Page:Scotish Descriptive Poems - Leyden (1803).djvu/68

$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$The wreck below, in wild confusion tost,
Convolved in eddies, or in whirlpools lost,
Is swept along, or dashed upon the coast,
Where Lanark's ancient towers assert her claim 450
To eldest rank, and give a province name.
 Old Lanark's origin, which search transcends,
In ancient venerable darkness ends.
Here Kenneth oft retired, whose skilful hand
Swayed Scotia's sceptre of supreme command;
The stain of feudal combats to efface,
Through Clyde's fair forest he pursued the chace;
Revolving godlike projects in his breast,
By peaceful arts to make his people blest.
But discontented pride his chiefs inflame; 460
Their fiery souls, athirst for martial fame,
Disdain a peaceful monarch to obey,
And secret plot against his sovereign sway.
Bewrayed, the monarch bids his heralds call
A solemn council; guards surround the hall;
When thus the king: "From war heaven bids us cease,
And cultivate the beauteous works of peace;
So plenty shall o'erflow these happy plains,
And love and joy shall crown the nymphs and swains.
But such as place in war their horrid joy, 470
And count it glorious only to destroy,