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 2 Papyras Classics

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Chapter 63

LXX. On Miss Jessy Lewars

[The constancy of her attendance on the poet’s sick-bed and anxiety of mind brought a slight illness upon Jessy Lewars. “You must not die yet,” said the poet: “give me that goblet, and I shall prepare you for the worst.” He traced these lines with his diamond, and said, “That will be a companion to ‘The Toast.’”]

Say, sages, what’s the charm on earth
Can turn Death’s dart aside?
It is not purity and worth,
Else Jessy had not died.

R. B.