Page 196, 16. Burns composed this song while standing under the falls of Aberfeldy, near Moness, in Perthshire, September, 1787. Page 197, 11. This was the last song composed by Burns. It was written at Brow, on the Solway Frith, a few days before his death. Page 197. William, fourth viscount of Strathallan, fell at the battle of Culloden, while serving on the side of the rebels. In some MSS. the first stanza runs as follows: Thickest night, surround my dwelling! Roaring by my lonely cave. Page 197, 37. Var. Farewell fleeting, flckle treasure, Between Misfortune and Folly shar'd!. But a world without a friend! Page 197, 9, 2 col. I composed these verses on Miss Isabella M'Leod of Raasay, alluding to her feelings on the death of her sister, and the still more melancholy death of her sister's husband, the late Earl of Loudon, who shot himself out of sheer heart-break, at some mortifications he suffered, owing to the deranged state of his finances.'-B. Page 197, 25, 2 col. 'I composed these verses out of compliment to a Mrs. Maclachlan, whose husband is an officer in the East Indies.' -B. Page 198, 1. The heroine of this song was Miss Euphemia Murray, of Lintrose, who was an inmate of Ochtertyre House, when Burns was there on a visit. Page 198, 16, 2 col. The heroine of this song was Miss Margeret Chalmers. Page 199, r. This song was written in celebration of Miss Jenny Cruikshank, daughter of Mr. Cruikshank, of the High School, Edinburgh. Page 199. This song was composed by Burns when he was about seventeen years of age. The subject was a girl in his neighbourhood named Isabella Steven, or Stein. According to Allan Cunningham, Tibbie was the daughter of a pensioner of Kyle-a man with three acres of peat moss-an inheritance which she thought entitled her to treat a landless wooer with disdain.' Page 199, 26, 2 col. 'This song,' Burns writes in a note, I composed out of compliment to Mrs. Burns. N. B.-It was in the honeymoon.' Page 200, 1. This song was also composed out of compliment to Mrs. Burns. Corsincon is a hill at the head of Nithsdale, beyond which Mrs. Burns lived before the Poet brought her home to Ellisland. Page 200, 25. With regard to this song Burns writes:-'I composed it out of compli ment to one of the happiest and worthiest married couples in the world, Robert Riddel, of Glenriddel, and his lady.' Page 200, 1, 2 col. Composed on the amiable and excellent family of Whitefoord leaving Ballochmyle, when Sir John's misfortunes obliged him to sell the estate.'-B. Page 200, 17, 2 col. Burns writes concerning this song:-The air is Masterton's, the song mine. The occasion of it was this: Mr. William Nicol, of the High School of Edinburgh, during the autumn vacation, being at Moffat, honest Allan, who was at that time on a visit to Dalswinton, and I, went to pay Nicol a visit. We had such a joyous meeting, that Mr. Masterton and I agreed, each in our own way, that we should celebrate the business.' Page 200, 37, 2 col. In many editions this line is printed, Wha last beside his chair shall fa'.' In Johnson's Museum' it is given as in the text. It seems more in accordance with the splendid bacchanalian frenzy that he should be king who Rushed into the field and foremost fighting fell Victory does not lie in stamina or endurance. For the moment intoxication is the primal good, and he is happiest who is first intoxicated. Page 201, 1. At Lochmaben Burns spent an evening at the manse with the Rev. Andrew Jeffrey. His daughter Jean, a blue-eyed blonde of seventeen, presided at the tea-table. Next morning at breakfast the poet presented the young lady with the song. Page 201, 33. This song appears in the 'Museum' with Burns' name attached. Mrs. Begg maintained that it was an old song which her brother brushed up and retouched. Page 204, 11, 2 col. In the original MS. the name of the heroine of this song was Rabina. Page 205. It will be noticed that this song is not distinguished by botanical correctness. Into the Posie Burns has gathered the flowers of spring, summer, and autumn. Page 206, 1. This song appeared with Burns' name attached in Johnson's Museum. The simple and finer version which follows was sent to Mr. Ballantyne in 1787. While here I sit,' Burns writes, 'sad and solitary, by the side of a fire in a little country inn, and drying my wet clothes.' Dire was the parting thou bidst me remember. Page 207, 1. Burns wrote to Mr. Thomson, September, 1793 - The following song I have composed for Oran Gaoil, the Highland air that you tell me in your last you have