'n^.o^ :< ^^^0^ i o » * - '^'* ' ^-.^^ -^^ \/ A- %/ « ^^^'V. * .^ A. SCOTCH ANSWER TO A YANKEE QUESTION. BY THE SCOTCH POETIC GENIUS. '• 0, Ca]('<]onia, stcisi and wild ! }Avt^t nur.sc /or ;. PottJc child." WHY IS IT THAT SCOTLAND, ENGLAND, IRELAND, GREECE, ROME, PALESTINE, ARABIA, and YOUN& AMERICA HAVE ALL HAD FIKST-EATB POETS, WHILE MANY OTHEE COUNTRIES NEVER HAD ANY? / JAS. M. SCARRITT, PRINTER, TIMES OFFICE, CLYDE, N. Y. 1866. THE SCOTCH POETIC GENIUS ILLUSTRATED. In a well written criticism on a Scottish Poet which appeared in an American periodical many years njio. I met with this question—" How^ is it that the popular mind uJt the Scotch has produced so large a portion of the very best poet- rv ?" The writer left the question unanswered. The inquiry struck mo at the time, whether viewed in its national or phil- osophical aspect, as worthy of serious consideration : for I do not know any country in which poetry of such a high order has been produced by ihe popular mind, and where poetry, in all its excellencies, is so fully appreciated by the laboring people, as in Scotland. The poetry of a people is the cream of their thinking, and when the product is ot a ni-h c»rder, it is natural to inquire into the causes : for no doubt, whether we can detect them or no, there are causes that account for this. Ijui the aiK'Hipt lo reach these may be difficult, as this, if done at all. can only be successfully done by a thorough analysis of some of the deepest and nicest elements of national character. Every scholar must regret that soiiiethiiig of this kind was not done by some master mind among the Greeks. Had Plato or Aristotle — either of whom was quite capable of the task, — investigated the causes whence sprung the wonder- ful poetry of Greece, the investigation would assuredly have thrown not only much light on the peculiar qualities of the poetry of that people, but would have also unfolded many of the deeper principles of the Greek mind, and explained not a few of the social conditions of Grecian Society. It is true that somewhat of all this, bearing on the question ur^der con- sideration, maybe gathered ficm the works of ancient histo- rians, and more especially from the labors of crities and philosophers in their disquisitions on Greek poetrj^ -, yet it is plain that the special undertaking to which I refer, cannot be well accomplished now in reference either to the poetry of Greece or of Rome. For he who would successfully anal- yze national character, so as to discern the elementary causes that have given rise to the poetry of a people, must not only know from written remains what that people were and what they did, but he must have lived among them, so as to have had a full opportunity for observing all the nicer and deeper influences by which the popular mind is moulded. Now although I have enjoyed to a considerable extent both these advantages in reference to the Scottish mind, yet I feel not a little op]^ressed with the difficulty of the task 1 have undertaken. To write a criticism on the prominent charac- teristics of Scottish poetry, or a critique on any one of our great poets in jxirticular, were not verj^ difficult, and if ex- tracts were given, might be made highly agreeable to any intelligent audience. But to point out the characteristics and peculiar beauties of Scottish poetry, is not the task to which I have set myself; but the far more difficult one of leading you to the fountain head, and shewing you whence a rich and powerful poetry sprung up in the Scottish mind. No intelligent person can fail to see the difficulty of this in- quiry, nor can he fail to see its great importance, both in a literary and philosophical point of view. But ere entering on this, it may not be improper to devote a few moments to another difficult inquiry — What is poetry ? To give good definitions of even ordinary subjects, is not easy, while to do this of certain subjects, is nearly impossible. The highest minds have felt it difficult to give a clear and comprehensive answer to the question — what is poetry ? A simple and not unwise method has been to point to certain productions as containing the thiyig^ which it is so hard logi- cally to define. This method is so far proper, — for plainly he who can see no poetry in the Odes of Horace, the Dramas of Shakspeare, or the Scottish songs and ballads, could be little the wiser for any definition of poetry that might bo given. The man that does not know honey by the taste^ could hardly be instructed by a chemical analysis, of its qual- ities. The difficult}^ of giving a definition of poetry appears to me to be referable to two causes. First, poetry was long in use among men before philosophical criticism arose with its logical definitions. And next, poetry is a thing so much of taste and feeling, and many of its highest qualities are so subtile, and withal so complex, that mere logical definition is found but a very imperfect instrument for analyzing it. ^ Yet, will you accept of this definition till a better be found ? Poetry is the highest form of thought, instinct with emotion, and clothing itself hi euphonious language, lohich naturally he- comes rythmical. Now if this be admitted as on the whole correct, then the true poet is one that sees farther than other men, and feels more deeply : yet he must have the art — and in this lies the mystery of his power — of making others see as if with the eye of his soul, and so sympathize with him in his emotions, that they shall, as it were, see and feel as he does. Ordinary minds even at the best, see but the edge of great thoughts, but the poet's eye looks into the centre, and by the magic of his genius, evokes the hidden central mean- ings of things, so that ordinary minds see these and are charmed with the great, the beautiful and the good in them, as reflected from the poet's soul, till they come to have in some measure, a like image of them formed in their own souls. He that can do this has the Magician power of poetical genius. He is a true Seer — yea a true seer ot nature in its lofty and beautiful truths, and a wise expounder of these to other minds. To apprehend great, and beautiful truths, to love and revere these ardently, and to present their qualities in new combinations, is the rare gift and the real triumph of genius. For it is, indeed, only when the poet's whole soul is in devout harmony with the truth of things, that his harp becomes an instrument to enchant not the ear, but the heart of men with the harmony it makes. The poet is in fact a grand harmonizer : and the harmony he sees in objects and sentiments he brings out in the harmony of his numbers; the first is the music of truth in its deeper meanings in hia own soul, the latter is the music his verse makes for the ear- Every poet must first of all, understand the harmony of truths, ar d to give full effect to this, he should be master of the har- mony of sounds, that the melody of numbers may aid the melody of thought. Indeed, all great thoughts born ot the deeper emotions of the soul, become rythmatical in the utter- ance. Yet, it by no means follows that he who has an ear apt for the nicer adjustment ot numbers, has a soul capable of feeling the wonderful relations ofl the true, the beautilul and the grand in nature, or in thought and emotion. But this is the essence of all poetr}-. Metre or Rythm in any of its forms, is but a graceful adjunct. It is a misfortune for a poet not to have a nice ear for numbers ; but a far greater misfortune, when the mere eui:bonious versifier mistakes this for the " gift divine'^ of seeing clearly the grand relations of things in the great and beautiful. The former is but the dress, the latter the essence of poetry. But as it is not my in- tention to give a dissertation on poetry, these few remarks must suffice as answer to the question — .. hat is poetry ? I cannot but think well of the man, who is even fantasti- cally fond of the land that gave him birth and bread, and nursed in him thoughts and feelings in early life. Eighteously might the meanest country on earth disown him. who is so base as to have no attachment to his native land. But while I claim the right for myself, to cherish love of country, and accord the same to all others ; yet, you will do me great in- justice if you suppose that I have chosen the subject which 1 am to bring before you to-night, merely to give vent to patri- otic emotions. My simple aim is to handle the subject under consideration as a deeply important philosophical inquiry, well worth the attention of all intelligent men ; for I cannot but think, that if the causes which have produced the pecul- iar poetical elements in the mind of a people can be ascer- tained, then you have unfolded some of the proloundest and most powerful elements in the national character. Poets are by far the truest expounders of the great thoughts and beautiful emotions that lie in the mind of a people. In- deed, when a poet gives utterance to such thought and emotion, I take it that this is an indication that there has been previously diffused much of this mental wealth through the national mind. Are not men of genius properly but tlie spokesmen of the national heart. Hence, when we find a country, age after age, producing many true poets, the infer- ence is, that the popular mind has been thoroughly imbued with all the poetic elements. But as Scotland, from the dawn of her literature, has had a succession of true Bards, we infer that the mind of the Scottish people has all along possessed many qualities admirably fitted to produce the best poetry. Two things clearly prove this: .irst, the greater part of the Scottish people have a keen relish for poetry of the best sort. In all countries educated persons can appreciate the worth of true poetry, while even those who have made but little pro- gress in mental culture, can relish their national songs and ballads, which celebrate the scenes of domestic life, and the triumphs or misfortunes of wnr. This latter kind of poetry has in all its forms, peculiar charms for the Scottish peasant. But then, for our argument it is worthy of notice, that his taste leads him to a fiir higher and wider range of poetical reading. Not'seldom does one meet with farming people and humble mechanics in Scotland, who can fully appreciate the most exquisite beauties of the highest order of poetry. Ad- mit that this refined tase is not universal, yet that you should find many Shepherds on hill sides with a copy of Milton, Young, or Thomson in their pocket, or that you should see the works of these poets lying on the loom of the Weaver, or the seat of the Shoemaker, cannot but give a high idea of the poetic taste of the people. It should not wound one's patriotism, but merely increase his admiration for his fellow- men, did he learn that the choicest productions of the muse are read with equal delight and profit by the lower orders irr other countries But I am not aware that this can, to anv extent, be affirmed of any other peoj^le save the Scotch. No\^ the inference seems plain to me that where you find the laboring classes not only relishing their own poetry, but poetrj^ oi a foreign groirth, and that of the highest order, there must be a strong poetic element in that people. But next, Scotland has had in all ages, as we have 8t£*ted, a succession of poets. While her literature was yet in its -infancy, she may be said to have lisped in verse. Before Chaucer had tuned his grand old harp to delight the English people, there were many BarJs who, in a wild and plaintive way, were singing sweetly to their countrj^men on the IS'orth of the Tweed. Nor were they mere rhymesters, as " Blind Harry," and others. From what- has reached us of these ancient lays, although often rude both in language and thought 3'et one cannot fail to discover in them very rare poetic qual- ities. Indeed at a comparatively very earlj' period, Scotland had Poets, such as Gavin Douglas, and Buchanan, who acquired a European reputation. The point, however, or which I am anxious you should fasten is this: that Scotland has not onlj^ l^ad admirable poets among her educated sons, but that there have, in every age, arisen from among her hard working classes^, most sweet singers, who, by the sim- plicity, majesty and tenderness of their verse, have charmed the most cultivated minds in all parts of the world. I do not know anj'thing in Pastoral poetry equal to the " Gentle Shep- herd." which was the work of an humble Scotchman. And it were easy to bring forward volumes of lyrical poetry produced by men who toiled for tbeir daily bread, equal i7i every attri- bute, to the finest specimens of the Classic Muse. Now, when we find that the peasants and mechanics among a people have produced a large mass of poetry, containing not only very noble thoughts, and just and exquisite feeling, but character, ized by the highest finish which the best taste can require, we naturally ask — What are the causes of this ? The question is surely one of interest not merely to Scotchmen, but to every man of reflection. I shall divide what I think ■'he chief causes of the poetic element in the Scottish character into four branches. First — The natural causes which conirihute to this. The scenery of every country, with those objects in nature intimately connected with scenery, have much to do in the formation of national character. Men who live in flat coun- tries, or on wide Savannas, where there is properly little or no scenery, may be industrious, moral and brave, but are sel- dom imaginative ; nor do we find that their minds are stored with images of what is great or beautiful in nature. Nature around them cannot furnish such. It is not denied that a people, such as the Hollanders, may, alter a sort, possess the poetic element ; for wherever the human bosom feels strongly the passions of hope, joy, fear cr remorse, and \Ahere hearts mingle in social life so as to taste its bliss together, or share its trials or disappointments, there are very precious materials for the poet, and poets may arise w-ho shall w^ork these ma- terials into tender and instructive verse. Indeed, some of the noblest pieces of poetry but celebrate the emotions of the human breast, or some touching vicissitude in domestic life. Nor must it be oveilooked that the poet who merely com- bines the images of external nature, although he may produce a piece of fine painting, yet cannot in this way cither enrich the imderstanding with great moral sentiments, or move the heart, or awaken or sooth the conscience. For the mere painting of external nature, the pencil on the whole is a bet- ter instrument than the pen, unless the pen is in the hand of a man of very peculiar genius. It will, nevertheless, be readily admitted, that the capacity to paint natural scenery, has been possessed to an extraordinary degree by some Scottish poets. From some of these writers it were easy to select pictures of