Less events have been sung. There is the Poet McGonagall as a shining instance of a genius who does not disdain to illumine with his verse the most commonplace subjects. Edinburgh has just had a lifeboat procession, and McGonagall has been true the occasion. I take the liberty to quote a couple of his verses, to show the scope and range of his muse:
It was on the 20th day of June, 1896,
That the Life Boat Procession took its stand
On Bruntfield Links so grand,
With Councillor Waterson in command.In the Park it was lovely to see how
The people did dance in their glee
When the lifeboat was launched on the Loch,
The money came largely, of course.Yorkshire Evening Post, 25th June 1896
Inspired, possibly by the deeds of bravery of our lifeboat men “William McGonagall, poet, Grove Street. Edinburgh,” has written a poem on the lifeboat procession in that city. The following examples of his “graphic” description of the scene will be of interest:—
It was on the 20th day of June, 1896,
That the Life Boat Procession took its stand
On Bruntfield Links so grand,
With Councillor Waterson in command.To see them was a sight most grand,
Which was good enough for the noblest in the land.
Their banners were most beautiful to be seen,
And the silk they were made of was of the finest green.Then the bands were most lovely to hear,
Who the people often did cheer,
And when the precession did advance
It was quite enough to make you dance.In the Park it was lovely to see
How the people did dance in their glee
When the lifeboat was launched on the Loch,
The money came largely, of course.
Dundee Courier, 25th June 1896