resolved to give a place to in your book. I have this moment finished the song; so you have it glowing from the mint. If it suits you, well! if not, 'tis also well!' Page 207, 147- According to Dr. Currie this song was composed in honour of Mrs. Stewart of Stair. Gilbert Burns thought the verses referred to Highland Mary. Afton is an Ayrshire stream, and flows into the Nith, near New Cumnock. Clarinda is supposed Page 208, 13, 2 col. to be the subject of this song. Page 208, 28, 2 col. The first four lines of this song are old. Page 209, 19. The foundation of this song was a short ditty, written, it is said, by one Lieutenant Hinches, as a farewell to his sweetheart. Page 209, 25. This song was composed in honour of Mrs. Oswald, of Auchincruive. Page 209, 35, 2 col. Var. The tod was howling on the hill. Page 210, 1. Var. The burn adown its hazelly path. Page 210, 3. Var. To join yon river on the strath. Page 210, 19. Var. Now looking over firth and fauld A stern and stalwart ghaist appear'd. Page 210, 1, 2 col. This song is supposed to connect itself with the attachment to Highland Mary and the idea of emigration to the West Indies. Page 211, 13. Written in celebration of the personal and mental attractions of Miss Chalmers. Page 212, 17. The first stanza of this song is taken from a stall ditty, entitled The Strong Walls of Derry. Page 212, 33. Concerning this song Burns writes: This air is claimed by Neil Gow, who calls it a lament for his brother. The first half stanza of the song is old; the rest is mine.' Page 213,1. 'I composed this song,' Burns writes, pretty early in life, and sent it to a young girl, a very particular acquaintance of mine, who was at that time under a cloud.' Page 213, 1, 2 col. 'This song,' Burns writes, 'is altered from a poem by Sir Robert Ayton, private secretary to Mary and Anne, Queens of Scotland. I think I have improved the simplicity of the sentiments by giving them a Scots dress.' Page 213, 33- "This song,' says Burns, 'alludes to a part of my private history which it is of no consequence to the world to know.' Page 214, 1. Burns says: This tune is also known by the name of Lass, an' I come near thee. The words are mine.' Page 214, 25. These verses were inspired by Clarinda-the most beautiful and passionate strain to which that strange attachment gave birth. Page 215, 17. Allan Cunningham states that Burns considered this to be the finest love-song he had ever composed—an opinion in which few readers will concur. 33. Page 217, 1 In August, 1793, Burns wrote to Mr. Thomson:-'That tune, Cauld Kail, is such a favourite of yours, that I once more roved out yesterday for a gloamin-shot at the Muses; when the Muse that presides o'er the banks of Nith, or rather my old inspiring dearest nymph, Coila, whispered me the following.' Page 217, 49. Burns wrote Mr. Thomson September, 1793:-'I have finished my song to Saw ye my Father? and in English, as you will see. That there is a syllable too much for the expression of the air is true; but allow me to say that the mere dividing of a dotted crotchet into a crotchet and a quaver is not a great matter however, in that I have no pretensions The old verses to cope in judgment with you. have merit, though unequal, and are popular. My advice is to set the air to the old words, and let mine follow as English verses. they are.' Here Page 218, 13. On the 19th October, 1794. Burns wrote to Mr. Thomson :-To descend to business; if you like my idea of When she cam ben, she bobbit, the following stanzas of mine, altered a little from what they were formerly when set to another air, may perhaps do instead of worse stanzas.' Page 218, 25. In September, 1793, Burns wrote Mr. Thomson:-Fee him, Father. I enclose you Fraser's set of this tune when he plays it slow; in fact he makes it the language of despair. I shall here give you two stanzas in that style, merely to try if it will be any improvement. Were it possible in singing to give it half the pathos which Fraser gives it in playing, it would make an admirably pathetic song. I do not give these verses for any merit they have. I composed them at the time in which "Patie Allan's mither died-that was, about the back of midnight." and by the leeside of a bowl of punch which had overset every mortal in company except the hautbois and the Muse.' Page 219. 