nature, possessing to a wonderful extent, truthfulness and beauty of delineation. In support of this, 1 need only remind you of Thomson's Seasons, Scott's Lady of the Lake, some portions of Burns, and some admirable pieces by Drummond, of Hawthornden. B 10 «i But to return; our position is that scenery, and in this case the scenery of Scotland, has helped to nurse the poetic element in the people. It should bo observed, however, that the scenery that has vastness. grandeur and beauty, does far more for the poet, than merely teach him to paint nature to the eye of the fancy. There is indeed nothing in nature so plain, as not to yield to the poet a sentiment or an image of beauty. This is clearly seen, when by the touch of his genius he makes sparkling thoughts and even moral beauties start out from primroses, gowans, or an aged thorn. But if the poet has thus a microscopic eye for the minute in nature, so that he can draw forth many little beauties and hidden charms, he has also an eye of strong vision for what is great, and a heart capable of being deeply moved by whatever is grand. Who can doubt that the soul of that man is acquir- ing much nourishment for the poetic element, who from earliest childhood has gazed from morning to night on nature, seen in her grandeur, beauty and sweetness. He that looks on all this, with true vision of soul, is not merely learning to paint nature, but is looking with that wonder, love and delight, which breed great thoughts and pure emotions ; und which must beget a pleasing complacency with all things around him. Indeed, he that grows up amidst grand and beautiful scenery is in a school, in which, not only his intellect, but his heart may be highly cultivated. But Scotland is remarkabh' rich in this kind of scenery. Her lofty mountains with their bald or hoary front, on which often lowers the frown of troubled clouds ; and her wild and desolate moors, waterfalls, and rocky coast, with its stormy ocean, are all well fitted to teach great and solemn thoughts, Nor is there any want of what is fitted to teach the beauti- ful, in nature. The little spring leaping from the moss-covered rock, the winding glen, with its golden broom, green birks^ purple heath, thyme and primroses, furnish innumerable beau- tiful images for the fancy of the poet. There is assuredly much in mere natural scenery for the poet ; yet, in order that it shall awaken the sympathies of his heart into moral 11 emotions, the wo7'ks of man mast niir;gk- with those of nature. Fine scenery may have much for fancy, but without man and his works, it can have but little to charm the breast. It is the combination of human labors with the works of nature, that furnishes indirectly or by contrast, what 3ields so much to awaken moral sentiments and emotions. We soon weary if we have only natural scenery, or a sameness of scenery. It is the min^-linir of the little with the grand, the beautiful with the rup-ged, and art with nature, that gives to scenery its true poetic charms. In Canada the want of this is felt to a sad extent. In oiir rivers, lakes and waterfalls, we have much of what is grand, and in our primeval forests w<3 have wildnes^, but the grandeur is too n^uch alou" ; you get wear- ied even with the sameness of subiimity, while the wildness very often wants the beautiful in contrast. Hence our scenery is felt to be monotonous, but all monotony is hurtful to thought, but especially to the play of fancy. Nor in this country are the tasteful works of man seen as in Scotland, in combination with, or in striking contrast to what is wild in nature. Here when you leave human habitations 3'ou see nothing but the wilderness, or only see man struggling with it on its outskirts, but in Scotland you see civilization in all its elegancy, nestling in sweet repose, in man}^ a wild nook, near to which savage nature still appears in all its natural ruggedness. Look from the top a Scottish mountain — here you see masses of naked rocks piled to the clouds, there a desert moor; but only turn j^our eye in another direction, and what a gloiious spectacle of beauty and life ! — valleys covered with golden harvests, and dotted over with a hun- dred farm houses ; a ruined castle is seen in the distance on its crag, while a princely mansion lies at 3'our feet, embosomed amidst ancient elms and oaks, — far off are seen villages, and still farther off, rises it may be, the smoke of some great city. ISTor is this all ; on how many spots does the eye of the Scotch- man look, that are hallowed to the mind of the patriot and the christian by impressive historic events ? Hence is it that the whole face of the country is an open hook, rich with facts 12 ta awaken Yevy noble and tender associations. The battle "field, where patriotism fought for liberty, or the grassy knoll, where the martyr died for the truth, must ever give to scene- ry a peculiar moral influence. In a word, Scottish scenery possesses in an eminent degree, not only wkat is grand and beautiful, but also those contrasts, combinations and sacred spots, pregnant with moral associations, which make the whole so fruitful, not only of lofty conceptions, but of the most touching emotions. Such scenerj^ can hardly fail to nourish the poetic element in the mind of the people. Let me just hint at another source of emotions atted to pro- duce this. Scotland has birds. And the songsters of the grove have ever been favorites, and I-may add helps, to the singers of the harp and the Ij^re. Who has not heard of the birds of Scotland ? But let me speak for a moment to those who have heard them. It is not yet the dawn, but near it; you are standing on the gentle slope a hill; the morning star is grow- ing dim, for the greater light is coming; beneath 3'ou lies a narrow glen, its sides covered with the birk, the hazel and the broom ; you look down but all is still save the murmur- ing of the burn, which comes sweetly on your ear through the gray mist; but while you listen to this with delight, and gaze on the peaceful scene, your ear catches a few chirpings fron the glen. Yes, they are awakening, the birds are awakenirg, and as tke rays of light increase, the chirpings break into notes, and the notes into loud warbling melody, for now from tree and bush, through all the glen, there bursts forth one universal song — a grand chorus of heaven-taught music. The linnet, the goldfinch, the black bird and the mavis, have all taken up their several parts, and their various notes so mingle together that the sylvan orchestra sends forth a melody most rich, varied, sweet and even sublime. Oh, ye that have heard this music into what land soever ye may wander, can ye ever forget it ? But hark, what is this now above you ! Yes, it is even so, the lark is on the wing. Lie down on your back now and look up ; you see one little black speck after anothei rising from the earth, and melting away into the blue sky IS All overhead ha8 become vocal with such glorious music, that for a moment you are at loss to know whether the air is filled with the notes of songsters going up from earth, or with the music of ancj-els comini>; down from above. To those who have heard this on a May morning, these hints will have a meaning, but to those who have not, no description can give the least idea of the rich and delicious music made by the birds of Scotland. But now mark it, the humblest Scottish peasant boy is regaled every morning, through the long spring and summer with this enchanting