RYDAL MOUNT, _Dec._ 11, 1834. I "THE GALLANT YOUTH, WHO MAY HAVE GAINED" [The following Stanzas are a memorial of a day passed with Sir Walter Scott, and other Friends visiting the Banks of the Yarrow under his guidance, immediately before his departure from Abbotsford, for Naples. The title _Yarrow Revisited_ will stand in no need of explanation, for Readers acquainted with the Author's previous poems, suggested by that celebrated Stream.--I.F.] The gallant Youth, who may have gained, Or seeks, a "winsome Marrow," Was but an Infant in the lap When first I looked on Yarrow; Once more, by Newark's Castle-gate 5 Long left without a warder, I stood, looked, listened, and with Thee, Great Minstrel of the Border![690] Grave thoughts ruled wide on that sweet day, Their dignity installing 10 In gentle bosoms, while sere leaves Were on the bough, or falling; But breezes played, and sunshine gleamed-- The forest to embolden; Reddened the fiery hues, and shot 15 Transparence through the golden. For busy thoughts the Stream flowed on In foamy agitation; And slept in many a crystal pool For quiet contemplation:[691] 20 No public and no private care The freeborn mind enthralling, We made a day of happy hours, Our happy days recalling. Brisk Youth appeared, the Morn of youth, 25 With freaks of graceful folly,-- Life's temperate Noon, her sober Eve, Her Night not melancholy; Past, present, future, all appeared In harmony united, 30 Like guests that meet, and some from far, By cordial love invited. And if, as Yarrow, through the woods And down the meadow ranging, Did meet us with unaltered face, 35 Though we were changed and changing; If, _then_, some natural shadows spread Our inward prospect over, The soul's deep valley was not slow Its brightness to recover. 40 Eternal blessings on the Muse, And her divine employment! The blameless Muse, who trains her Sons For hope and calm enjoyment; Albeit sickness, lingering yet, 45 Has o'er their pillow brooded; And Care waylays[692] their steps--a Sprite Not easily eluded. For thee, O SCOTT! compelled to change Green Eildon-hill and Cheviot 50 For warm Vesuvio's vine-clad slopes; And leave thy Tweed and Tiviot For mild Sorento's breezy waves; May classic Fancy, linking With native Fancy her fresh aid, 55 Preserve thy heart from sinking!