28.03.2013 Views

with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

6t<br />

Francis Elliot^ of Stobhs^ <strong>and</strong> of the late Lord<br />

Heathfield.<br />

There is a circumstatice in their contract of mar-<br />

riage that merits attention, as it strongly marks the<br />

predatory spirit of the times.— The father-in-law<br />

agrees to keep his daughter, for some time after the<br />

marriage ; for zohich the son-in-law binds himself to<br />

give him the profits of the first Michaelmas-moon ^^^<br />

* The time when the ttioss-trooper^ <strong>and</strong> cattle-drivers on the<br />

borders began their nightly depredations. Cattle-stealing for-<br />

merly was a mere foraging expedition ; <strong>and</strong> it has been remark-<br />

ed, that many of the best families in the North can trace their<br />

descent from these daring sous of the mountains. The produce<br />

(<strong>by</strong> way of a dowry to a laird's daughter) of a Blichaelmas-moon,<br />

is proverbial; <strong>and</strong> <strong>by</strong> the aid of Lochiel's lanthorn (the moon)<br />

these exploits were the most desirable things imaginable. Nay,<br />

to this day, a Highl<strong>and</strong>er that is not h sturdy moralist, does not<br />

deem it a very great crime to lift (such is the phrase) a sheep<br />

now <strong>and</strong> then. If the reader be curious to contemplate one of<br />

these heroes in the cradle, he may read the following Highl<strong>and</strong><br />

balou, or Nursery Song : It is wildly energetic <strong>and</strong> strongly<br />

characteristic of the rude <strong>and</strong> uncultivated manners of the<br />

Border Isl<strong>and</strong>s.<br />

Hee, balou, my sweet wee Donald,<br />

Picture o' the great Clanronald<br />

Brawlie kens our wanton chief,<br />

Wha got my young Highl<strong>and</strong> thief,<br />

Leeze

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!