inscription to miss graham of fintry

    here, where the scottish muse immortal lives,

    in sacred strains and tuneful numbers joined,

    accept the gift; though humble he who gives,

    rich is the tribute of the grateful mind.

    so may no ruffian-feeling in my breast,

    discordant, jar thy bosom-chords among;

    but peace attune thy gentle soul to rest,

    or love, ecstatic, wake his seraph song,

    or pity's notes, in luxury of tears,

    as modest want the tale of woe reveals;

    while conscious virtue all the strains endears,

    and heaven-born piety her sanction seals.