tuned my wild, artless notes, as she inspired.-She whispered me to come to this ancient Metropolis of Caledonia, and lay my songs under your honoured protection; I now obey her dictates. Though much indebted to your goodness, I do not approach you, my Lords and Gentlemen, in the usual style of dedication, to thank you for past favours : that path is so hakneyed by prostituted learning, that honest rusticity is ashamed of it. Nor do I present this Address with the venal soul of a servile Author, looking for a continuation of those favours: I was bred to the plough and am independent. I come to claim the common Scottish name with you, my illus. trious countrymen; and to tell the world that I glory in the title. I come to congratulate my Country, that the blood of her ancient Heroes still runs uncontaminated; and that from your courage, knowledge, and public spirit, she may expect protection, wealth, and liberty. In the last place, I come to proffer my warmest wishes to the Great Fountain of Honour, the Monarch of the Universe, for your welfare and happiness. When you go forth to waken the Echoes, in the ancient and favourite amusement of your Forefathers, Pleasure ever be of your party; and Joy await your return! When harassed in courts or may may social camps with the justlings of bad men and bad measures, may the honest consciousness of injured Worth attend your return to your native seats! and may Domestic Happiness, with a smiling welcome, meet you at your gates! May corruption shrink at your kindling indignant glance; and may Tyranny in the Ruler, and Licentiousness, in the people, equally find you an inexorable foe! CONTENTS VOLUME THIRD.. Page A Dedication to Gavin Hamilton, Esq...................167 To a Louse, on seeing one on a Lady's Bonnet at Church.171 Address to Edinburgh..........................na Epistle to J. Lapraik, an old Scottish Bar..................176 Epistle to J. R, enclosing some Poems............................................... 192 A Fragment," When Guildford good our Pilot stood”.............198 Song, "It was upon a Lammas Night”. ............................ 201 Song, "Now westlin winds, and slaught’ring guns”..........................203 Song, "Behind yon hills where Lugar flows"............. Green grow the Rashes. A Fragment................................ The Farewell to the Brethren of St James's Lodge, Tar- 205 207 208 |