farewell song to the banks of ayr

tune—“roslin castle.”

“i composed this song as i conveyed my chest so far on my road to greenock, where i was to embark in a few days for jamaica. i meant it as my farewell dirge to my native land.”—r. b.

the gloomy night is gath'ring fast,

loud roars the wild, inconstant blast,

yon murky cloud is foul with rain,

i see it driving o'er the plain;

the hunter now has left the moor.

the scatt'red coveys meet secure;

while here i wander, prest with care,

along the lonely banks of ayr.

the autumn mourns her rip'ning corn

by early winter's ravage torn;

across her placid, azure sky,

she sees the scowling tempest fly:

chill runs my blood to hear it rave;

i think upon the stormy wave,

where many a danger i must dare,