music, while his eye at the same time is constantly drinking in the beauties of nature, from all hands. These views might be illustrated by referring for their truth to other countries, but to few countries can the reference be made with greater truth than to Arabia Felix. The Arabs were of old, and still are a highly poetical people. External nature has assuredl}^ been one of the causes that has given to the mind of the Arab its peculiar poetical turn. Yet it must be observed, that material nature, be it ever so rich in imagery, is only one cause of the poetic in a people, and in- deed unless the soul of a people has the moral capacity of turning this to proper account, it will avail nothing. Many countries remarkable for fine scenery, have produced no poet. If the national mind be debased by sensualism, or corrupted by the malign passions, it never can fall into a genial sympa- thy with the beauties of nature. For it is ever true, that the soul must have an eye "to see what is in nature," else the bod- ily eye will see but little. But Secondly. — The eventful history of the Scottish people has tended to develope the poetic element in their character. I do not refer to the particular form of government under v^hich the Scotch have lived. Poetry has flourished under all forms of civil government. It is true, if a government be so thoroughly tyrannous as to destroy all personal liberty and all freedom of thought, the powers of the mind are then so completely crushed,' that genius of all kinds perishes ; 14 but if the poet be left free to think and utter what he chooses in his own glorious domain, he may give utterance even under despotic government to the finest poetry. Still, he mui^t have liberty in its essence^ else great ana just thoughts cannot flourish in his soul A people of greatness ot mind if enslaved, may sing pathetically over their lost freedom, but the song- will be the requiem of national genius. But, although the Scottish people olten suffered much oppression fr -m various quarters, yet it is worthy of notice that it either left consid- erable freedom for moral and intellectual action personally, or it exasperated the popular mind into fierce resistance. The latter happened not seldom, and was frequently attended by notable results. It is no vain boast to say, that for more than sixteen hundred years, through which the national existence r.in ere the Kingdom of Scotland was merged by union into that of Eng- land : never for once did Scotland submit to a foreign 3'oke. TUe Wars of the Scots have nursed their poetic element. It is true that mere wars for coiiqucst, as they cheiisli the lust of ambition and strengthen all the cruel and selfish feelings, can never give rise to sentiments that are great, just and benevolent. But Scotland was happily seldom in a condition to make wars of aggression. It was fortunate for her that in those instances in which her martial spirit was thoroughly arousedjit was to defend, not to attack; heneo all her great wars have been made in defence of hercivilorreligious liberty. This, in all cases, was done vvith energy, and often with desperate valor. In no people has the love of liberty burned more in- tCMsely, and in no country has liberty been more fr quently baptised in blood, than in Scotland. It is curious, and really note worth}', that when history first lifts the curtain, you see the wild natives of Caledonia standing at bay at the foot of the Grampian Mountains, in stern conflict with the legions of Rome. The Eagles that had been carried triumphantly to the banks of the Tigris, had also been carried to the banks of the Tay ; but the Genius of liberty stepping forth from her mountain home, forbade them to advance farther. But the 15 national spirit of liberty which tried its young strength with the armies of Eome. grew with the growth of the people, and had many other sore battles to fight. For hundreds of years the Scotch had to struggle for their liberties against the whole power of England, nor did they yield till England sought and obtained that peaceful union which has been the cause of numberless blessings to both countries. Nor does Scotland appear less worthy of admiration when seen contending for that highest kind of liberty — liberty of conscience. ,< hen the noblest portion of her people fought for this, how truly grand was the spectacle ? Ill armed, ill disciplined, ill led, divided frequently, deafeated often, gib- beted, tortured, peeled and scattered : yet for twenty-eight years did these champions of liberty, these soldiers of con- science, struggle for their rigiits, and struggled till they gained them. After all allowance is made — and thfit is not liUle — f)r the crotchets, follies and faults of the Covenanters, yet who will not say that great honor is due to the brave men who Would not yield up to force, the rigiits which God had given them, and the claims that their country and pos- terity had on them ? It has indeed been the good fortune ol the Scotch, that when the national mind has been moved to its depths, it has always been about some question involving great principles. Now, while this indicates much native force of character, it also goes a great way in the formation of some of the finest and most powerful characteristics of a people, and tends to minis- ter to the poetic element, in some of its purest forms. I do not speak of the mere heroic poetry which may spring from this: — the fact is, the intense excitment of the mind of a nation, when contending for great principles, carries the poetical sentiment far above and beyond what is peculiar to martial poetry. For I bold that a people who, through a long tract of ages, were ever prepared to hazard all for na- tional independence and religious freedom, must not only have had an original stock of greatness to begin with, but must in all their struggles for these great ends, have acquired 16 very noble sentimonts, and have haJ all their feelings purified and elevated. One needs not wonder to hear the Muse of such a people utter the deepest wailings of sorrow over defeat, or pour forth a simple and majestic song when worthy efforts are crowned with success. If the life of a people has for ages been an actual tragedy, it were surprising indeed if the national Muse should not be able to sing a becoming chorus. The truth is, when the national heart has been long agonized with sore calamities nobly borne, or gladdened by great triumphs bravely won, it becomes the natural fountain of great thoughts, emotions and ac- tions. It is true, a people may pass through scenes that give to national character its innate strength and brightest hues, and yet never produce great poets. The energies of Such a people may take a different direction : yet there is no doubt there is much of the poetic element in them. And assuredly there is as little doubt that the intellectual and moral nurture which the Scotch received, in the trying polit- ical conditions through which they passed in their national history, contributed greatlj^ to produce the true elements of this in the national mind. But Thirdly. — The conditions and habits of the Scozch in social life^ must also have tended to foster in them the 2ioetic element. Society has its grades, and in these lie its various relations, while among these grades, you are to look for its moral de- ^ velopements. If you can tell me with accuracy, what the ' sentiments and feelings are which are cherished betwixt the j ruler and