" Cree is a beautiful romantic stream; and, as her
ladyship is a particular friend of mine, I have written the following
song to it.
ladyship is a particular friend of mine, I have written the following
song to it.
Robert Burns
I have the honour to be,
R. B.
* * * * *
CCXCIV.
TO MR. THOMSON.
[The correspondence between the poet and the musician was interrupted
in spring, but in summer and autumn the song-strains were renewed. ]
_May, 1794. _
MY DEAR SIR,
I return you the plates, with which I am highly pleased; I would
humbly propose, instead of the younker knitting stockings, to put a
stock and horn into his hands. A friend of mine, who is positively the
ablest judge on the subject I have ever met with, and, though an
unknown, is yet a superior artist with the burin, is quite charmed
with Allan's manner. I got him a peep of the "Gentle Shepherd;" and he
pronounces Allan a most original artist of great excellence.
For my part, I look on Mr. Allan's choosing my favourite poem for his
subject, to be one of the highest compliments I have ever received.
I am quite vexed at Pleyel's being cooped up in France, as it will put
an entire stop to our work. Now, and for six or seven months, I shall
be quite in song, as you shall see by and bye. I got an air, pretty
enough, composed by Lady Elizabeth Heron, of Heron, which she calls
"The Banks of Cree.
" Cree is a beautiful romantic stream; and, as her
ladyship is a particular friend of mine, I have written the following
song to it.
Here is the glen and here the bower. [256]
R. B.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 256: Song CCXXIII. ]
* * * * *
CCXCV.
TO DAVID M'CULLOCH, ESQ.
[The endorsement on the back of the original letter shows in what far
lands it has travelled:--"Given by David M'Culloch, Penang, 1810. A.
Fraser. " "Received 15th December, 1823, in Calcutta, from Captain
Frazer's widow, by me, Thomas Rankine. " "Transmitted to Archibald
Hastie, Esq. , London, March 27th, 1824, from Bombay. "]
_Dumfries, 21st June, 1794. _
MY DEAR SIR,
My long-projected journey through your country is at last fixed: and
on Wednesday next, if you have nothing of more importance to do, take
a saunter down to Gatehouse about two or three o'clock, I shall be
happy to take a draught of M'Kune's best with you. Collector Syme will
be at Glens about that time, and will meet us about dish-of-tea hour.
