A new blog
THE THOMAS HARDY POETRY COLLECTION
begins on Saturday 3rd February
thethomashardypoetrycollection.blogspot.com

 Miss Forbes' Farewell to Banff

Words by John Hamilton

Farewell, ye fields an' meadows green! 

   The blest retreats of peace an' love; 

Aft have I, silent, stolen from hence, 

   With my young swain a while to rove.

Sweet was our walk, more sweet our talk, 

   Among the beauties of the spring; 

An' aft we 'd lean us on a bank, 

   To hear the feather'd warblers sing.

The azure sky, the hills around, 

   Gave double beauty to the scene; 

The lofty spires of Banff in view — 

   On every side the waving grain.

The tales of love my Jamie told, 

   In such a saft an' moving strain, 

Have so engaged my tender heart, 

   I'm loth to leave the place again.

But if the Fates will be sae kind 

   As favour my return once more, 

For to enjoy the peace of mind 

   In those retreats I had before:

Now, farewell, Banff! the nimble steeds 

   Do bear me hence — I must away; 

Yet time, perhaps, may bring me back, 

   To part nae mair from scenes so gay.

PLUS THE BONUS

Banff

-o0o-