subject, mastei and servant, parent and child, the minister and his flock,— then I shall not only be able to tell J you with considerable accuracy^ what is the real state of that ^ people as to their intellectual, moral and social well being, J ,but I will venture to read the horoscope of the next gener- J ation. If these relations are rightly understood, and are J cherished with sentiments of love, esteem and respect, and l' the duties they imply faithfully performed, then that people will be powerful, happ}^ and prosperous, — and their mind 17 fruitful of eveiything that is good : — but if these relationships betwixt master and servant, parent and child, neighbor and neighbor, arc ill understood, and the duties performed, such as they are, trom mere selfish necessiiy, without love, rever. ence or esteem, then it may be affirmed with painful truth- fulness, — let that people possess what they may of wealth, or material appliances, — they are morally and socially wretched ; and are mentally unfit for producing either noble thoughts or great actions. Depend on it when a selish necessity has to supply the place of sincere friendships among neighbors, and genial sympathies betwixt superiors and in- feriors, the better part of moial worth has perished, or will soon perish from among that people. Their very force of character becomes repulsive, and in its general tendency, destructive ; for although the energy of thorough selfishness may amaze or api:al by its efforts, it never can delight the heart or benefit society; and must in the end, be fatal to all true greatness. On the other hand, the right social condition of a people is the nurse of grand sentiments, of pure moral feelings, and of all the high efforts of man for the good of his fellow men. A people sound, 07\inlthe main sound, in their social relation^^iiips, possess the true principles lor national dignity, happiness and stability. I cannot doubt the applica- tion of these views to the present inquiry, nor can I think* them wholly irrevelant as to certain lessons they should fur- nish for the times in which we live. I am far from thinking that the social relationships of the Scot- tish people have ever been perfect ; yet, it will hardly be ques- tioned, that for a long period, the condition of the relations of man to man in social life in Scotland, had much in it, to interest alike the Christian and the Philosopher. With all its defects, it nevertheless had much in it, admirably fitted to knit the hearts of men together. The lord and the vassal, not only felt their mutual dependence, but their relation tended wonderfully to cherish confidence, love and esteem betwixt tbem and the same may be affirmed of the relations betwixt master and servant, and betwixt neighbor and neighbor. . If necessity 18 often compelled these relationships ; yet, they seldom rested on mere selfishness. There was indeed, to an extraordinary degree, in all the relationships of the Scotch a noble fellow- ship of heart, and a genial feeling of brotherhood. When men are held together for material interests, it surely is wel- if they are also held together by higher and purer ties. In any of the relationships of life, this is every way important but in the nearer relationships of parent and child, minister and flock, it becomes pressingly needful in order that men shall realize the chief blessings of society : for it is plain, that without love and a deeply rooted respect, man's relationshij: to man in social life can yield few benefits, and will be pro ductive of many sore evils. But to return to our subject, and apply these principles, I cannot believe that I am wrong in thinking, that for ages^ the social condition of the Scotch, in their relationships to one another was admirably fitted to produce neighborly commun ings, and wide spread, and genuine friendships, springing from confidence, esteem and love. ]N'ow assuming this to be' true, it is easy to see how admirably adapted this conditior of things must have been, not only for diffusing knowledge but what was better, heartfelt kindness. Among such a peo pie, friendly intercourse has a real meaning — a meaninti- 25 mcnt in the Scottish mind did not produce much sixcred poetr}^ for a long time, what was its influence in creating, or directing the poetic element in the national heart? Its influence di- rectly, has ever been very great, — its indirect influence far greater. As has been already hinted, when the mind of a people has been thoroughly imbued with Bible truth, this naturally gives a grandeur to all their thinking, and a depth and purity, to their feelings, while it opei s up new springs of thought, and brings into play many new and powerful emo- tions. It is a pity that men do not better understand the power of the Bible for producing jili kinds of good results. For in addition to its power of leading men to God for salva- tion, and of regulating the conscience, it has also fi mighty power to refine the feelings, and elevate the imagination. It is no fancy to say, that did a people so mix faith with the reading of the Bible, that they would fully realize every statement in it to be God's own word^ or to have God's sanc- tion as truih, — that people vv'ouid, in time, produce such poetry, eloquence, philosophy, — wisdom in council, and withal such a noble bearing in conduct, as the world has not yet seen. Bible power but partially felt, — and the results Vviii only be partially good, yet even these, in their different sorts, will have much of greatness and worth. Now it must be confessed that Bible power has never been more than par- tially felt by the Scotch : yet it has been felt by them to an extent which has produced among them varied, and on the whole, great results. It will not be inferred that I think all Scottish poets have been men of piety. It is painful to admit what it were worse than folly to deny, that the Scottish Harp has not alw£.ys been touched by the hand of sanctified genius. Your admiration for wit and original conceptions, is often sorely tried by an alloy of unhallowed sentiment you find in pieces of great poetical merit. Yet, let it be said with high satisfaction, that the portion of poetry of Scotland, which is offensive to a moral and pious taste, is small indeed compared with the vast mass that is holy, pure and every way healthful to the mind. And it is a striking fact that even when Scottish 26 I pools are most forgetful ot what is due to moral feelings, they can never wholly forget their early Bible lessons, nor wholly quench the light which, in various ways, had broken in on their souls from the Bible imbued popular mind, by which they had been touched from so many points. Such pieces as ^^Man was made to mourii^"' and ^^Bonny Kilmeni/,'' hud never been produced bad not these great, though erring geniuses, lived among a people whose whole thinking was permeated by the elevating and refining influences of Bible truth. Yes, ' it is mournful to see a mighty genius walking within the scope of this divine light, yet not walking by the light. Still it is marvelous to see, how his soul will, as it were, incidental!