Scotland

WELCOME TO THE 78th HIGHLANDERS.

HOME again to Scotia's shore,
Welcome waits at every door,
Shouts but feebly tell the store
That waits you here in Scotia !

For your toils 'neath India's sun—
For the battles you have won—
For your deeds of glory done—
There's heartfelt pride in Scotia !

Eyes are filled with tearful pride,
As once again your manly stride
Mingles with our city's tide—
The Capital of Scotia !

Never amidst England's host
Was your ancient prestige lost ;
Ever worthy of our boast,
Brothers, brave of Scotia !

By the blood ye freely shed,
When avenging on ye sped—
By the memory of the dead,
Are you dear to Scotia !

Darkest lowered the thunder cloud
"When tottered India's empire proud,
Glorious, 'mid the wavering crowd,
Stood the sons of Scotia !

Long we watched with anxious eye
The bloody days of mutiny ;
Now we join the saved one's cry—
" Thanks ! hero sons of Scotia !"

Direful days were then your lot,
Every march was battle fought,
Every mile with blood was bought,
Avenging sons of Scotia !

Havelock as your leader rode !
Rebellion like a furnace glowed !
Through its heart you bravely strode—
Fearless sons of Scotia !

Amid the Indian's princely halls—
By Cawnpore's blood-bespattered walls,
Vengeance drowned all other calls—
Your swords were stern as Scotia !

Far from aid—to pause were doom—
You passed like lightning thro' the gloom
Right on to Lucknow's living tomb—
Resistless sons of Scotia !

Famished, worn with watch and fray,
Your pibroch scared their fears away.
Oh ! many a heart will bless that day—
And you, kind sons of Scotia !

Home again to Scotia's shore,
Welcome waits at every door,
Shouts but feebly tell the store
Of love for you in Scotia !

                        Robert Kennedy.