The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-06-11
THE POETS SORROWS.
Life In Scotland and Virginia of the
Author of "Mary's Dream"

been more popular, especially in Gallo
way and the western shires, than that
called "Mary's Dream" As the author
| lived a number of years and died in Vir.
einis, some account Of him will doubtless
he of interest. Our song birds are, un-
fortunately, too much rorae ares for one
10 be passed over in 81 ence.
John Lowe was born at Kenmore, In
| Galloway, in the year 1850. where his
| father was gardener 10 Mr.. Gordon, son
| Of the gallant but unfortunate Lord Ken
more, who took the wrong side for sue
cess in THE 'l5," and in consequence
lost his head and title. The Gordons Of
Fredericksburg are of this stock, and
| this fact may have been an inducement
for our poet to settle in the good old
burg.
The elder Lowe had large family and
was very poor, so his son John in bov-
hood only received the education which
1t has long been the glory Of Scotland TO
give to her humblest sons. He wished
10 be a scholar, but the straitt ned circum-
stances Of the family forbid, and at the
age of IA he was appreniiced to weaver.
Difficulties. however, only proved an adj
dilonal incentive, and by saving from
bis paw he was enabled to send himself
to an eminent teacher in neighboring
parish. He employed his evenings
teaching church music, as he had good
ear, sung well. and played with consider.
able skill on the violin. These accom-
plishmcnts, together with happy temper
and uncommon flow Of spirits, made him
acceptable wherever he went and gained
him friends, who aided him materially in
his education. His especial patron was
the Rev. John Gillespie, minister OF
Kells.
By his own savings and the aid of his
friends he was enabled TO enter the Uni
versiiy of Edinburgh. and there gained
the reputation of an industrious and
talented young man. This was probably
the happiest period Of his life; but even
then he had constantly to struggle
against the evils of poverty. In poem,
written about this time, he says
20 post. no pelf, by serviie means sought,
| Nor c'er was rich moment; but In thought
A number of his letters written during
this period have been preserved, and
| snow HON stISIllNt was ulo uNl'iNNihiipii
of all the charms OF nature, and how
honorable was his ambition.
On his return from College he became
| tutor in the family of Mr.. McGhil OF
Ards, country gentleman of small
fortune, who had several beautiful
daughters. Various songs he wrote
while here are still sung by the peasaniry
of Galloway, and picturesque spot
overlooking the rivers Ken and Dee
where he was accustomed 10 compose, Is
still called loves seat"
Poet like. he fell in love with one OF
the young ladies of The family, and VOWS
of undying fidelity were exchanged.
Mary, sister of his weeheart, was
likewise engaged-to young surgeon in
the navy named Miller, who was lost al
sea as he was returning To he married.
This was the origin Of the ballad, Mary s
Dream
Lowe. finding there was but little chance
for him TO secure an independence at
home, sailed for Virginia in 1913, and be-
came a tutor in the family of brother
of General Washington. Afterwards he
kent with great success the fredericks-
burg Academy, but various misbaps in
terfered with his school, and he took
orders in the Episcopal church and was
appointed rector of ST. Georges parish,
Fredericksburg. He officiated here very
accep,ably for time, and won much re-
specI for his talents and eloquence, but
faithlessness TO bis Scotch lassie brought
its own punishment and caused his
downfall. He was for time very
constant, and poem addressed 10 her in
1915, says
Fair faces here meet and forms divine,
Lnough to shake all cOnstancy; bu mine
He failed, however, then, TO appreciate
the power of those Chains for which the
ladies of Fredericksburg have been so
rightly famous. and finally forgetting the
Scotch girl who was waiting for him on
the banks of the Ken and Dee, fell in
love with beautiful Virginian. She had
already disposed of her heart and refused
him, but in turn he became the object OF
violent attachment on the part of her
sister and married her, he says, merely
from a sense of gratitude" His wife in
few months turned out TO be utterly
unworthy and ceased 10 care for him,
| Wnlle lie, 10 ultN IL his -OiiONr, N'oh w
the bottle and went rapidly TO
the dogs, of course losing his parish,
and dying in 1893 in his 48th year An
early friend of his writing from Virginia
To Scotland says, that feeling death was
near and being unwilling 10 die In ais
miserable home, Lowe mounted misera-
bic horse which he could hardly ride
and went some distance 10 the residence
of an acquaintance, which he reached in
diving condition. He only lived three
DAYS longer, rnd lies in an unmarked
grave near the banks of the Rappahan'
mock
The following is the poem by which he
is well known in Scotland
MARY's DREAM.
The moon had climoed the highest hill,
Which rises o'er the source OF Dee,
And from the eastern su'pmit shed
Her silver light on tow'r ana tree;
when Mary laid her down To sleep,
her thoughts on Robin far at sea;
When SOFT and low n voice was heard,
Saving, Mary, weep no more for Inc.
She from her pillow gently raisd
Her head 10 see who there might be,
She saw young hob u shiv'ri y stand,
with visage pale and hollow ee;
o Mary. dear. cold Is my clay,
1t lies beneath the stormy sea
Far. TAR I ION thee sleep in death;
So, Mary. weep no more for me.