“The Scottish Broom On Bird-Nest Brae”[392]

The Scottish Broom on Bird-nest brae Twelve tedious years ago, When many plants strange blossoms bore That puzzled high and low, A not unnatural longing felt, What longing would ye know? Why, friend, to deck her supple twigs With yellow in full blow.

To Lowther Castle she addressed A prayer both bold and sly, (For all the Brooms on Bird-nest brae Can talk and speechify) That flattering breezes blowing thence Their succour would supply, Then she would instantly put forth A flag of yellow dye.

But from the Castle turret blew A chill forbidding blast, Which the poor Broom no sooner felt Than she shrank up so fast; Her wished-for yellow she forswore, And since that time has cast Fond looks on colours three or four And put forth Blue at last. And now, my lads, the Election comes In June’s sunshining hours, When every field and bank and brae Is clad with yellow flowers. While faction Blue from shops and booths Tricks out her blustering powers, Lo! smiling Nature’s lavish hand Has furnished wreaths for ours.

“Written, in my opinion, at the General Election of 1818.”--(The Rev. Thomas Hutchinson of Kimbolton.)

“Bird-nest” was the old name of Brougham Hall.--ED.