with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

109
There's a youth in this city, it were a great pity
That he from our lasses should wander awa ;
For he's bonie and braw, weel-favour'd with a',
And his hair has a natural buckle and a'.
ish hair shed on his honest social brow ;—an interesting face,
marking strong sense, kind open-heartedness, mixed with un-
mistrusting simplicity." The author of the Sabbath has also pub-
lished tributary verses to his memory, that possess a tender sim-
plicity, of which the subject is highly worthy.
" The blylhe Strathspey springs up, reminding some
Of nights when Gow's old arm, (nor old the tale,)
Unceasing, save when reeking cans went round,
Made heart and heel leap light as bounding roe.
Alas ! no more shall we behold that look
So venerable, yet so blent with mirth.
And festive joy sedate ; that ancient garb
Unvaried,—tartan hose, and bonnet blue!
No more shall Beauty's partial eye draw forth
The full intoxication of his strain,
Mellifluous, strong, exuberantly rich !
No more, amid the pauses of the dance,
Shall he repeat those measures, that in days
Of other years, could soothe a falling prince,
And light his visage with a transient smile
Of melancholy joy,—like autumn sun
Gilding a sere tree with a passing beam
Or play to sportive children on the green
Dancing at gloamin hour ; on willing cheer
With strains unbought, the shepherd's bridal-day !"
!
British GeorgicSf p. 81.
" Neil GoW was born in Strathbraild, Perthshire^ in the year
irsr.