Two major bards remain to be noticed, who lived partly before and partly after the Forty-five—John Maccodrum and Alexander Macdonald. The latter, the more distinguished of the two, claims fuller mention hereafter. Meanwhile, no more fitting subject might be found wherewith to conclude this chapter than an account of the original and witty Maccodrum, with examples of his poems. Born in North Uist, he became in manhood bard to Sir James Macdonald of Sleat, who died at Rome in 1766. It was a curious circumstance that first commended him to the notice of this nobleman. The poet happened to make a satire on the tailors of the Long Island, who were so exasperated that they refused one and all to make him any clothing. Consequently he went about for a time in tatters, and meeting Sir James one day, the latter naturally inquired the reason why his trousers were so ragged. Maccodrum explained, and was asked to repeat the offending verses. On complying he was there and then promoted to be bard to the family, and obtained, as was usual in such circumstances, free lands on the estate for his maintenance. A lively wit and biting sarcasm seem to have been characteristics of Maccodrum’s Muse. Yet he could be very tender, as on the occasion when he laments the untimely death of his patron, at the early age of twenty-five. Then was the bard unusually serious and even pious:— As I awake it is not sleep That strives with me in troubles deep; My bed beneath the tears I weep Is in disquiet; My bed beneath, etc. Of him, my patron bright, bereft, I have no fair possession left; While pain of loss my soul has cleft In sight and hearing; While pain of loss, etc. Sore tears are ours; joy is no more, No hope of smiles; no cheer in store; We seem like the brave Fianns of yore And Finn forsaken; We seem like the brave Fianns, etc. Ah! true it seems the tale to tell; Our cup is filled with doings fell; Provoking in a rage of hell Bless’d God the Highest; Provoking in a rage, etc. Blest One, from Thee let us not swerve; Above with Thee he goes to serve; O Christ! do Thou for us preserve Our loving brothers; O Christ! do thou for us preserve, etc.