No More Learning

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CCLVIII.


TO MR. THOMSON.

[The name of the friend who fell a sacrifice to those changeable
times, has not been mentioned: it is believed he was of the west
country. ]

_June, 1793. _

When I tell you, my dear Sir, that a friend of mine in whom I am much
interested, has fallen a sacrifice to these accursed times, you will
easily allow that it might unhinge me for doing any good among
ballads. My own loss as to pecuniary matters is trifling; but the
total ruin of a much-loved friend is a loss indeed. Pardon my seeming
inattention to your last commands.

I cannot alter the disputed lines in the "Mill Mill, O! "[222] What you
think a defect, I esteem as a positive beauty; so you see how doctors
differ. I shall now, with as much alacrity as I can muster, go on with
your commands.

You know Frazer, the hautboy-player in Edinburgh--he is here,
instructing a band of music for a fencible corps quartered in this
county. Among many of his airs that please me, there is one, well
known as a reel, by the name of "The Quaker's Wife;" and which, I
remember, a grand-aunt of mine used to sing, by the name of "Liggeram
Cosh, my bonnie wee lass. " Mr. Frazer plays it slow, and with an
expression that quite charms me.
I became such an enthusiast about it,
that I made a song for it, which I here subjoin, and enclose Frazer's
set of the tune. If they hit your fancy, they are at your service; if
not, return me the tune, and I will put it in Johnson's Museum. I
think the song is not in my worst manner.

Blythe hae I been on yon hill. [223]

I should wish to hear how this pleases you.

R. B.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 222: "The lines were the third and fourth:

'Wi' mony a sweet babe fatherless,
And mony a widow mourning. '

As our poet had maintained a long silence, and the first number of Mr.
Thomson's musical work was in the press, this gentleman ventured, by
Mr. Erskine's advice, to substitute for them, in that publication.

'And eyes again with pleasure beam'd
That had been blear'd with mourning. '

Though better suited to the music, these lines are inferior to the
original. "--CURRIE. ]

[Footnote 223: Song CXV. ]

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CCLIX.