Scottish Poetry Selection
- There's a Good Time Coming
Charles Mackay, was born at Perth in 1814, though his parents came from Inverness and Sutherland. He was educated in London but also spent some time in schools in Belgium and Germany. He published his first volume of poems in 1836 and, arising from that, was offered a post on the "Morning Chronicle" in London. He published a number of books of poetry while pursuing a career in journalism. In 1844 he was appointed editor of the "Glasgow Argus" which gave him the opportunity to visit many of the places in Scotland associated with its history. That gave him the inspiration for "Legends of the Isles" and "Voices from the Mountains." He returned to London after three years in Glasgow to become editor of the "Illustrated London News."
Mackay visited the USA in 1857 and on his return published "Life and Liberty in America" which became one of his most popular works. He returned to live in America from 1862 to 1865. One contemporary critic remarked "His verse is exceptionally sweet, flowing and melodious; and his skill in the musical art has given him a command over the resources of rythm which few English song-writers possess. In his happiest effusions he has combined the forces of Burns with the elegance and polish of Moore."
There's a Good Time Coming
There's a good time coming, boys,
A good time coming:
There's a good time coming, boys,
Wait a little longer.
We may not live to see the day,
But earth shall glisten in the ray
Of the good time coming.
Cannon-balls may aid the truth,
But thought's a weapon stronger;
We'll win our battle by its aid:
Wait a little longer.There's a good time coming, boys,
A good time coming:
The pen shall supersede the sword,
And right, not might, shall be the lord,
In the good time coming.
Worth, not birth, shall rule mankind,
And be acknowledged stronger.
The proper impulse has been given:
Wait a little longer.There's a good time coming, boys,
A good time coming:
Hateful rivalries of creed
Shall not make their martyrs bleed
In the good time coming.
Religion shall be shorn of pride,
And flourish all the stronger;
And Charity shall trim her lamp:
Wait a little longer.There's a good time coming, boys,
A good time coming:
War in all men's eyes shall be
A monster of iniquity
In the good time coming.
Nations shall not quarrel then
To prove which is the stronger,
Nor slaughter men for glory's sake:
Wait a little longer.
Where else would you like to go in Scotland?
