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The Orkney book

SONS OF THE ISLES.

Reading edition

There is a spell woven by restless seas, A secret charm that haunts our Island air, Holding our hearts and following everywhere The wandering children of the Orcades; And still, when sleep the prisoned spirit frees, What dim void wastes, what strange dark seas we dare, Till where the dear green Isles shine low and fair We moor in dreams beside familiar quays. Sons of the Isles! though ye may roam afar, Still on your lips the salt sea spray is stinging, Still in your hearts the winds of youth are singing; Though in heavens grown familiar to your eyes The Southern Cross is gleaming, for old skies Your hearts are fain and for the Northern Star. Duncan J. Robertson (“Chambers’s Journal.” By permission.)

Illustration from The Orkney book: Readings for young Orcadians

“The wonder and the glory of all the North” (p. 69).

The Orkney Book

Readings for Young Orcadians

Compiled and Edited by John Gunn, M.A., D.Sc. Author of “Sons of the Vikings,” “The Boys of Hamnavoe,” etc.

Thomas Nelson & Sons, Ltd. London, Edinburgh, and New York

Image of the book's illustrated title page
Image of the book's illustrated title page
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