Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/893

 730. Home-thoughts, from the Sea

Nobly, nobly Cape Saint Vincent to the North-west died away; Sunset ran, one glorious blood-red, reeking into Cadiz Bay; Bluish 'mid the burning water, full in face Trafalgar lay; In the dimmest North-east distance dawn'd Gibraltar grand and gray; 'Here and here did England help me: how can I help England?'—say, Whoso turns as I, this evening, turn to God to praise and pray, While Jove's planet rises yonder, silent over Africa.

WILLIAM BELL SCOTT

1812-1890

731. The Witch's Ballad

O I hae come from far away, From a warm land far away, A southern land across the sea, With sailor-lads about the mast, Merry and canny, and kind to me.

And I hae been to yon town To try my luck in yon town; Nort, and Mysie, Elspie too. Right braw we were to pass the gate, Wi' gowden clasps on girdles blue.

Mysie smiled wi' miminy mouth, Innocent mouth, miminy mouth;

731. miminy] prim, demure.