Oh, love the soldier's daughter dear, And be thy grateful kindness shewn; And still her father's name revere, For, oh, 'tis dearer than her own; And tell his deeds in battle done, And how he fearless faced the foe, And urged the snorting war-horse on With death above, around, below! Oh, love the soldier's daughter dear, &c.
Oh, love the soldier's daughter dear, Who lowly bends at sorrow's shrine; Her father's glorious deeds appear, And laurels round her brow entwine; In that full eye, that seems divine, Her sire's commanding ardour glows; His blood, that flow'd for thee and thine, Within his daughter's bosom flows! Oh, love the soldier's daughter dear, A jewel in his heart was she, Whose noble form disdain'd the storm, And, Freedom, fought and died for thee!
[14] This song, and the following, have been contributed by Mr Sinclair to the present work.
To Scotland's ancient realm Proud Edward's armies came, To sap our freedom, and o'erwhelm Our martial force in shame: "It shall not be!" brave Wallace cried; "It shall not be!" his chiefs replied; "By the name our fathers gave her, Our steel shall drink the crimson stream, We 'll all her dearest rights redeem-- Our own broadswords shall save her!"
With hopes of triumph flush'd, The squadrons hurried o'er Thy bridge, Kildean, and heaving rush'd Like wild waves to the shore: "They come--they come!" was the gallant cry; "They come--they come!" was the loud reply; "O strength, thou gracious Giver! By Love and Freedom's stainless faith, We 'll dare the darkest night of death-- We 'll drive them back for ever!"
All o'er the waving broom, In chivalry and grace, Shone England's radiant spear and plume, By Stirling's rocky base: And, stretching far beneath the view, Proud Cressingham! thy banners flew, When, like a torrent rushing, O God! from right and left the flame Of Scottish swords like lightning came, Great Edward's legions crushing!
High praise, ye gallant band, Who, in the face of day, With a daring heart and a fearless hand, Have cast your chains away! The foemen fell on every side-- In crimson hues the Forth was dyed-- Bedew'd with blood the heather, While cries triumphal shook the air-- "Thus shall they do, thus shall they dare, Wherever Scotsmen gather!"