Aepor. 10/29 DEDICATION. TO THE NOBLEMEN and GENTLEMEN OF THE CALEDONIAN HUNT. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, A SCOTTISH Bard, proud of the name, and whofe highest ambition is to fing in his Country's fervice, where shall be so properly look for patronage as to the illuftrious names of his native Land; those who bear the honours and inherit the virtues of their Ancestors? The Poe She tic Genius of my Country found me, as the prophetic bard Elijah did Elifba-at the Plough; and threw her infpiring mantle over me. bade me fing the loves, the joys, the rural scenes and rural pleafures of my natal Soil, in my native tongue: I tuned my wild, artless notes, as The infpired.-She whispered me to come to this ancient Metropolis of Caledonia, and lay my Songs under your honoured protection: I now obey her dictates. Though much indebted to your goodness, I do not approach you, my Lords and Gentlemen, in the ufual ftyle of dedication, to thank you for paft favours that path is so hackneyed by proflituted Learning, that honeft Rufticity is afhamed of it.-Nor do I prefent this Address with the venal foul of a fervile Author, looking for a continuation of thofe favours: I was bred to the Plough, and am independent. I come to claim the common Scottish name with you, my illuftrious illuftrious 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 ftill runs uncontaminated; and that, from your courage, knowledge, and public fpirit, fhe may expect protection, wealth, and liberty. In the last place, I come to proffer my warmest wishes to the Great Fountain of bonour, the Monarch of the Univerfe, 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 baraffed in courts or camps with the juftlings of bad men and bad measures, may the boneft consciousness of injured worth attend your return to your native feats; and may domeftic Happiness, with a fmiling welcome, meet you at your gates! May corruption fhrink at your kindling |