Poem for July 4, 2025

Fellow Citizens of Dundee.

I now must bid farewell to ye.

For I am going to London far away.

But when I will return again I cannot say.

Farewell! Farewell! to the bonnie banks o' the Silvery Tay.

Also the beautiful Hill o' Balgay.

And the ill fated Bridge o' the Silvery Tay.

Which I will remember when I am far away.

Farewell! to my friends and, patrons all.

That rallied around me in the Music Hall.

And those that has rallied around me to night,

I shall not forget when out of sight.

And, if I ever return to Dundee again,

I hope it will be with the laurels of fame.

Plac'd on my brow by dame fortune that fickle Jade.

And, to Court her favour I am not afraid.

Farewell! to every one in the Argyle Hall.

That has Come to hear McGonagall.

Recite, and sing, his Songs to night.

Which I hope will long be rernember'd when I'm out of sight.

Adieu to all my enemies that want to mock me when passing by.

But I excuse them for their ignorance and leave them to the most high.

And, once again, my friends, and enemies. I bid ye all good bye.

And when I am gone ye will for me heave a sigh :-

I return my thanks to my Chairman and my Committee,

For the Kindness they have always shown to me.

I hope the Lord! will protect them when I am far away.

And prosper them in all their undertakings by night and by day.