In splendour of an Eastern night, Where Luna softly smiles, I've sailed along the shimmering tide Which laves the Classic Isles. Or led the dance in courtly hall, 'Mid gayest of the throng; Or listed to rare artistes pour Their witchery of song. And 'yond the murky Tiber's wave Have strolled 'neath Pincian shade; As sunlight streamed o'er Saxon fair, Or dark-eyed Roman maid. In dreamland oft our Highland hills Forth from the shadows spring, All radiant in their purple bloom; Meet haunts of forest king. And up the green-arched avenue, And o'er the daisied lawn Troop faces bright, and hearts as light As step of mountain fawn. And artless voices drown in mirth The sighing of the breeze;— But memory opes, the vision fades; Wail not their fate; Oh Seas! Have drifted far away; And halls wherein our fathers ruled Lie mouldering in decay, Though ne'er again, o'er heathery wild, I'll see the storm-clouds fly; Or watch the golden glory creep O'er lake, and mount and sky. Though never more, from castle tower I'll scan the pebbly shore; Or hark the lovÈd brother's lays Chime with the plashing oar. Yet, where no floweret ever fades, Nor weeping wakes the morn; Where every heart, with sorrow fraught, To joy shall be re-born. Within the great orchestral band Glad anthems we'll prolong; Nor sickness shall discord our praise, Nor death disturb our song. Nor ocean wide shall e'er divide, Nor years nor space will sever; In realm of health's immortal bloom We'll live in love for ever. What though my hope-fraught argosy Ne'er reached a halcyon strand; Though winds and waves have rudely tossed; I know the Pilot's hand Dense fogs and chilling rime, To anchorage within that haven, Beyond the ridge of time. Where crowns of pearl, and harps of gold In holy radiance beam; Where halos from the great White Throne Dispel earth's fitful dream. [Scottish Badge - NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSET] MISCELLANEOUS. [Decoration]
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