THOMAS CAMPBELL 1777-1844

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BEN LOMOND

Hadst thou a genius on thy peak,

What tales, white-headed Ben,

Could'st thou of ancient ages speak,

That mock th'historian's pen!

Thy long duration makes our lives

Seem but so many hours;

And likens, to the bees' frail hives,

Our most stupendous towers.

Temples and towers thou seest begun,

New creeds, new conquerors sway;

And, like their shadows in the sun,

Hast seen them swept away.

Thy steadfast summit, heaven-allied

(Unlike life's little span),

Looks down a mentor on the pride

Of perishable man.

This Scottish poet, chiefly remembered for his sentimental poetry, also produced a number of patriotic songs including "Ye Mariners of England" and "The Soldier's Dream."

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