Ossian Collection > Romance of the Highlands

Cije 3Romancr of tf)t ^ist)lanlisj.
CHAPTER I.
Origin of the Celt.
For a small country, Scotland has produced a wonderful
galaxy of patriots, prominent among whom are her
warriors and poets. These were of material assistance to
each other. In the deeds of the warrior the poet found
an inspiring theme, while the warrior was encouraged
to valiant achievements by the songs of the bards. Scott
questions whether anv individual can be otherwise than
a lover of his country when he asks: —
"Breathes there the man, with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
'This is my own, my native land?' "
He answers by saying that if there are any such, let him
be ever so titled, powerful, or wealthy, he
"Living- shall forfeit fair renown
And, doubly dying-, shall go down
To the vile dust, from whence he sprung-.
Unwept, unhonour'd, and unsung."
The songs of Burns are full of patriotic fervour, and
for his native soil that prince of bards declares his
"warmest wish to Heaven is sent." He prays for both
the patriot and the patriot bard, that they may be long
in the land — "her ornament and guard." It was a
fervent wish of his from youth that he might do some-
thing — make a useful book, or compose a stirring song —
for auld Scotland's sake.