MARCHING UNDER THE DUKE OF HAMILTON TO SHOOT FOR THE ARROW,

The 4th of August 1724.

Apollo! patron of the lyre,
And of the valiant Archers' bow,
Me with sic sentiments inspire,
As may appear from thee they flow,
When, by thy special will and high command,
I sing the merits of the Royal Band.

Now, like themsells, again the Archers raise
The bow, in brave array, and claim our lays.
Phaebus, well pleas'd, shines from the blue serene,
Glents on the stream, and gilds the chequer'd green:
The winds lie hush in their remotest caves,
And Forth with gentle swell his margin laves;
See to his shore the gathering thousands roll,
As if one gen'ral sp'rit inform'd the whole.
The bonniest fair of a' Great Britain's isle,
From chariots and the crowded casements smile;
Whilst horse and foot promiscuous form a lane,
Extending far along the destin'd plain,
Where, like Bellona's troops, or guards of love,
The Archers in their proper habits move.

Their guardian saint, from yon etherial height,
Displays th' auspicious cross of blazing light:
While on his care he cheerfully looks down,
The pointed thistle wears his ruby crown,
And seems to threat, arm'd ready to engage, —
" No man unpunish'd shall provoke my rage: "
Well pleas'd the rampant lion smooths his mane,
And gambols gay upon his golden plain.

Like as the sun, when wintry clouds are past,
And fragrant gales succeed the stormy blast,
Shines on the earth, the fields look fresh and gay,
So seem the Archers on this joyful day;
Whilst with his graceful mien, and aspect kind,
Their leader raises ev'ry follower's mind,
Who love the conduct of a youth whose birth
To nothing yields but his superior worth;
And happier is with his selected train,
Than Philip's son, who strove a world to gain:
That prince whole nations to destruction drove,
This prince delights his country to improve.
A monarch rais'd upon a throne may nod,
And pass among the vulgar for a god;
While men of penetration justly blame
Those who hang on their ancestors for fame;
But own the dignity of high descent,
When the successor's spirit keeps the bent,
Which thro' revolving ages grac'd the line
With all those qualities that brightest shine:
The Archers' chieftain thus, with active mind,
In all that 's worthy never falls behind
Those noble characters from whom he sprung,
In hist'ry fam'd, whom ancient bards have sung.
See, from his steady hand and aiming eye,
How straight in equal lengths the arrows fly!
Both at one end close by the mark they stand,
Which points him worthy of his brave command;
That as they to his num'rous merits bow,
This victory makes homage fully due.

Sage Drummond next the chief, with counsel grave,
Becomes his post, instructing all that's brave:
So Pallas seem'd, who Mentor's form put on,
To make a hero of Ulysses' son.

Each officer his character maintains,
While love and honour gratify their pains:
No view inferior brings them to the field,
To whom great chiefs of clans with pleasure yield.

No hidden murmur swells the Archer's heart,
While each with gladness acts his proper part:
No factious strife, not plots, the bane of states,
Give birth to jealousies or dire debates;
Nor less their pleasure who obedience pay,
Good order to preserve, as those who sway.
O smiling muse! full well thou knows the fair,
Admire the courteous, and with pleasure share
Their love with him that 's generous and brave,
And can with manly dignity behave;
Then haste to warn thy tender care with speed,
Lest by some random shaft their hearts may bleed,
Yon dangerous youths both Mars and Venus arm,
While with their double darts they threat and charm;
Those at their side forbid invading foes,
With vain attempt true courage to oppose;
While shafts mair subtle, darted from their eye,
Thro' softer hearts with silent conquest fly.