THE

GRAMPIANS DESOLATE.

Thus every good his native wilds impart,
Imprints the patriot passion on his heart;
And even those hills that round his mansion rise
Enhance the bliss his scanty fund supplies.

Dear is that shed to which his soul conforms,
And dear that hill which lifts him to the storms;
And as a babe, when scaring sounds molest,
Clings close and closer to the mother's breast,
So the loud torrent, and the whirlwind's roar,
But bind him to his native mountains more.

GOLDSMITH,

ARRANGEMENT

OF THE

FIRST BOOK.

Invocation, and subject proposed. I. Desolate appearance of the Grampian Mountains.-The Family-Residence of a Chieftain deserted. II. Former times contrasted with the present.-Some characteristic scenes and circumstances slightly touched, in illustration of the changes which appear on the face of the country.-The introduction of the SHEEP-STORE System, the chief cause of Depopulation. III. Should the system here alluded to, obtain, unqualified, throughout the Highland districts, our ARMY and NAVY in imminent danger of not being properly supplied with a brave, hardy race of men, in time of war, or threatened invasion.-The GAEL, in consequence of being turned out of their possessions, are forced to emigrate, and are attracted to settle in cities; which hastens the decline of their health, subverts their morals, and proves, eventually, their total ruin.-Episode in illustration of these melancholy facts.

IV. The BRITISH NATION, alive to the great interests of the State, will naturally espouse the cause of the oppressed GAËL, who form a valuable portion of the community.An alteration, favourable to their condition, anticipated, -Its happy consequences pointed out-and thus, in some measure, the Patriarchal Age, so congenial to the GAËL, will be restored. V. A slight outline of the History of the Grampians and Western Isles, from the Heroic Ages down to the year 1748, when the BRITISH LEGISLATURE abolished Feudal and Hereditary Jurisdiction. VI. In consequence of that happy event, the UNION of South and North BRITAIN greatly strengthened :—And our GAËL adventure into every part of the British dominions either at home or abroad, in pursuit of reward, or distinction, as warriors, statesmen, merchants, lawyers, men of science, &c.-Their importance, therefore, as pillars of the state, should point out the propriety of opposing the unlimited establishment of the SHEEP-STORE System, and by this means prevent Depopulation, and all its fatal effects.

THE

GRAMPIANS DESOLATE.

BOOK FIRST.

AWAKE th' harmonious harp, O Muse of Song,
To whom the tales of other times belong!
Recount, in plaintive strains, those recent ills
That desolate the hoary Grampian hills :
In numbers touching, sweetly sad, bewail,
The wrongs that ruin, and disperse the GAËL.

Thy fingers wandering o'er each trembling string,
Next, in melodious measures, gladly sing
Those wrongs redress'd: Thy ancient race restor❜d,
In bonds of friendship firm, with one accord
(The General Weal kept steadily in view),
The paths of industry they'll straight pursue.—
Record the riches of our mountains hoar,
Our native herds, and choicest fleecy store:
Our deer, our roe, and other royal game,
The sport of heroes, once, of deathless name.