Ah! why, just Heaven! (But Heav'n ordain'd it so) Are impious men allow'd to rule below? Why does misfortune still attend the best, Whilst those with life's supreme delights are blest? Perplexing mistery to human sense; The wonderful decree of Providence. But virtue, happy in her self can bear } [Sidenote: _fol._ 391.] (The ills of life most seemingly severe) } Whatever fate the gods allot us here; } Convinc'd that earthly happiness is vain And most of pleasure's only rest from pain. No shocks of fortune can her peace destroy, Deserving bliss, indiff'rent to enjoy. Calm and serene amidst the wrecks of fate, As ne'er exalted in a prosp'rous state, She bears adversity with stedfast mind, To Heavn's decrees religiously resign'd. Some time, perhaps, fair virtue will take place, } Shining conspicuous in the royal race, } To bless the land with liberty and peace. } Tyrants subdu'd shall tremble at her nod And learn that virtue is the cause of God. _A PARAPHRASE UPON PSALM 137._ (_As it is said_) _by Willie Hamilton_. 1. On Gallia's shore we sat and wept When Scotland we thought on, Rob'd of her bravest sons and all Her ancient spirit gone. 2. Revenge, the sons of Gallia said, Revenge your native land. Already your insulting foes Crowd the Batavian strand. 3. How shall the sons of freedom e'er For foreign conquest fight? For pow'r how wield the sword, depriv'd [Sidenote: _fol._ 392.] Of Liberty and right? 4. If thee, O Scotland! I forget Ev'n to my latest breath, May foul dishonour stain my name And bring a coward's death. 5. May sad remorse of fancy 'd guilt My future days employ! If all thy sacred rights are not Above my chiefest joy. 6. Remember England's children, Lord! Who, on Drummossie day, Deaf to the voice of kindred love, Raze, raze it quite, did say. 7. And thou, proud Gallia! faithless friend, Whose ruin is not far, Just Heav'n on thy devoted head Pour all the woes of war! 8. When thou thy slaughter'd little ones And ravish'd dames shalt see, Such help, such pity may'st thou have As Scotland had from thee. _ODE ON THE 20TH OF DECEMBER 1746._[179] _Hie dies, anno redeunte, festus, etc._ [Sidenote: _fol._ 393.] [179] Charles Edward is generally said to have been born on 31st December: but 20th December is the date in the Manuscript, being old style. 1.