LAKE AINSLIE Lake Ainslie' What a lovely view Hangs o'er thy verdant varied shore, While summer skies of deepest blue Smile on thy crystal reservoir. Spread far away 'neath distant hills, Thy waters mingle in their shades, And round thy banks a thousand rills Bring music from their mountain glades. In grassy fields the cattle graze, And happy flocks and lambs are seen. And summer birds in gladsome praise, Sing songs of love in bowers green. I've seen thee when the joyful sun Gleamed glorious from the eastern fells, when pearly dewdrops glanced and hung, Begemmed in Flora's fairy dells. I've seen thee when the midday sky With splendor charmed the rural place, And heavens of deep ethereal dye Lay far beneath thy limpid face. I've seen thee when the serious moon Came slowly leading misty shades, When daylight birds had ceased their tune, When saffron light from evening fades. By crystal waves that lave thy shore, Lake Ainslie, let me linger there, Far from the city's restless roar, To gaze upon thy bosom fair. Neil MacNeil Brodie