: ... BLACK EVAN. H man ana a maid. "My love she's out a lassie yet, A lightsome lovely lassie yet, It scarce would do to sit and woo Down by the stream sae glassy yet, --But 0 to meet my lassie yet, Up in yon glen sae grassy yet, For a' I see are naught to me Save her that's hut a lassie yet " James Hogg. All molten glowed the occidental sky, Where purple clouds, deep-luminous, rose high. Toward the zenith, mass on masses rolled, Each lanced and laced with that same ardent gold V And copper opulence which glorified Past utterance the west horizon wide, And would have formed a spectacle so bright, So dazzling-rich, that never human sight Could in its keen effulgence take delight, But that a merciful eliding mist Heat-born and palpitant, the amethyst And gold did softly veil, and did so blend Their smiting splendors, mortal man could bend His gaze upon them, nor be doomed to find, Actaeon-like, his daring eyes struck blind. And Evan long gazed musing, long did stand Upon the little rustic bridge which spanned Burn-Erroch, in whose clear rock-thwarted tide A million bubbles globed and gleamed and died, --He stood, a statuesque dark figure, clad In ample kilt and careless dropping plaid; His cap, unfeathered, of the fashion known To-day as "Tarn O'Shanter," he had thrown Beside him on the bridge, and he was shod With rough worn foot-gear, which had plainly trod Through miles of weary heather and morass And many a thorny brake and stony pass, Dark russet gaiters of the roebuck's pelt, While thrust within his leather hunting-belt Were knife and pistols. At a little space His heavy gun leaned by his game, a brace Of ptarmigan. One readily might see By his accoutrements and dress, that he Was neither gentleman of high degree, Nor yet a menial; not so high, but higher P...