No More Learning

]

_August_, 1793.

MY DEAR THOMSON,

I hold the pen for our friend Clarke, who at present is studying the
music of the spheres at my elbow. The Georgium Sidus he thinks is
rather out of tune; so, until he rectify that matter, he cannot stoop
to terrestrial affairs.

He sends you six of the _rondeau_ subjects, and if more are wanted, he
says you shall have them.

* * * * *

Confound your long stairs!

S. CLARKE.

* * * * *




CCLXIII.


TO MR. THOMSON.

["Phillis the Fair" endured much at the hands of both Burns and
Clarke. The young lady had reason to complain, when the poet
volunteered to sing the imaginary love of that fantastic fiddler. ]

_August_, 1793.

Your objection, my dear Sir, to the passages in my song of "Logan
Water," is right in one instance; but it is difficult to mend it: if I
can, I will. The other passage you object to does not appear in the
same light to me.
I have tried my hand on "Robin Adair," and, you will probably think,
with little success; but it is such a cursed, cramp, out-of-the-way
measure, that I despair of doing anything better to it.

While larks with little wing. [229]

So much for namby-pamby. I may, after all, try my hand on it in Scots
verse. There I always find myself most at home.

I have just put the last hand to the song I meant for "Cauld kail in
Aberdeen. " If it suits you to insert it, I shall be pleased, as the
heroine is a favourite of mine; if not, I shall also be pleased;
because I wish, and will be glad, to see you act decidedly on the
business. 'Tis a tribute as a man of taste, and as an editor, which
you owe yourself.

R. B.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 229: Song CXCIX. ]

* * * * *




CCLXIV.


TO MR. THOMSON.

[The infusion of Highland airs and north country subjects into the
music and songs of Scotland, has invigorated both: Burns, who had a
fine ear as well as a fine taste, was familiar with all, either
Highland or Lowland. ]

_August_, 1793.