Page:Scotland's skaith, or, The history o' Will and Jean.pdf/17

 17 Leaves his native cozy dwellin', Shelter'd haughs and birken braes; Greenswaird howes, and dainty mealin', Ance his profit, pride and praise. Decklt wi' scarlet, sword, and musket, Drunk wi' dreams as fause as vain; Fleetch'd and flatter'd, roos'd and buskit, Wow, but Will was wonderous fain. Rattling, roaring, swearing, drinking, How cou'd Thought her station keep? Drams and drumming, (faes to thinking) Doz'd reflection fast asleep. But whan shipt to toils and dangers, Wi' the cauld ground for his bed, Compass'd round wifes and strangers, Soon Will's dreams o' fancy fled. Led to Battle's blond-dy'd banners, Waving to the widow's moan, Will saw GLORY'S boasted honours End in Life's expiring groan. Round VALENCIENNES' strong wa'd city, Thick owre DUNKIRK's fatal plain, Will (tho' dauntless) saw wi' pity Briton's valiant sons lie slain. Fir'd by Freedom's burning fever, GALLIA strak Death's slaughtering knell: Frae the Scheld to Rhine's deep river, Briton's fought--but Briton's fell! Fell unaided, thongh cemented By the faith o' Friendship's laws; Tell unpity'd--unlamented, Bluiding in a thankless cause.*
 * Allading to the conduct of the Dutch,