34 SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR'S LIFE. 



The salmon gray of Tweed or Spey, 



Returning from the sea, 

 Seeks to its native river stream, 



Whichever stream it be. 

 Even spirits 'mong celestial orbs, 



In glory roaming free, 

 May own to earth, their first abode, 



A soul-felt sympathy. 



And there is yet anither bield 



That ne'er can be forgot 

 Tho' in his age from thence expelled 



My Nannie's father's cot. 

 In memory's light, like glow-worm gleams, 



My fancy yet recalls 

 Love's youngest hopes, and downy dreams 



Still nestling round its walls. 



MY NANNIE. 



Its now full twa an' forty year, 



Since nestling in wi' Nannie ; 

 As weel my part, I held her dear, 



Sae faithfu', young, an' bonnie. 

 Her tocher was a trifle sma,' 



A hard-earned weel-saved pennie ; 

 But o' tocher could I think ava, 



When in my arms my Nannie. 



Nae artfu' wiles, plied e'er sae fain, 



Could move the mind o' Nannie ; 

 Hal courtiers wooed 'twould been in vain, 



Her heart was held by Johnnie. 

 Of cares we've had our world's share, 



Through stormy days and sunny ; 

 My part has been the less to bear, 



I've had sic help o' Nannie. 



