houselee, an individual in every way well qualified, was appointed. "A View of Ancient History," in two volumes, was several years afterwards published by Dr Rutherford of Uxbridge, and the general impression to this day is, that these were part of the much admired Lectures of Logan on the Philosophy of History; but why they first appeared in this form is not yet properly explained. In consequence of the success of his poems with the public, Logan had been induced to compose the Tragedy of Runnamede, which he offered for representation to the managers of Covent-Garden Theatre; but it was interdicted by the Lord Cham berlain, on suspicion of its containing political allusions. It was published in 1783, and afterwards enacted at the Edinburgh theatre. But, like ano. ther Scottish poet, (Home, the author of Douglas), Logan suffered as a clergyman, by writing for the stage. Many of his parishioners disapproved of his at all devoting his attention to dramatic productions; and this, along with some other painful occurrences, completely cast down his too susceptible spirit, fretted his temper, and injured his health. These circumstances rendered him unequal to the full discharge of his clerical duties, and induced him to accept of a proposal to retire on a moderate annuity. He accordingly left Leith, and proceeded to London in October 1785, where he devoted his time to literary pursuits. It is believed that he contributed largely to the "English Review," then the forerunner of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews of the present day. It is also known, that he was the author of the pamphlet, entitled, "A Review of the Principal Charges against Mr Hastings." It was published in 1788, had an extensive circulation, and produced a powerful impression in favour of Mr Hastings. The

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publisher of it, Mr Stockdale, was prosecuted by the House of Commons, but was subsequently acquitted.

Logan had now become very weakly in his health; and when no longer able to hold a book, used to employ young persons to read the Scriptures to him. He died 28th December 1788. A volume of his sermons was published by his executors in 1790, and attracted general admiration: the style is rich, splendid, and full of poetic imagery, at the same time that they display a truly pious and devotional mind.

Edinburgh, 10th October 1823.

J.

POEMS.

ODE TO THE CUCKOO.

HAIL, beauteous stranger of the grove!
Thou messenger of spring!
Now Heaven repairs thy rural seat,
And woods thy welcome sing.

What time the daisy decks the green,
Thy certain voice we hear :
Hast thou a star to guide thy path,
Or mark the rolling year?

Delightful visitant! with thee

I hail the time of flowers,
And hear the sound of music sweet
From birds among the bowers.

The school-boy wandering through the wood,

To pull the primrose gay,

Starts, the new voice of spring to hear,
And imitates thy lay.

What time the pea puts on the bloom
Thou fliest thy vocal vale,

An annual guest in other lands,
Another spring to hail.

Sweet bird! thy bower is ever green,
Thy sky is ever clear;
Thou hast no sorrow in thy song,
No winter in thy year!

O could I fly, I'd fly with thee!
We'd make, with joyful wing,
Our annual visit o'er the globe,
Companions of the spring.

"THY braes were bonny, Yarrow stream!
When first on them I met my lover;
Thy braes how dreary, Yarrow stream!
When now thy waves his body cover!
For ever now, O Yarrow stream!

Thou art to me a stream of sorrow;
For never on thy banks shall I

Behold my love, the flower of Yarrow.

"He promised me a milk-white steed, To bear me to his father's bowers;

He promised me a little page,

To squire me to his father's towers; He promised me a wedding-ring,

The wedding-day was fix'd to-morrow ;

Now he is wedded to his grave,

"Alas! his watery grave, in Yarrow!