10 SCOTLAND ILLUSTHATED. 



tlie east they are proverbially known ; in the west they form distinct colonies ; 

 and wherever they are finally settled — or only located by circumstances, they 

 generally, or with very few exceptions, enjoy the enviable talent of making 

 themselves both respected for their example, and courted for their advice. 



" Little more than a century ago," says an elegant and experienced writer,* 

 " Scotland was considered by her southern neighbours as only partially civilized : 

 the violence of the early reformers was still remembered as more allied to savage 

 than to social morality. Latterly, however, if it has not received adequate 

 respect from others — which we are far from affirming — it has done ample justice 

 to itself, in the number, merit, and universal influence of the great characters 

 which it has produced, and is still producing. In this respect — considering its 

 very limited population — it may freely challenge comparison with any other 

 nation. Scotchmen — whether invidiously designated as adventurers, or, more 

 justly, as practical moralists — by their intrepid spirit of adventure — perseverance 

 — suavitj' — and inflexible integrity, have extended the influence of civilization and 

 humanity over the vast empire of Russia — have imparted to the Americans much 

 of what they possess of moral honesty and civil refinement — and, in almost every 

 country on earth, given examples of probity, industry, and knowledge ; while 

 their poets, historians, and philosophers, have amused, instructed, and enlightened 

 the higher ranks in every civilized nation of Europe, " 



While touching upon this subject, it is pleasing to add to the testimony 

 already cited on the score of moral and chivalrous characteristics, the foUomng 

 elegant tribute from an English poet. 



" Breathe there a race that from the approving hand 

 Of nature more deserve, or less demand ? 

 So skilled to wake the lyre or wield the sword — 

 To achieve great actions, or, achieved, record ? 

 Victorious in the conflict as the truce — 

 / Triumphant in a Burns as in a Bruce! 



Where'er the bay — where'er the laurel grows, 

 Their wild notes warble, and their life-blood flows ! 

 There trutli courts access, and would all engage. 

 Lavish as youth, experienced as age ; 

 Proud science there, with purest nature twined, 

 In firmest thraldom holds the freest mind ; 

 While Courage rears his limbs of giant form — 

 Mocks the rude blast, and strengthens in the storm ! 

 Rome felt — and Freedom to their craggy glen 

 Transferred that title proud — the Nurse of Men 1 — 

 By deeds of hazard, high and bold emprise, 

 Trained, like their native eagle, for the skies ! 



• Author of Sketches of the Present Manners, Customs , ntid Scenery of Scotland. 



