Strathallan's Lament

written in 1787

Thickest night, surround my dwelling! Howling tempests, o'er me rave! Turbid torrents, wintry swelling, Roaring by my lonely cave. Chrystal streamlets gently flowing, Busy haunts of base mankind, Western breezes softly blowing, Suit not my distracted mind. In the cause of Right engaged, Wrongs injurious to redress, Honor's war we strongly waged, But the heavens deny'd success: Ruin's wheel has driven o'er us, Not a hope that dare attend, The wide world is all before us But a world without a friend!