1904-1905-] Yarrow : Its Literature and Romance. 167 



before you can appreciate its indescribable glamourie. But 

 if Wordsworth's first impression was not altogether favour- 

 able, his final feeling was one of intense admiration and 

 satisfaction. 



" But thou, that didst appear so fair 

 To fond imagination, 

 Dost rival in the light of day 

 Her delicate creation." 



In a poem which he wrote after Hogg's death, he makes 

 beautiful allusion to the two visits which he paid to the 

 valley — first in the company of Hogg, and on the second 

 occasion, in 1831, under the guidance of Scott. 



" When first, descending from the moorlands, 

 I saw the stream of Yarrow glide 

 Along a bare and open valley, 



The Ettrick Shepherd was my guide. 



When last along its banks I wandered, 

 Through groves that had begun to shed 



Their golden leaves upon the pathways, 

 My steps the Border Minstrel led. 



The mighty Minstrel breathes no longer, 



'Mid mouldering ruins low he lies ; 

 And death upon the braes of Yarrow 



Has closed the Shepherd-poet's eyes." 



At the Gordon Arms Hogg and Scott met for the last time 

 on earth, Hogg died at Altrive Lake in 1835, and is buried 

 in Ettrick churchyard. 



A mile beyond the Gordon Arms we pass the Douglas Burn, 

 the scene of " Lucy's Flittin'." It was at Blackhouse, on the 

 Douglas Burn, where Hogg was shepherd for a good many 

 years, and where he first began to exercise his gift as a writer 

 of verse. The associations of this part of the parish are full 

 of interest, and well fitted to kindle the imagination of the 

 budding poet, Dryhope Tower looks out from the hope under 

 the hill, and suggests memories of feud and foray. Here 

 Mary Scott, the Flower of Yarrow, was born and reared ; and 

 here Wat 0' Harden woo'd and won her, stipulating with her 



