inscription to miss graham of fintry
here, where the scottish muse immortal lives,
in sacred strains and tuneful numbers joined,
accept the gift; though humble he who gives,
rich is the tribute of the grateful mind.
so may no ruffian-feeling in my breast,
discordant, jar thy bosom-chords among;
but peace attune thy gentle soul to rest,
or love, ecstatic, wake his seraph song,
or pity's notes, in luxury of tears,
as modest want the tale of woe reveals;
while conscious virtue all the strains endears,
and heaven-born piety her sanction seals.