Classic Poem

PART I.

All ye young lovers in Scotland draw near,
Unto the sad story which now ye shall hear,
Concerning two lovers that lived in the north,
Amongst the high mountains that stand beyond Forth.
The maid was the daughter of a gentleman
Of the name of M'Farlane, and of the same clan;
But Grigor was born in a Highland isle,
And by blood relation her cousin we style.

But where riches are wanting we oftentimes see
Few men are esteemed for their pedigree.
His father was forced, when he was a child,
To leave his own realm; and, when he was exiled,
His lands they were forfeit, I here let you know,
Because of rebellion, the truth for to show.
Both gold and vast riches he with him did give
For his education, and how he might live.

And solely he to the care of his friend,
Was left by his father to be maintained;
He learned him, indeed, to read and to write,
In all rules of arithmetic he made him perfite,
In Latin and French he taught him also,
That he through the world was fit for to go.
The king was recruiting, all hands did employ,
While her father as a servant used this young boy.

In all kinds of drudgery he made him to serve,
And still did keep him as a corps of reserve;
Such a beuutiful young man was not in the place,
None could compare with him in stature and grace.
The charming Miss Katie was oft in the way,
One day in love's passion she to him did say —
" My dear cousin Grigor, I've something to tell,
Which now from my bosom this day I reveal.

" You know that with lovers I'm plagued to the heart,
But you are the object that makes me to smart;
If you do but love me, dear cousin, said she,
I'm happy for ever, so therefore be free. "
Then, said he, " Dear Katie, I'm all in a stun,
I suppose your intentions are nothing but fun;
But had I a subject to balance with you,
I'd think myself happy your suit I might trow. "

" O, " said she, " Dear Grigor, I'm no way in jest,
And if you deny me then death's my request;
You know well the substance and wealth that I have,
'Tis enough to uphold us both gallant and brave.
I know that my parents for more riches are bent,
But a few years by nature will make them extinct,
Till which time, my Grigor, I do make this vow,
That I never will marry another but you. "

O, then he consented and flew to her arms,
And said, " My dear Katie, I'm killed by your charms;
But if your parents this fond love should know,
They soon will contrive for our sad overthrow. "
" Of that my dear Grigor, be silent I pray,
This night we will part, and will meet the next day,
Under the broad oak by the cave in the glen,
Where more of my mind to you I'll explain. "