It is, indeed, the gift of poetry to hallow every place in which
it moves; to breathe around nature an odor more exquisite than the
perfume of the rose, and to shed over it a tint more magical than
the blush of morning.
Others may dwell on the illustrious deeds of James as a warrior
and a legislator; but I have delighted to view him merely as the
companion of his fellow-men, the benefactor of the human heart,
stooping from his high estate to sow the sweet flowers of poetry and
song in the paths of common life. He was the first to cultivate the
vigorous and hardy plant of Scottish genius, which has since become so
prolific of the most wholesome and highly-flavored fruit. He carried
with him into the sterner regions of the north all the fertilizing
arts of southern refinement. He did every thing in his power to win
his countrymen to the gay, the elegant, and gentle arts, which
soften and refine the character of a people, and wreathe a grace round
the loftiness of a proud and warlike spirit. He wrote many poems,
which, unfortunately for the fulness of his fame, are now lost to
the world; one, which is still preserved, called "Christ's Kirk of the
Green," shows how diligently he had made himself acquainted with the
rustic sports and pastimes, which constitute such a source of kind and
social feeling among the Scottish peasantry; and with what simple
and happy humor he could enter into their enjoyments.
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