Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/On seeing Mr. Stewart Watson's Picture of Burns

On Seeing Mr. Stewart Watson's Picture of Burns.

Bard of our hearts, beheld again on earth! Not now, indeed, as oft through fancy's eye,Following the plough, or by the rustic hearth, Or 'mid the woods—warbling thy melody;But in the shrine of Ancient Masonry, Among "the favoured, the enlightened few,"Who, by its "hieroglyphic bright," descry The wisdom hidden from the world's dim view.

Oh, ever blessed be that art divine, Which, with creative power, can back restoreThe living look, each lineament and hue, Of loved familiar faces now no more!Honoured the pencil that hath traced before Our eyes the imaged presence of the Bard,Whose name and fame have filled all space, and o'er His brow renewed the wreath—fond Masonry's award.