Twixt Portpatrick and Ardwell bay <br />In the south Rhins of Galloway <br />There is a cave, weel hid away <br />Upon a rocky shore. <br /> <br />Doon thru the hawthorn, gorse and whun <br />A weel trod path does wind and run <br />It’s there Will Purvis chose to shun <br />The world o’ money lore. <br /> <br />His face was known in every town <br />As a travellin’, smiling clown: <br />Twas then he chose to settle down <br />In 1894. <br /> <br />His comfort was a seat and bed <br />To rest his aged limbs and head <br />And when the sun set glowing red <br />The stars he did explore. <br /> <br />What tranquil balm and peace of mind <br />Comes unto him who leaves behind <br />The paths of fame, yet riches find <br />‘Mid Nature’s simple store? <br /> <br />Here, gulls cry wild upon the breeze <br />Waves rise and gently fall with ease <br />And Time, it passes as you please <br />When Summer’s come once more. <br /> <br />Here, one wicked wild west wintry gale <br />Waves crashed and roared in angry wail <br />Ae night nae demon would set sail <br />And, Will was seen no more... <br /> <br />When salt spray flies o’er the Pan bay <br />A white-bearded ghost, so they say <br />Walks to the sea at break of day <br />Upon that eerie shore. <br /> <br />A seabird chorus from afar <br />Sings the cliff-top rocky scaur <br />“The wind and sea know where you are” <br />Will Purvis is no more!<br /><br />Patrick Scott Hogg<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ballad-of-a-man-who-left-the-city-to-live-in-a-cave-william-purvis-the-ardwell-caveman-sw-scotland/
