Charles Spence (bard)


Charles Spence was a Scottish poet, stonemason and footman.
Spence was born in the parish of Kinfauns, spent most of his life in Rait and died in Manchester.
, published Edinburgh, March 1831.

Linn-ma-Gray I long to see
Thy heathy heights and broomy lea;
Whaur linnets lilt and leverets play
Around the roar of Linn-Ma-Gray.
Linn-ma-Gray when to the street
Crowds follow crowds, in crowds to meet,
I wend my solitary way,
An' climb the cliffs of Linn-ma-Gray.
Linn-ma-Gray, each mounting spring,
From age to age doth tribute bring,
And rushing onwards to the Tay,
Augment the stream of Linn-ma-Gray.
Linn-ma-Gray round Baron hill,
I've aften gane wi' richt gude will,
An' sat and seen the dashing spray
Lash the dark rocks of Linn-ma-Gray.
Linn-ma-Gray, when in yon ha'
The merry wassailers gather a'
In vain their waeel trained bands essay
The minstrelsy of Linn-ma-Gray.

Another favourite Spence poem was entitled: 'My love's window'.