POETICAL WORKS OF ROBERT BURNS, INCLUDING SEVERAL PIECES NOT INSERTED IN DR. CURRIE'S EDITION: EXHIBITED UNDER A NEW PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT, AND PRECEDED BY A LIFE OF THE AUTHOR AND A COMPLETE GLOSSARY. TWO VOLUMES IN ONE. BOSTON: PHILLIPS AND SAMPSON, 110 WASHINGTON STREET. ADVERTISEMENT. Tax present edition was undertaken by a gen. tleman with the view of presenting the public with the Poetical Works of Burns more methodically arranged, more copiously illustrated, and less expensive in the purchase, than they have yet appeared. In comparing it with others, it will be found to possess several advantages. LIt contains, besides a number of other pieces, not inserted in Dr. Currie's edition, The Jolly Beggars, a cantata replete with humorous description and discrimination of character, and inferior to no poem of the same length, in the English language. It likewise comprehends Holy Wille's Prayer, a piece of satire unequalled for exquisite severity, and felicitous delineation. II. In the editions hitherto published, no regard is paid to method or classification. In this, the poems are disposed according to their respective subjects, and divided into five books. III. Most of the poetry of Burns, though possessing an energy, a richness, and an ardour, which never fail to strike and captivate the mind, yet appears under great disadvantages to the English reader. Much of the fire, which warms and dazzles a native of Scotland, is to him ne To obviate this as much as possible, a considerable number of words have been added to the Glossary, and several of the old definitions have been corrected or enlarged. A new Life, drawn up with care and fidelity, has likewise been prefixed. Of an edition, thus enlarged and improved, it is unnecessary to say more. Should its utility be acknowledged, the editor will consider his exertions sufficiently rewarded. London, Feb. 25, 1819. J. T. |