From deserts wild and many a pathless wood <br />Of savage climes where I have wandered long, <br />Whose hills and streams are yet ungraced by song, <br />I bring, illustrious friend, this garland rude: <br />The offering, though uncouth, in kindly mood <br />Thou wilt regard, if haply there should be, <br />'Mong meaner things, the flower simplicity, <br />Fresh from coy Nature's virgin solitude. <br />Accept this frail memorial, honoured Scott, <br />Of favoured intercourse in former day -- <br />Of words of kindness I have ne'er forgot -- <br />Of acts of friendship I can ne'er repay: <br />For I have found (and wherefore say it not?) <br />The Minstrel's heart as noble as his lay.<br /><br />Thomas Pringle<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-sir-walter-scott/
