The Works of Robert Burns (Volume 5); Prose - Tapa blanda

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1895. Excerpt: ... APPENDIX Ayrshire Versions Of Popular Ballads. The following letter, and ballad-fragments annexed, were published by Cromek in volume second of his "Select Scottish Songs, ancient and modern"--London 1810. We might have introduced these in chronological order at page 263, Volume IV., immediately before the poet's Highland Tour; but, to avoid interruption in the biographic progress, their insertion was deferred till a convenient position could be found for them as an Appendix. Cromek obtained the MS. from Lord Woodhouselee in January 1809, as appears from a letter now before us (the property of James T. Gibson Craig, Esq.) addressed by Alexander Eraser Tytler (Lord Woodhouselee) to Cromek, expressing his admiration of "The Reliques of Burns," then recently published . (2) To William Tytler, Esq. Op Woodhouselee. (cromek, 1810.) Sir,--Inclosed I have sent you a sample of the old pieces that are still to be found among our peasantry in the West . I had once a great many of such fragments; and some of these more entire; but as I had no idea that any body cared for them, I have forgotten them. I invariably hold it sacrilege to add any thing of my own to help out with the shattered wrecks of these venerable old compositions; but they have many various readings. If you have not seen these before, I know they will flatter your true old-style Caledonian feelings; at any rate, I am truly happy to have an opportunity of assuring you how sincerely I am, Revered Sir, your gratefully indebted humble servant, Robert Burns. Lawnmarket, Aug. 1787.* * In this, like many other letters of Burns, the year is not given along with the date; and Cromek ventured to insert "1790" in the printed copy--a most palpable error; for the only month of A ugusl he ever was in Edinburgh was that of 1787. THE BRAES O' ...