Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/574

 JAMES BEATTIE

1735-1803

472. An Epitaph

Like thee I once have stemm'd the sea of life, Like thee have languish'd after empty joys, Like thee have labour'd in the stormy strife, Been grieved for trifles, and amused with toys.

Forget my frailties; thou art also frail: Forgive my lapses; for thyself may'st fall: Nor read unmoved my artless tender tale— I was a friend, O man, to thee, to all.

ISOBEL PAGAN

1740-1821

473. Ca' the Yowes to the Knowes

Ca' the yowes to the knowes, Ca' them where the heather grows, Ca' them where the burnie rows, My bonnie dearie.

As I gaed down the water side, There I met my shepherd lad; He row'd me sweetly in his plaid, And he ca'd me his dearie.

'Will ye gang down the water side, And see the waves sae sweetly glide Beneath the hazels spreading wide? The moon it shines fu' clearly.'

473. yowes] ewes. knowes] knolls, little hills. rows] rolls. row'd] rolled, wrapped.