Eliza Cook

Loch Leven’s Gentle Stream

I ’VE gazed upon the rapid Rhine,
I ’ve seen its waters foam and shine;
I ’ve watched its cascades, wild and bright,
Leap proudly on, in rainbow light;
Its waves have charmed my dazzled eye,
Like molten silver dashing by:
Still, still, I could not love the Rhine;
The land it watered was not mine:
I sighed to see the moon’s mild beam
Fall on Loch Leven’s gentle stream!

I ’ve wandered by the placid Rhone,
When night was on her starry throne;
I ’ve looked upon the Tiber’s tide,
And plucked the wild-flowers by its side;
I ’ve heard the gondolier’s wild note
O’er the Lagoon’s fair waters float:
Still, still, I turned, with willing feet,
My native North again to greet!
Again to see the moon’s mild beam
Fall on Loch Leven’s gentle stream!