92 COUNTRY ESSAYS. 



two kingdoms, at the mouth of a considerable river, full of fish, 

 whence ingress and egress might readily be obtained. The 

 old bridge, built in Elizabeth's time, must have been crossed 

 on many a wild errand by the adventurous of both nations, 

 while its neighbour, the railway viaduct, flung high aloft, speaks 

 of nothing but amity and peace. Sunrise from the town walls 

 is a fine sight, as the misty light glimmers onwards, bringing 

 into prominence the gurly yellow waves chafing in the offing. 

 Halidon Hill may be seen from the opposite side of the town. 

 The quaint old wynds are very curious to a Southron. On the 

 bell tower of the castle the alarm beacon used to be kindled, 

 but the railway station stands where the castle itself was 

 situated. 



The Tweed is so beautiful throughout its course, and flows 

 through such a land of glamour, that it is well for a pilgrim to 

 pursue its windings. Numberless poets have chanted its praises 

 both by day and night. It is the " silver Tweed," when the sun 

 glitters on its streams, but its charms are multiplied at night, 

 when it 



" Is heard to rave, 

 And the owlet to hoot o'er the dead man's grave." 



Then (as Alexander sings), 



" Oh, ha'e ye seen the Tweed while the moon shone bright 

 And the stars gemmed the sky wi' their siller light? 

 If ye ha'e na seen it, then 

 Half its sweets ye canna ken. 

 Oh, gae back and look again 

 On a shining night ! " 



And again, 



" Oh, hae ye seen the Tweed when the moon's gane down, 

 When the sun caps ilk hill wi' a gowden crown ? 

 Oh, ye'd pause in fixed delight 

 As bursts upon the sight, 

 " Neath the Eildons, spreading bright, 

 The landscape roun' ! " 



