It is his darling passion to approve; More brave for this, that he hath much to love: 'Tis, finally, the Man, who, lifted high, Who, not content that former worth stand fast, From well to better, daily self-surpast: Who, whether praise of him must walk the earth Finds comfort in himself and in his cause; And, while the mortal mist is gathering, draws His breath in confidence of Heaven's applause : This is the happy Warrior; this is He Whom every Man in arms should wish to be. III. ROB ROY's GRAVE. The History of Rob Roy is sufficiently known; his Grave is near the head of Loch Keterine, in one of those small pin-fold-like Burial-grounds, of neglected and desolate appearance, which the Traveller meets with in the Highlands of Scotland. A famous Man is Robin Hood, An Outlaw of as daring mood; She has her brave Rов Roy! Then clear the weeds from off his Grave, In honour of that Hero brave! HEAVEN gave Rob Roy a dauntless heart, Or keep his Friends from harm. Yet was Rob Roy as wise as brave; A Poet worthy of Rob Roy Must scorn a timid song. Say, then, that he was wise as brave; He sought his moral creed. Said generous Rob, "What need of Books? "Burn all the Statutes and their shelves: They stir us up against our Kind; "And worse, against Ourselves. "We have a passion, make a law, "Too false to guide us or control! "And for the law itself we fight "In bitterness of soul. "And, puzzled, blinded thus, we lose "Distinctions that are plain and few: "These find I graven on my heart: "That tells me what to do. "The Creatures see of flood and field, "And those that travel on the wind! "With them no strife can last; they live "In peace, and peace of mind. "For why?-because the good old Rule "Sufficeth them, the simple Plan, "That they should take who have the power, "And they should keep who can. "A lesson which is quickly learned, "A signal this which all can see! "All freakishness of mind is checked; "All Kinds, and Creatures, stand and fall "By strength of prowess or of wit: ""Tis God's appointment who must sway, "And who is to submit. Since, then, the rule of right is plain, "And longest life is but a day; "To have my ends, maintain my rights, "I'll take the shortest way." And thus among these rocks he lived, Through summer's heat and winter's snow: The Eagle, he was Lord above, And Rob was Lord below. So was it would, at least, have been For Polity was then too strong; Or shall we say an age too soon? How might he flourish in his pride, Then rents and Factors, rights of chase, Not worth a moment's pains. |