}^ ' reflect rays of this light to cheer and illumine the minds of others. The truth is, that the Bible not only contains the ,) most precious gems ot poetry, but the sublime truths which ■ it unfolds, in their influence on the soul by the spiritual and moral sentiments thus awakened, cannot fail to impart to the mind, the first principles and highest qualities of poetry. And while it were crimnal folly to study the Bible merely to cul- ' tivate a poetic taste, or acquir.' poetic elements, yet, n(» one '■ can question that the Scotch owe not a little of the high '^ and peculiar excellence of their poetry to their intimate ac- quaintance with the word of God, — their intense vcneiation for its grand truths, and their reverence for a spiritual religion drawn thence. It is neither wise nor pious to overlook the indirect benefits of religion. But religious belief in such minds as ours, sometimes yields a very strange residuum of superstition The Scotch, it is said, have many superstitious beliefs. This we admit, but at the same time affirm, that the superstition of a religious i people — the chaff, or dross of their faith if you will — is the material in which the poet often finds some of his most touching themes. Stories of L^hosts, and other supernatural beings, have furnished much for the fancy of the poet. Should we admit, which we do not, that the belief in supernatural appearances has in all cases been a delusion of fancy, still, let it be obsevred, that this indicates a strong faith in the mind 27 of a people in a spiritual and supermundane world. But does it not also indicate a low state of intellect? Not necessaril}-. Dr. Johnson, and many persons of high intellectual attain- ments have believed in ghosts. It may, however, be admitted that this belief, when held as it often is, shows a faith in the spiritual world irregulated, held in excess: — in short, it man- ifests a mind that holds the dross as well as the gold of faith. In this vulgar superstition, there may be much to pity, and not a little to condemn, but the condemnation frequently manifests rather the malignant skepticism of the materialist, than the enlightened wisdom of the philosopher. Yes, the Scotch were superstitious, and possibly are so still, but is he the person to sneer at this, who believes there is no soul in man ? who believes that the Iliad, the Principia and the Othello were the productions of mere particles of matter secreted from the blood, and thrown together by chance in certain cavities in the head, under the skull ? or, who believes that there is no personal and intelligent God, but that this fair and goodly universe hath made itself, or is the product of chance? In all soberness we may ask, is the wildest superstition, with its belief in ghosts, fairies and witches, not high wisdom compared to the atheistic materialist ? There are few things at once so melancholy and so funny, as to hear an atheistic materialist laugh at the superstition of the vulgar. For one absurdity which they believe, he believes twenty, while each of his absurdities is as adverse to an enlightened philosophy, as to sound morality. Why should it not be ad- mitted, that a people may in some things believe harmlessly in excess, and still have very noble thoughts of the true spiritual world, and very generous and pure emotions ? He is a wise man who knows when to sneer, and can sneer in wise love. The infidel can do neither. He can almost as little understand, or sympathize with the poetic superstition of a people, as he can appreciate the divine principles of their faith. I offer, of course, no broad apology for the superstitious beliefs of the Scotch, I merely affirm that much of their 28 beautiful poetry has been drawn thence. And 0, how beau- tiful, pathetic and sublime is some of that poetry which certain of those strange beliefs have yielded I Do you know that song called '^3Iary's Dream ?" It is a grand piece. If you can sing, sing it, buti beseech you do notsingit artistical- ly. Sing it with thy heart strings reverberating truly to every note, as th}^ fingers touch the keys of thine instrument, and do this alone, when no simperings and prattlings around thee shall mar thy emotions, and spoil the sweetness of thy tears : do it at midnight when all is still, and then tell me, if these strange beliefs have not yielded some of the most exquisite poetry. Yet this wonderful song is but one of innumerable gems of the same kind which have been dug from this curious mine of belief, and which now enrich the cabinet of Scottish poetry. ]^or should it escape notice, that while this super- stitious belief has ji elded much of the most pathetic poetry, it has also furnished not a little characterized by the most exquisite wit and humo-r. Who can think of poor Tarn O'Shanter, on that doleful ride of his by Alio way Kirk, and across the bridge of Doon, without having a most vivid ap- prehension to what a wonderful extent the genius of a poet could turn the superstitious beliefs of a people, not only for framing a story, but for giving expression to the wisest re- flections, the loftiest sentiments, the most powerful passions and the most grotesque humor. As an illustration of these principles fancy the influence of the tales upon the mind of the child Byron, as told him by old inhabitants who dwelt among the hills and glens around the steep frowning glories of dark Loch na Garr. After tiavelling in other countries, how tame was all he had seen and heard, compared with the impressions made in childhood when he wandered " from morn to noon, and from noon to- dewy eve, " around the hills where every crag he reached be- thought he saw the ghost of some of his ancestors : — Away, ye gay landscapes, ye gardens of roses. In you let the minions of luxury rove ; Hestore me the i-ocks where the snow-flake reposes. 29 » Though still they are sacred to freedom and love : Yet, Caledonia, beloved are thy mountains — Kound their white summits though elements war, Though cataracts foam, 'stead of smooth-flowing fountains., I sigh for the valley of dark Loch na Garr. Ah ! there my young footsteps in infancy wander'd, My cap was the bonnet, my cloak was the plaid ; Oq chieftains long porish'd my memory ponder'd. As daily I strode through the pine-cover'd glade : I sought not my home till the day's dying glory Gave place to the mys of the bright polar star ; For Fancy was cheer'd by traditional story Disclosed by the natives of dark Loch na Garr. '•' Shades of the dead ! have I not heard your voices .Rise on the night-rolling breath of the gale ?" Surely the soul of the hero rejoices, And rides on the wind o'er his own Highland vale ; Bound Loch na Garr, while the stormy mist gathers, Winter presides in his cold icy car ; Clouds there encircle the forms of my fathers — They dwell in the tempests of dark Loch na Garr. Years have roll'd on, Loch na Garr, since I left you ; Years must elapse ere I tread you again ; Nature of verdure and flowers has berett you. Yet still you are dearer than Albion's plain : England ! thy beauties are tame and domestic To one who has roamed on the mountains tifiir; Oh ! for the crage^ that are wild and majestic, The steep i'rowning glories of dark Loch na Garr. But having now noticed what I conceive to be the grand causes of the poetic element in the Scottish character, let me in conclusion, point out some of the minor causes. In doing this I would notice 1st. — The national love of music. On Scottish music, I\lo not pretend to speak Vv^th profes, sional knowledge ; yet, those competent to do so have assigned to it a very high place for its simplicity, pathos, and wild tenderness. Indeed to know that it possesses these qualities, does not require a scientific knowledge of music, 30 but only a soul capable of keenly relishing what is true in