Contentment; And Other Poems (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. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ...But most was said about the cakes; She smiled, well pleased, and, bashful, said, " I baked them specially for your sakes; ST. HILDA. 125 For John and me have lost our teeth, Of oaten cakes we nought can mak';" Her goose and pig wore out o' sight" Despite the entertainin' crack. All satisfied, they seek the floor, The friendly glass goes round again; Ho, fiddler, touch thy strings of glee, For nimble feet await the strain. Elate with pleasure, one and all, Commingle in the blythesome reel; Life's changeful cup ne'er held such sweets, And they the sweets o't seemed to feel. With mirth the year has been begun, Ne'er mind the old, 'tis past and gane; Let's hope there is for a' mankind A blessing in the new one's reign. ST. KILDA. St. Kilda, thou pride of the Highlands, Begirt by the wide-rolling sea; There's none of the western islands So stern-like and rugged as thee. Thou dark misty isle, which the ocean In sunshine or storm ever laves; Above you the sea gulls in motion, Around you the snake-crested waves. 126 TEVIOTDALE. Yes, thou art the home of the true Gael, Unconquered by Eoman or Dane; Around you the breakers meet, sigh, and wail, And beateth thy stout rocks in vain. Oh, had I the power of description, I'd draw such a picture of thee, I'd make you without all deception The stout island king of the sea. St. Kilda, surrounded by waters That rush round the rim of the world; Thine are the beautiful daughters, With dark eyes and raven locks curled. Thy sons are the princes of manhood, And strong as the rocks that they climb In quest of the great fulmar's young brood That nestle on crags steep and grim. St. Kilda, thou gem of the Highlands, Or Patmos encircled by sea; There's none of the western islands So stern-like and rugged as thee. TEVIOTDALE....