CLXVIII.
Reading edition
TO THEE, LOVED NITH.
Tune—[unknown.]
[There are several variations extant of these verses, and among others one which transfers the praise from the Nith to the Dee: but to the Dee, if the poet spoke in his own person, no such influences could belong.]
I.
To thee, lov’d Nith, thy gladsome plains, Where late wi’ careless thought I rang’d, Though prest wi’ care and sunk in woe, To thee I bring a heart unchang’d.
II.
I love thee, Nith, thy banks and braes, Tho’ mem’ry there my bosom tear; For there he rov’d that brake my heart, Yet to that heart, ah! still how dear!