Cold inhumanity,
Burning insanity,
Into her rest.—
Cross her hands humbly
As if praying dumbly,
Over her breast!
Owning her weakness,
Her evil behaviour,
And leaving, with meekness,
Her sins to her Saviour!
WILLIAM THOM
1798-1848
655. The Blind Boy's Pranks
Men grew sae cauld, maids sae unkind,
Love kentna whaur to stay:
Wi' fient an arrow, bow, or string—
Wi' droopin' heart an' drizzled wing,
He faught his lonely way.
'Is there nae mair in Garioch fair
Ae spotless hame for me?
Hae politics an' corn an' kye
Ilk bosom stappit? Fie, O fie!
I'll swithe me o'er the sea.'
He launch'd a leaf o' jessamine,
On whilk he daur'd to swim,
An' pillow'd his head on a wee rosebud,
Syne laithfu', lanely, Love 'gan scud
Down Ury's waefu' stream.
655. kentna] knew not. wi' fient an arrow] i. q. with deuce an
arrow. swithe] hie quickly. laithfu'] regretful.