music. But, this* is to be specially remarked, that the music of the Scotch is not onlj^ of a high order, but they have for ages been passionately fond of singing. Among the middle and lower ranks of society, song singing has ever formed one of their chief sources of enjoyment in their social meetings, and I will add, a very refined enjoyment. Indeed the Scotch were so passionately fond of singing, that they sung — I hope it is so still — at their employments, whether m the workshop, or the field. Their songs were generally of the highest order of poetic merit, and the enjoyment they had in singing, I presume, was all the greater, that they generally took their lessons more from nature than Irom art. Yet, it must not be supposed that the Scotch only gave vent to their love of music for enjoyment in song singing. I have heard intelli- gent foreigners affirm, that the grandest music they have ever listened to, was in a large Scottish congregation, when tcith one heart and one voice, they poured forth in lofty and harmonious swell the praises of their God in His sanctuary. Art, assuredly, has a legitimate place in music, nor has Scottish music failed to avail itself of the lessons of art. But, although I am no great authority on the matter, yet I cannot help thinking, that modern art has of late been playing sad tricks with music, and has now very nearly succeeded in stripping it of all that is natural, tender and grand, and has only to go a little farther in order to banish all good music from social life. There is reason to hope, that after the artistic of bad taste has done its worst, things may mend, and the soul of man may yet again be moved to ecstacy, and taste delicious enjoyment from music wedded to high poetic thought, and poured into the ear with all the fascination ot natural and truthfvl execution. Yet doubt it not, that these ancient tunes and melodies which sprung from the great feel- ing heart of the Scottish people, were often as much the effect as the cause of the poetic element in their character. The soul full of poetry will at least hum musically, if it can- not sing with harmonious effect. 31 But next, the truthfulness in the Scottish mind^ must have done much, if not to produce, at least to strengthen and ele- vate the poetic element. I am neither sO silly nor vain as to say, that all Scotchmen have ever been, or now are sincere in their convictions, and truth-speaking men. No country has produced more vicious sophists thtm ScotUnd, and were I to saj^ that Scotchmen have never been equivocaters, or liars, you might well laugh at my own weakness, or falsity. It may not be easily done} yet, the fact is — when a Scotchman has once got his conscience fairly clapt under the hatches, he can tack and veer in a very amazing way. But sad exceptions allowed for, and still I cannot but think that there has been for ages, and I hope there is yet, a great basis of solid truthfulness in the nation- al mind. Now, this has aided the poetic element to an extent not easilj' estimated. For if a musical ear, as has been already hinted, assists the poet to harmonize his syllables? it is sincerity of soul that enables him to harmonize things in the wonderful combinations he gives them. But a truth- loving people see and hear the harmon}- of things in all their deeper meanings. The real strength ot the poetic power lies in this. The world is full of the beautiful, the great, the just and the tender, but the fals^ man can see Uv^-thing of it; the sincere can alone look on this order ot things with admiration and delight. A false man may make many things for himself besides money and a trumpery fame, but let him by no man- ner of means attempt to make poetry for the hearts of sincere men. This he can never do — for the tones of the harp only ravish your heart, when touched by the hand of the man intensel}' truthful. It is but an expansion of this principle, when we say, that the genuine simplicity of the olden Scottish character has done not a little for the poetic element that is in it. Affectation is every way mischievous; — not only pernicious to the con- science, but very hurtful also to the heart, intellect and imagination. A character mjirked by a broad simplicity, ever possesses truth, modesty and humility. Now although 32 this beautiful character does not necessarilj' imply genius, yet assuredly there never was poetic genius that did not largely partake of it. Simplicity unfolds itself under differ- ent aspects in different poets. It has sometimes appeared in a sweet childlike artlessness ; at other times it has shown itself in a bold, frank and hearty bearing- but, in all true j poets, it has existed, else they had never been great in their j vocation. The servants of the Muses must be no cunning ,, menials, full of finesse and artifice ; but truthfully simple in t all their views, feelings and actions. But here again I must ^ deprecate misconstruction, or unfair inference. I do not deny ^ but Scotland has furnished specimens of affectation, cant, and ^ even brazen impudence, still I presume no candid man will ^ question, that for ages the national mind of that country has . been characterized by a great deal of natural simplicity. ^ This has indeed been so prominent a characteristic, that j travellers in Scotland have often mistaken it, especially in the ^ young, for an ignorant sheepishness. This was quite a mis- take, as any one of these travellers would soon have learned, . had he attempted grossly to insult any of these sheepish-look- , ing lads. I do not say that this modest simplicity has not f been cultivated to excess in Scottish youth of both sexes. I take leave, however, to hint, that if 3'ou find a country in , which all the boys are forward prating little men, and all the ,, girls prim and pert little women, you need not look among , that people either for great poets, or a taste for the best i poetry. Indeed, to produce true poets, there must be a sim- , pie modesty in youth that keeps the soul long in silent com- ■ munings with its own thoughts, and which will lead it to., look at all things with a natural eye, und listen to all things with a believing ear. A people of this sort have in them the ; poetic element, even if they never give vent to it in verse. But lastly, araongthe minor causes that have contributed, to strengthen the poetic element, I cannot overlook the hard^ lot of the greater portion of the Scottish people. ^ When a people under adverse circumstances sink into sheer v pauperism, they quickly lose all that is either beautiful, or^ 83 great in character: but, when in spite of a bad soil, bad climate, and other evils incident to their lor, a people are seen bravely fighting poverty to keep it at arms length, they not only acquire a noble independence of feeling, but in these conflicts are really going through a course of training, admir- ably fitted to cultivate the best principles of the mind. It is then, that the poor, man's fireside furni.