Ossian Collection > Romance of the Highlands

28 THE ROMANCE OF THE HIGHLANDS.
of America, at a cost of two million pounds. Whether
this is required is doubtful and debatable, but where there
is money to spare few would dispute the prudence of the
lona Society to raise in Scotland's capital a great
Cathedral to the Glory of God, in honour of St.
Columba, and, as a Scottish Westminster, where could
be laid those of the country's sons who might henceforth
shed honour and lustre on her name.
Nothing, however, can ever detract from the glory
of the beautiful island of lona, and the part played in the
religious life of the country. It will always hold its
place in the affection of Scotsmen wherever they may be
found.
"The beautiful isles of Greece, full many a bard has sung,
The isles I love best lie far in the west
Where men speak the Gaelic tongue.
Ithaca, Cyprus, and Rhodes, are names to the Muses dear
But sweeter still, doth Icolmkill,
Fall on a Scotsman's ear."