Though years like shadows fleet O'er the dial-stone of Time, Thy pulse, O Freedom! still shall beat With the throb of manhood's prime! Still shall the valour, love, and truth, That shone on Scotland's early youth, From Scotland ne'er dissever; The Shamrock, Rose, and Thistle stern Shall wave around her Wallace cairn, And bless the brave for ever!
The writer of Nursery Songs in "Whistle Binkie," William Miller, was born at Parkhead, Glasgow, about the year 1812. He follows the profession of a cabinet-turner in his native city. "Ye cowe a'," which we subjoin, amply entitles him to a place among the minstrels of his country.
I wiled my lass wi' lovin' words to Kelvin's leafy shade And a' that fondest heart can feel, or tongue can tell, I said; But nae reply my lassie gied--I blamed the waterfa'; Its deavin' soun' her voice might droun'. "Oh, it cowes a'! Oh, it cowes a'!" quo' I; "oh, it cowes a'! I wonder how the birds can woo--oh, it cowes a'!"
I wiled my lass wi' lovin' words to Kelvin's solemn grove, Where silence in her dewy bowers hush'd a' sounds but o' love; Still frae my earnest looks an' vows she turn'd her head awa'; Nae cheerin' word the silence heard. "Oh, this cowes a'! Oh, this cowes a'!" quo' I; "oh, this cowes a'!" To woo I 'll try anither way--for this cowes a'!"
I wiled my lass wi' lovin' words to where the moonlight fell, Upon a bank o' bloomin' flowers, beside the pear-tree well; Say, modest moon, did I do wrang to clasp her waist sae sma', And steal ae kiss o' honey'd bliss? "Oh, ye cowe a'! Oh, ye cowe a'!" quo' she; "oh, ye cowe a'! Ye might hae speer'd a body's leave--oh, ye cowe a'!"
"I 'll to the clerk," quo' I, "sweet lass; on Sunday we 'll be cried, And frae your father's house, next day, ye 'll gang a dear-lo'ed bride." Quo' she, "I 'd need anither week to mak a gown mair braw;" "The gown ye hae, we 'll mak it do!" "Oh, ye cowe a'! Oh, ye cowe a'!" quo' she; "oh, ye cowe a'! But wilfu' folk maun hae their way--oh, ye cowe a'!"
Alexander Hume was born at Edinburgh on the 17th February 1811. He is employed as a journeyman cabinetmaker in that city. As a musical composer he has attained considerable eminence. The following popular songs from his pen are published with music of his own composition.