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Cheer then, Soldier, ’midst affliction Bright’ning joys will aften shine ; Virtue aye claims heaven’s protection, — Trust to providence divine!
Sweet as Rosebank’s woods and river, Cool, when summer’s sunbeams dart, Cam’ ilk word, and cooled the fever That lang burned at Willie's heart. Silent slept he on, poor fallow, Listening to his guide before, Owre green knowe and gowany hallow, Till he reached the cot-house. Laigh it was, yet sweet, though humble, Deck'd wi' hinnysuckle round ; Clear below Esk‘s waters rumble. Deep glens murmuring back the sound. Melville's towers, sae white and stately. Dim by gloaming glint to view ; thro' Lasswade's dark woods keek sweetly Skies sae red and lift sae blue ! Entering now, in transport mingle Mither fond and happy wean, Smiling round a happy ingle, Blessing on a clean hearth-stone. Soldier, welcome !—come be cheery— Here ye'se rest, and take your bed— Faint, waes me ! ye seem, and weary. Pale's your cheek, sae lately red.
