'Twas on the 16th of October, in the year 1894,
I was invited to Inverness, not far from the sea shore,
To partake of a banquet prepared by the Heather Blend Club,
Gentlemen who honoured me without any hubbub.
The banquet was held in the Gellion Hotel,
And the landlord, Mr Macpherson, treated me right well;
Also the servant maids were very kind to me,
Especially the girl that polished my boots, most beautiful to see
The banquet consisted of roast beef, potatoes, and red wine:
Also hare soup and sherry and grapes most fine,
And baked pudding and apples lovely to be seen;
Also rich sweet milk and delicious cream.
Mr Gossip, a noble Highlander, acted as chairman,
And when the banquet was finished the fun began;
And I was requested to give a poetic entertainment,
Which I gave, and which pleased them to their hearts' content.
And for my entertainment; they did me well reward
By titling me there the Heather Blend Club bard;
Likewise I received an illuminated address,
Also a purse of silver, I honestly confess.
Oh, magnificent city of Inverness,
And your beautiful river, I must confess,
With its lovely scenery on each side,
Would, be good for one's health there to reside.
There the blackbird and mavis together doth sing,
Making the woodlands with their echoea to ring
During the months of July, May, and June,
When the trees and the shrubberies are in full bloom.
And to see the River Ness rolling smoothly along,
Together with the blackbird's musical song,
While the sun shines bright in the month of May,
Will help to drive dull care away.
And Macbeth's Castle is grand to be seen,
Situated on Castle Hill, which is beautiful and green.
'Twas there Macbeth lived in daya of old,
And a very great tyrant he was be it told.
I wish the members of the Heather Blend Club every success,
Hoping God will prosper then and bless;
Long may Dame Fortune smile upon them,
For all of them I've met are kind gentlemen.
And in praise of them I must say
I never received better treatment in my day,
Than I received from my admirers in bonnie Inverness.
This, upon my soul and conscience, I do confess.