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hand。 Several centuries have gone by； yet the garden still
flourishes at the foot of the Tower。 It occupies what was once the
moat of the Keep； and though some parts have been separated by
dividing walls； yet others have still their arbors and shaded walks；
as in the days of James； and the whole is sheltered； blooming； and
retired。 There is a charm about a spot that has been printed by the
footsteps of departed beauty； and consecrated by the inspirations of
the poet； which is heightened； rather than impaired； by the lapse of
ages。 It is； indeed； the gift of poetry to hallow every place in which
it moves； to breathe around nature an odor more exquisite than the
perfume of the rose； and to shed over it a tint more magical than
the blush of morning。
Others may dwell on the illustrious deeds of James as a warrior
and a legislator； but I have delighted to view him merely as the
companion of his fellow…men； the benefactor of the human heart；
stooping from his high estate to sow the sweet flowers of poetry and
song in the paths of common life。 He was the first to cultivate the
vigorous and hardy plant of Scottish genius； which has since become so
prolific of the most wholesome and highly…flavored fruit。 He carried
with him into the sterner regions of the north all the fertilizing
arts of southern refinement。 He did every thing in his power to win
his countrymen to the gay； the elegant； and gentle arts； which
soften and refine the character of a people； and wreathe a grace round
the loftiness of a proud and warlike spirit。 He wrote many poems；
which； unfortunately for the fulness of his fame； are now lost to
the world； one； which is still preserved； called 〃Christ's Kirk of the
Green；〃 shows how diligently he had made himself acquainted with the
rustic sports and pastimes； which constitute such a source of kind and
social feeling among the Scottish peasantry； and with what simple
and happy humor he could enter into their enjoyments。 He contributed
greatly to improve the national music； and traces of his tender
sentiment； and elegant taste； are said to exist in those witching
airs； still piped among the wild mountains and lonely glens of
Scotland。 He has thus connected his image with whatever is most
gracious and endearing in the national character； he has embalmed
his memory in song； and floated his name to after ages in the rich
streams of Scottish melody。 The recollection of these things was
kindling at my heart as I paced the silent scene of his
imprisonment。 I have visited Vaucluse with as much enthusiasm as a
pilgrim would visit the shrine at Loretto； but I have never felt
more poetical devotion than when contemplating the old Tower and the
little garden at Windsor； and musing over the romantic loves of the
Lady Jane and the Royal Poet of Scotland。
THE END
。