his writings, is justified by an impartial estimate of the human character. The Original Letters that appear for the first time in these volumes*, if they do not add to the reputation of Burns, will not at least derogate from it; and they bear additional testimony to the goodness of the heart of the poet, who, in the height of his prosperity, and when caressed by almost every one distinguished either for beauty, birth, or talents, in his native country, never for a moment lost sight of the friends of his early youth; nor sacrificed, on the shrine of Vanity and Ambition, those feelings and virtues that best adorn the human character, but which do not always accompany distinguished talents, raised from so low a state of obscurity to so high an elevation. It has been the wish of the editors not to encroach on the rights of others; and although, from this cause, many of the inimitable effusions of the Lyric Muse of Burns do not enrich these volumes, yet they flatter themselves that they contain attractions that entitle them to no common share of public patronage. *See Vol. II. p. 242. to p. 264. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, ▲ SCOTTISH Bard, proud of the name, and whose highest ambition is to sing in his Country's service, where shall he so properly look for patronage as to the illustrious Names of his native Land; those who bear the honours and inherit the virtues of their Ancestors? The Poetic Genius of my Country found me, as the prophetic bard Elijah did Elisha-at the PLOUGH; and threw her inspiring mantle over me. She bade me sing the loves, the joys, the rural scenes and rural pleasures of my native soil, in my native tongue: I 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 hackneyed 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 continu. ation of those favours: I was bred to the Plough, and am independent. I come to claim the common Scottish name with you, my illustrious 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 Uni verse, for your welfare and happiness. When ye go forth to waken the Echoes, in the ancient and favourite amusement of your Forefathers, may Pleasure ever be of your party; and may Social Joy await your return! When harassed in courts or 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! I have the honour to be, With the sincerest gratitude and highest respect, MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, Your most devoted humble Servant, ROBERT BURNS. EDINBURGH, April 4. 1787. |