likewise been a dabbler in Latin poetry, I have two things that I would, if he desires it, submit, not to his judgment, but to his amusement; the one, a translation of Christ's Kirk o' the green, printed at Aberdeen some years ago; the other, Batrachomyomachia Homeri latinis vestita cum additamentis, given in lately to Chalmers, to print if he pleases. Mr. C. will know Seria non semper delectant, non joca semper. Semper delectant seria mixta jocis. I have I'll seek thro' the nation for some habitation, I'll make true affection the constant direction Of loving my Nancy while life doth remain: Tho' youth will be wasting, true love shall be lasting, My charming sweet Nancy, gin thou wert my ain. But what if my Nancy should alter her fancy, To favour another be forward and fain, I will not compel her, but plainly I'll tell her, I have just room to repeat compliments and good wishes from, Sir, your humble servant, JOHN SKINNER. THE OLD MAN'S SONG. Tune-" DUMBARTON'S DRUMS." BY THE REVEREND J. SKINNER. O! why should old age so much wound us? O, With my old wife sitting by, And our bairns and our oys all around us, O. We began in the world wi' naething, O, And we've jogg'd on, and toil'd for the ae thing, O; And our thankful hearts were glad, When we got the bit meat and the cleathing, O. We have liv'd all our lifetime contented, O, And we are so to this hour, Yet we never yet repin'd nor lamented, O. We ne'er thought of schemes to be wealthy, O, And what further could we wiss, To be pleas'd wi' ourselves, and be healthy, O. What tho' we canna boast of our guineas, O, More desirable by far, Than a pocket full of poor yellow sleenies, O. We have seen many wonder and ferlie, O, Among rich folks up and down, Both in country and in town, Who now live but scrimply and barely, O. Then why should people brag of prosperity, O, A straiten'd life we see is no rarity, O, Indeed we've been in want, And our living been but scant, Yet we never were reduc'd to need charity, O, In this house we first came together, O, It will last us a' our time, And, I hope, we shall never need anither, O. And when we leave this habitation, O, To a better house than this, To make room for the next generation, O. Then why should old age so much wound us? O, With my old wife sitting by, And our bairns and our oys all around us, O. VOL. II, L No. No. XLVIII. TO PROFESSOR DUGALD STEWART. SIR, Mauchline, 3d May, 1788. I INCLOSE you one or two more of my bagatelles. If the fervent wishes of honest gratitude have any influence with that great unknown Being, who frames the chain of causes and events, prosperity and happiness will attend your visit to the Continent, and return safe to your native shore. you Wherever I am, allow me, Sir, to claim it as my privilege to acquaint you with my progress in my trade of rhymes; as I am sure I could say it with truth, that, next to my little fame, and the having it in my power to make life more comfortable to those whom nature has made dear to me, I shall ever regard your countenance, your patronage, your friendly good offices, as the most valued consequence of my late success in life. No. |