9. In November, 1794, Burns wrote Mr. Thomson:- You may think meanly of this, but take a look at the bombast original, and you will be surprised that I have made so much of it." Page 220, 21. This is partly composed on the plan of an old song known by the same name. R. B. The ballad appeared in the first Edinburgh edition. Page 221, 1. On the 19th November, 1794. Burns wrote to Mr. Thomson:- Well! I think this, to be done in two or three turns across my room, and with two or three pinches of Irish blackguard, is not so far amiss." Page 221, 1, 2 col. This fragment appeared in the first Edinburgh edition. Page 222, 133. This song appeared in the Kilmarnock edition. Page 222, 29, 2 col. This song appeared in the Kilmarnock edition. Page 225, I. In the autobiographical sketch forwarded to Dr. Moore Burns writes: I had taken the last farewell of my few friends; my chest was on the road to Greenock: and I had composed the last song I should ever measure in Caledonia The gloomy night is gathering fast; when a letter from Dr. Blacklock to a friend of mine overthrew all my schemes, by opening The new prospects to my poetic ambition." song was printed in the first Edinburgh edition. Page 225. The 'Farewell' was printed in the Kilmarnock edition. Page 225, 21, 2 col. Mr. Chambers states that the grand master referred to in the text was Major-General James Montgomery; elsewhere the grand master is said to have been Sir John Whitefoord. Page 225, 133, 2 col. Menie is the common abbreviation of Marianne. R. B This chorus is part of a song composed by a gentleman in Edinburgh, a particular friend of the author's. R. B. This song appeared in the first Edinburgh edition. Page 226, I 29. Concerning this song Burns wrote Mr. Thomson on the 14th November, 1792-The foregoing song pleases myself: I think it is in my happiest manner: you will see at first glance that it suits the air. The subject of the song is one of the most interesting passages of my youthful days; and I own that I should be much flattered to see the verses set to an air which would insure celebrity. Perhaps, after all, 'tis the still glowing prejudice of my heart that throws a borrowed lustre over the merits of the composition.' Page 226. Burns stated, both to Mrs. Dunlop and Mr Thomson, that Auld Lang Syne was old. It is, however, generally believed that he was the entire, or almost the entire, author. In Pickering's edition the following variations are taken from a copy in the Poet's handwriting. Page 226, 1 26, 2 col. Var. And never thought upon. Let's hae a waught o' Malaga Page 226, 129, 2 col. Var. Page 226, 31, 2 col. Let's hae a waught o' Malaga. Page 227. In September, 1793. Burns sent this song to Mr. Thomson. There is,' he wrote, a tradition, which I have met with in many places of Scotland, that it i the old air Hey tuttie taitie) was Robert Bruce's march at the battle of Bannockburn. This thought in my yesternight's evening walk warmed me to a pitch of enthusiasm on the theme of Liberty and Independence, which I threw into a kind of Scottish ode, fitted to the air, that one might suppose to be the gallant royal Scot's address to his heroic followers on that eventful morning. So may God ever defend the cause of truth and liberty as He did that day. Amen.' Mr. Thomson wrote suggesting alterations, and Burns replied:-"Who shall decide when doctors disagree?" My ode pleases me so much, that I cannot alter it. Your proposed alterations would, in my opinion, make it tame. am exceedingly obliged to you for putting me on reconsidering it, as I think I have much improved it. I have scrutinised it over and over; and to the world, some way or other, it shall go as it is. I Page 227, 21, 2 col In January, 1795, Burns wrote Mr. Thomson:-A great critic (Aikin) on songs says that love and wine are the exclusive themes for song-writing. The following is on neither subject, and consequently is no song; but will be allowed, I think, to be two or three pretty good prose thoughts converted into rhyme.' Page 228, 1 25. Of this song Burns says:"The title of the song only is old; the rest is mine.' In Johnson's Museum' he published an early version, with the burden, The gardener with his paidle.' Page 230, 21. Gilbert Burns did not consider his brother the author of this song. Page 231, 22. This song, which became immensely popular at the time, was published in the Dumfries Journal, 5th May, 1795. Page 232, 1. This was written in an envelope to Mr. Cardonnel, the antiquary, enclosing a letter to Captain Grose. Var. Page 232, 12, 2 col. Sweet and harmless as a child. Page 232, 13, 2 col. This was one of Burns' earliest compositions. Page 233, 1. This song appears in Johnson's 'Museum' without Burns' name. Page 233 M'Pherson was a Highland