The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. / With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham, Volume 3 Papyras Classics

← The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. / With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham, Volume 3

Chapter 332

CCCXXXII. To Mr. Thomson

[The genius of the poet triumphed over pain and want,—his last songs are as tender and as true as any of his early compositions.]

My dear Sir,

I once mentioned to you an air which I have long admired—“Here’s a health to them that’s awa, hiney,” but I forget if you took any notice of it. I have just been trying to suit it with verses, and I beg leave to recommend the air to your attention once more. I have only begun it.

[Here follow the first three stanzas of the song, beginning,

Here’s a health to ane I loe dear;

the fourth was found among the poet’s MSS. after his death.]

R. B.