Hail, Leith! where my first breath I drew,
Where I was born, and where I grew;
Sweet scene of my infantine days,
My youthful studies, and my plays.
How ev'ry place of thee is dear,
That brings my days of childhood near!
Thy walks, the sands, the links, the shore,
How often have I wander'd o'er!
Here first my feet were taught to stray,
And here I pour'd my early lay,
Here found what pleasure books bestow,
And learn'd the little that I know.
In thee my sweetest friendships lay,
Begun in life's commencing day;
And Delia too, a dearer name,
Inspir'd me with a youthful flame.
How happily my days were spent!
They roll'd in pleasure and content:
Enjoyment then, unmix'd with care,
And free from fear, I tasted there.
Why have these days so quickly past?
Why could they not forever last?
My highest pleasure's now to raise
The mem'ry of these happier days.
Wherever fortune may me place,
Thee, Leith, no distance shall efface,
And, wheresoe'er my journies bend,
My willing feet to thee will tend.