If haply Knowledge, on a random tramp. And would to Common-fenfe, for once betray'd them, Plain, dull Stupidity stept kindly in to aid them. WHAT farther clifhmaclaver might been faid, What bloody wars, if Sprites had blood to fhed, No man can tell; but all before their fight, A fairy train appear'd in order bright: Adown the glittering ftream they featly danc'd ; Bright to the moon their various dreffes glanc'd: They They footed o'er the wat'ry glass so neat, The infant ice fcarce bent beneath their feet: While arts of minstrelfy among them rung, And foul-ennobling Bards heroic ditties fung. O HAD M'Lauchlan *, thaiım-inspiring Sage, 1 Been there to hear this heavenly band en gage, When thro' his dear Strathspeys they bore with Highland rage; Or when they ftruck old Scotia's melting airs, The lover's raptur'd joys or bleeding cares; How would his Highland lug been nobler fir'd, And ev'n his matchlefs hand with finer touch -infpir'd! No guefs could tell what inftrument appear'd, But all the foul of Mufic's felf was heard; A well known performer of Scottish music on the violin: Harmonious concert rung in ev'ry part, While fimple melody pour'd moving on the heart. THE Genius of the Stream in front appears, Then, crown'd with flow'ry hay, came Rural Joy, And Summer, with his fervid-beaming eye: Led yellow Autumn wreath'd with nodding corn; Then Then Winter's time bleach'd locks did hoary fhow, By Hospitality with cloudlefs brow. Next follow'd Courage with his martial stride, A female form came from the tow'rs of Stair: Laft, white-rob'd Peace, crown'd with a hazle wreath, To ruftic Agriculture did bequeath The broken; iron inftruments of Death, At fight of whom our Sprites forgat their kindling wrath. THE |