Minstrelsy of the Scottish border - National Library of Scotland

THE SCOTTISH BORDER. 335
Go forth, devoid of fear, my simple lay !
First heard, returning from lona's bay.
When round our bark the shades of evening drew,
And broken slumbers prest our weary crew.
While round the prow the sea-fire, flashing bright.
Shed a strange lustre o'er the waste of night
While harsh and dismal scream'd the diving guU,
Round the dark rocks that wall the coast of Mull
As through black reefs we held our venturous way,
I caught the wild traditionary lay ;—
A wreath, no more in black lona's isle
To bloom—but graced by high-born Beauty's smile.
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