^hes the beautiful spectacles of self-denial for the good oi others, of kindness in adversity, of honesty amidst temptations, and of prudence in managing to sustain decency- with little means :^ in a word, of moral heroism doing its hard tasks without a murmur, or a boast. Scotland was long distinguished for all this among her peasantry and farming population. Hence it is that a great deal of the most touching of Scottif-h poelr}^ has been nurtured by such fire-sides, while not a few of her poets have- nobly consecrated their labors to depict, with honest pride, the struggles of poor, virtuous and brave men, with their hard lot. Such a condition of things naturally furnishes ma- terial for much poetry that is tender, and in a high sense moral and instructive; while it nurses the poets who can truthfully sing the whole. O ! these homes, the Scottish homes, the abodes of truthfulness, deep affection, simple piety and patient toil! have they not been woith singing of, and have they not been nobly sung? Men little know how many of the finest thoughts and feelings they owe to their hard lot in life. AVe naturally desire a luxurious ease and cheap abundance, but seldom reflect that these may prove scarcely less fatal to intellect and fancy than to the heart and con- science. But here I close the argument. In trying to answer the inquiry, what have been the causes of the poetic element in the Scottish mind ? you will observe I have divided these into two classes : — the greater and the less, and have briefly illus- trated each topic. JBad I been able to command more^ime, and greater mental freedom from my professional avocations, I might have done more justice to the subject, for assuredly in add! tion to the causes which I have noticed — and no one E 34 I of these has been more than partially discussed — there are other causes, which no doubt have greatly aided the poetic eiemtjnt, and which a rigorous analysis of Scottish character might have detected. Possibly some of my hearers are disappointed in not having ' heard quotations from Scottish .poets, with critical remarks. 'Now, although this course might have been very agreeable both to them and to me, yet it would not have accomplished the object I have had in view. The task to which I have set i myself, did not lead me to point out the beauties of Scottish poetry, but to analyze the Scottish character under various conditions, in order to detect the latent but powerful causes ^ of the poetical element in it. How far I have succeeded in this difficult and deeply important inquiry, I must now leave ta the judgment and candor of those I address. In conclusion . what a raysteriou sand powerful thing is human thought when it possesses the highest qualities of strength and beauty. Take a map of the world, and you can cover Attica with the point of your finger; yet, from that little spot of earth more ihan twenty-two centuries ago, there went forth such a stream of thought as yet refreshes the , minds of men in all lands. Scotland occupies a space on the I Tnap not much greater than ancient Attica. But whatever patriotism or national vanity might wish, truth forbids us to carry out the parallel. Yet truth, as well as patriotism, war- rants the statement, that the mind of the Scottish people has exercised a mighty influence on the world in all depart- ments of thought, but especially by means of its wonderful poetry. It is true, Scotland has produced no Shakspeare and no Milton ; but the same is true of every other country. The world has had but one Shakspeare, — the world will pos- sibly never see a second Milton. It is no disparagement then to the Genius of Scotland, that she has modestly to veil hei^elf in the presence of the highest of all poetic genius ; for indeed when you ask what land has given birth to the great- est of all poets,, you must answer England. Nor is this all ; England has also produced the greatest Philosophers, and the 85 ablest of all Statesmen. Nay, when you generalize the ques- tion, and ask what country has produced the greatest number of intellects of the highest order in all those departments in which force of mind and originality of thinking have labored most successfully for the advancement of human knowledge, you are still compelled to turn to England. Marvellous coun- try ! birth-place of great minds, '' and nursery of all noble arts and institutions," and field of the worthiest actions which men have performed for a thousand years, how great art thou ! Yet in many ways — and especially in poetry — has not Scotland also been great and done worthily ? We have said that the Scottish Muse must veil her face in the presence of her English sister, and yet does she not wear her crown of Holly with its red berries^ with such a right noble bearing, that all the world does homage to her ? For has not the great Harp of Scotland given forth a most true poetry, which has broken on the ears of all men, in all lands, in a very grand song ? Persons of taste in every part of the world admire this poetry, and draw instruction from it ; for they are edified by its sturdy common sense, melted by its pathos, awed by its granduer, delighted by its wild flights, soothed by its tenderness, and charmed and improved in heart and con- science by the hallowed sentiments which it breathes. But by all Scotchmen the poetry of their country is loved with a dear attachment. Wander where he may, the child of Cal- edonia ever carries with him, at least two books. When the poor Emigrant lays down his little chest on your wharf, and looks wistfully around him, a stranger in a strange land, yet, be assured, poor as he may be, that there are in that little chest the Book of books, and at least one volume of his coun- try's poetry. His bible, poor man, is to guide him through hfe, and with its blessed consolation to yield him support at the hour of death. His Scottish poetry is to cheer his wearj- hours by bringing back to the view of his soul many a distant scene, many a tender joy, and many a hallowed recollection. Yes, and he will often hum these Doric lays that bring up the past, till the tear is in his eye and his heart far away 36 among the scenes of his youth,-for the poetry of his native land ""ever brings the Scotchman, as it were, home again to his native land ! The Scottish settler in our back woods, in his log cottage, feels this strange fascination as he pores over the favorite stanzas on a winter's evening :— and the Scottish soldier, whether a high-born man leading the forces of his Sovereign, or but a humble private with musket on shoulder, feels too, the sweet fascination of his country's poetry. In the tent, or on the march, when he hears a Scottish song, or hums a few verses, be he among the mountains of Cabul or on the banks of the Irrawady, or on the heights of Sebasto- pol --all his soul is instantly moved, as it were by a holy magic, and he is, in a moment, borne in fancy from scenes of toil and of blood, to his own dear native land. For herein lies the marvel.— the poetry of that land has forever wedded the souls of its children to its wild mountains, its sweet glens, and its homes of truth and love. A poetry capable of this must have come from the very depths of the national hear j and must possess the very highest qualities of truth an. f genius. Oh, yes ! the harp of : aledonia has tones to charm all hearts ; yet it is the heart of the sons and daughters o that land which it thrills with a joy peculiar, and a tender ness which they only can comprehend. ;^0TE. — The preceding Lecture was ^written to answer thi question, as originally put, in reference to the Scotch ; and while it answers it directly, it answers the question now put, indirectly. The same things that develope the Poetic Genius of one people, will, with certain modifications, develope the Poetic Genius of another. -^-^ -^^ -r'^p^'** . '^ '^ . ! .V V^' •^■i- •• x.-^" 'M^' \>/ /^ii:^ •"^^^^^ I .• J>'% ' '0^9- . -V'-?^-,/ ^°^*^-'/ *^^'-^-v ^°-^^,