32 ANGLING SKETCHES 



solitude is no longer to be found in the scene which 

 Scott, in ' Harmion,' chooses as of all places the 

 most solitary. 



Here, have I thought, 'twere sweet to dwell. 

 And rear again the chaplain's cell. 



But no longer does 



' Your horse's hoof tread sound too rude. 

 So stilly is the solitude.' ■ 



Stilly ! with the horns and songs from omni- 

 busses that carry tourists, and with yells from 

 nymphs and swains disporting themselves in the 

 boats. Yarrow is only the old Yarrow in winter. 

 Ages and revolutions must pass before the ancient 

 peace returns ; and only if the golden age is born 

 again, and if we revive in it, shall we find St. Mary's 

 what St. Mary's was lang syne — . 



Ah, Buddha, if thy tale be true, 



Of still returning life, 

 A monk may I be born anew, 



In valleys free from strife, — 

 A monk where Meggat winds and laves 

 The lone St. Mary's of the Waves. 



■ Yarrow, which flows out of St. Mary's Loch 

 was never a great favourite of mine, as far as fish- 



