The Cornflower, and Other Poems Part 3

"She's far frae haun'some--a homely la.s.s, As you will see--but let that pa.s.s."

"Why should I wed a woman that's plain?

You didn't yourself." McLeod was vain.

He smiled and he smirked, "Ah, true, Neil, true, But I was haun'somer nor you.

"Juist coort this cousin, and never mind Squint or freckle, since luve is blind--

"Or ought tae be in sic case as this-- 'Tis no a chance I'd hae ye miss.

"Jane's na sae braw as her cousin Kate, But 'tis wi' Jane I'd hae ye mate;

"For Kate, poor la.s.sie, she hasna land-- Her face is her fortune, understand.

"Gie her guid day when ye chance tae meet, But Jane, remember, your fain tae greet

"Wi' warmer words, and a gallant air.

Go, win a wife--and a warld o' care!"

Neil listened closest to what was said Of Kate, the poor but pretty maid.

And when he reached his good uncle's place 'Twas Kate that in his eyes found grace,

The while Jane simpered with conscious pride, As if to say: "Behold your bride!"

In this home he dwelt for many a day, A favorite, he, of Donald Gray.

They walked together over the hill, Or through the valleys solemn and still,

And the old man showed him acres wide That would be Jane's dower as a bride,

Then spoke of the cousin, poor but fair, Her eyes of blue and her golden hair.

"She'll hae na flocks, and she'll hae na laund, She'll hae na fortune rich and graund,

"But gin she stood in her scanty dress, Would man o' mettle luve her less?"

The lad's heart warmed to the logic old.

What worth has land? What worth has gold?

Compared with the light in Katie's eyes, What worth was aught beneath the skies?

Jane courted briskly day by day, If he walked out she walked his way.

Did he sit him down to rest awhile, She looked his way with tender smile.

Did he try to get a word with Kate, Jane was there like the hand of fate.

One day it chanced, as he rode to mill, He met with Kate just under the hill.

Would she mount beside him, ride along?

Yes, if he felt 'twould not be wrong.

He helped her up with a trembling arm; Surely the day is close and warm.

Whoa, mare! steady! there's no need for haste With two soft arms about his waist.

Neil--shame on him!--pressed Kate's finger-tips, Then turned about and pressed her lips.

All over the road the blossoms white Scattered themselves in sheer delight.

A bird flew singing a tender rhyme Of meadow, mate, and nesting time.

The world looked beautiful in the glow That heaven flung on the hills below.

Ah me, if that ride could but last a week, Her gold hair blowing against his cheek!

The road to the mill, says worldly wise-- Nay, nay, the road to Paradise!

Travel it once if you wish to know Something of heaven here below.

Though your eyes grow dim, and locks grow white, You'll not forget this journey--quite.

But Neil must go to the old home place, Meet his stern father face to face.

Altho' his cheek was a trifle pale, Boldly enough he told his tale.

He would marry Kate--and Kate alone-- He could not love the other one.

Her eyes were crooked, her hair was red, Freckles over her face were spread,

And the whole world held no la.s.s for him But Kate. Then laughed the old man grim.

"Your mither, she was a stubborn la.s.s, Self-willed, handsome--but let that pa.s.s.

"In a' oor battles 'twas she who won, And Neil, you're juist your mither's son.

"But I hae na lived these mony days Wi'oot walking in wisdom's ways.

"I saw your Kate, and like't her weel-- In luiks she's like your mither, Neil;

"The same blue een, and the same gowd hair-- But no sae fair, Neil, no sae fair.

"I tou'd your uncle to let Kate be The la.s.sie poor, o' low degree,

"And gie ye at once to understand 'Twas Jane who owned baith flocks and land.

"Why gie mysel' sic a senseless task?

I wunner, lad, ye've hairt tae ask.