freebooter, of great personal strength and musical taste and accomplishment. While lying in prison under sentence of death, he composed his Farewell, words and air, the former of which began: I've spent my time in rioting, Debauch'd my health and strength; I squander'd fast as pillage camne, But dantonly and wautoay And rantonly I'll gae I'll play a tune and dance it roun' When brought to the gallows' foot at Banff, he played his Farewell, and then broke his His sword is preserved violin across his knee. at Duff House. Page 233, 6, 2 col. This ballad refers to the contest between Mr. Erskine and Mr. Dundas for the Deanship of the Faculty of Advocates. On the 12th January, 1796, Mr. Dundas was elected by a large majority. Page 234, 1, 2 col. Another version of this song is printed in Cromek's Reliques. The text is from a copy in the Poet's own handwriting. Page 236. On 12th March, 1791, Burns wrote to Mr. Thomson:- Lest I sink into stupid prose, and so sacrilegiously intrude on the office of my parish priest, I shall fill up the page in my own way, and give you another song of my late composition. You must know a beautiful Jacobite air, There'll never be peace till Jamie comes hame. When political combustion ceases to be the object of princes and patriots, it then, you know, becomes the lawful prey of historians and poets.' Page 236, 17. In a copy of this song in the Poet's handwriting the first stanza and chorus are thus given: There was a Birkie born in Kyle, Page 236, 26. Jan. 25th, 1759, the date of my bardship's vital existence. K. B. Page 236, 35. Var. He'll gie his daddie's name a blaw. Page 236, 16, 2 col. Var. Ye'll gar the las es lie aspar. And ay I min't the witching smile. Page 237, 19, 2 col Var. Wha spied I but my ain dear lass. Page 237, 123, 2 col. Var. Wi' fremit voice, quoth I, Sweet lass. Page 237, 32, 2 col. Var. And lovlier look'd than ever. Page 237, 40, 2 col. Var. Syne wallow't like a lily. Page 237,41, 2 col. Var. And sank within my arms, and cried. Page 238, 13. Var. Though wealth be ama', we're rich in love. And come, my ain dear soger lad. Page 238, 17. Concerning this song Burns writes:-The following song is a wild rhapsody, miserably deficient in versification; but as the sentiments are the genuine feelings of my heart, for that reason I have a particular pleasure in conning it over.' Page 239, 1. Composed on the death of James Fergusson, Esq. Younger, of Craigdarroch. Page 239. 'Bonie Lesley' was Miss Lesley Baillie, daughter of Mr. Baillie of Ayrshire. Mr. Baillie, on his way to England with his two daughters, called on Burns at Dumfries. Burns mounted, accompanied them fifteen miles, and composed the song as he rode homewards. 24, Page 239, 2 col. Jean Armour is the 'Mauchline lady' referred to. Page 240. 'My Montgomerie's Peggy,' writes Burns, was my deity for six or eight months. A vanity of showing my parts in courtship, particularly my abilities at a billetdoux, which I always piqued myself upon, made me lay siege to her.' Burns, after he had warmed into a passion for Peggy, found that she was pre-engaged, and confessed that it cost him some heartaches to get rid of the affair. Page 241, 25. A song, in several stanzas, similar to this occurs in the Folly Beggars. Page 241, 16, 2 col. This song was written on one of the anniversaries of Highland Mary's death. Page 241, 28, 2 col. Var. ternity can not efface. Page 246, 13 Burns writes:-"The chorus of this song is old; the rest of it, such as it is, is mine.' Page 248. The 'Five Carlins' represent the five boroughs of Dumfries-shire and Kirkcudbright, which were at the time contested by Patrick Miller of Dalswinton in the Whig, and Sir James Johnstone of Westerhall in the Tory. interest. Dumfries is Maggie by the banks of Nith; Annan is 'blinkin Bess of Annandale? Kirkcudbright whisky Jean' of Galloway; Sanquhar black Joan frae Creighton peel :' and Lochmaben 'Marjorie o' the monie Lochs,' Page 248, 25, 2 col. Sir James Johnstone. Page 248, 33, 2 col. Captain Miller of Dalswinton. Page 250, 148. Var. Sae kend in martial story. Page 250, I 26, 2 col. Ill breathe this exclamation. Page 251, 1. Concerning this song Burns writes: The chorus I picked up from an old woman in Dunblane; the rest of the song is mine.' Page 251, 25. Another version of this song will be found p. 191, 1 1. Page 252, 11. Allan Cunningham mentions a report that Burns wrote these verses in humorous allusion to the condition in which Jean Armour found herself before marriage. Page 252, 31. This is founded on an old song. |