38 DEDICATION of the second edition.

learning, that honest rusticity is ashamed of it. Nor do I present this address with the venal soul of a servile author, looking for a continuation of those favours: -I was bred to the plough, and am independent. I come to claim the common Scottish name with you, my illustrious countrymen, and to tell the world that I glory in the title. I come to congratulate my country that the blood of her ancient heroes still runs uncontaminated; and that from your courage, knowledge, and public spirit, she may expect protection, wealth, and liberty. In the last place, I come to proffer my warmest wishes to the great fountain of honour, the Monarch of the Universe, for your welfare and happiness.

When you go forth to waken the echoes, in the ancient and favourite amusement of your forefathers, may pleasure ever be of your party, and may social joy await your return! When har

assed in courts or camps with the justlings of bad men and bad measures, may the honest consciousness of injured worth attend your return to your native seats and may domestic happiness, with a smiling welcome, meet you at your gates ! May corruption shrink at your kindling indignant glance; and may tyranny in the ruler, and licentiousness in the people, equally find you an inexorable foe! I have the honour to be, with the sincerest gratitude and highest respect, my Lords and Gentlemen, your most devoted, humble servant, ROBERT BURNS.

EDINBURGH, 4th April, 1787.

POEMS.

OH

once I loved a bonnie lass,

Ay, and I love her still;

And whilst that honour warms my breast,
I'll love my handsome Nell.

As bonnie lasses I hae seen,

And mony

full as braw;

But for a modest, gracefu' mien,

The like I never saw.

A bonnie lass, I will confess,
Is pleasant to the ee,
But without some better qualities,

She 's no the lass for me.

But Nelly's looks are blithe and sweet,
And, what is best of a',
Her reputation is complete,

And fair without a flaw.1

1 Variation in Mr. John Dick's MS. :

But Nelly's looks are blithe and sweet,
Good-humoured, frank, and free;

She dresses aye sae clean and neat,
Both decent and genteel :

And then there's something in her gait
Gars ony dress look weel.

A gaudy dress and gentle air
May slightly touch the heart;
But it's innocence and modesty
That polishes the dart.

'Tis this in Nelly pleases me,
'Tis this enchants my soul;
For absolutely in my breast
She reigns without control.

I

I DREAMED I LAY.

DREAMED I lay where flowers were springing

Gaily in the sunny beam;

Listening to the wild birds singing,

By a falling, crystal stream:

Straight the sky grew black and daring ;

Through the woods the whirlwinds rave;

Trees with aged arms were warring,
O'er the swelling drumlie wave.

Such was my life's deceitful morning,
Such the pleasure I enjoyed;

And still the more I view them o'er,
The more they captive me.

Ale next verse is wanting in that MS.