In that resplendent grove a hermit read
Mysterious nature's laws that never swerve,
His life, the virtues and religion led
To sanctify the space you now observe.
Here, rapt in SECOND SIGHT he frequent saw
The future scene appear, and fade away;
His country groan beneath the feudal law,
Or glut with power, the tyrant of the day:
Its neighbour England with irruptive bands
Watching each turn, and shadings of its fate,
To bind with manacles its warlike hands,
And make it feodal to her haughtier state.
At length with pride he saw his Scotland give
Monarchs, to wear its rival's splendid crown;
Blest in THE UNION, saw each kingdom live —
Bound in one Empire — tasting one Renown!
Sacred, to visions grand like these, was kept
The varied circle this horizon bounds,
And when with Seers long past, the Hermit slept,
Still shadowy visitants breath'd heav'nly sounds.