YARROW REVISITED, AND OTHER POEMS

COMPOSED (TWO EXCEPTED) DURING A TOUR IN SCOTLAND AND ON THE ENGLISH BORDER, IN THE AUTUMN OF 1831.

VIII. COMPOSED IN THE GLEN OF LOCH ETIVE

          "THIS Land of Rainbows spanning glens whose walls,
          Rock-built, are hung with rainbow-coloured mists--
          Of far-stretched Meres whose salt flood never rests--
          Of tuneful Caves and playful Waterfalls--
          Of Mountains varying momently their crests--
          Proud be this Land! whose poorest huts are halls
          Where Fancy entertains becoming guests;
          While native song the heroic Past recalls."
          Thus, in the net of her own wishes caught,
          The Muse exclaimed; but Story now must hide                 10
          Her trophies, Fancy crouch; the course of pride
          Has been diverted, other lessons taught,
          That make the Patriot-spirit bow her head
          Where the all-conquering Roman feared to tread.