The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. / With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham

by Robert Burns; Allan Cunningham

TO MR. THOMSON.

[Duncan Gray, which this letter contained, became a favourite as soon as it was published, and the same may be said of Auld Rob Morris.]

4th December, 1792.

The foregoing [“Auld Rob Morris,” and “Duncan Gray,”[206]] I submit, my dear Sir, to your better judgment. Acquit them or condemn them, as seemeth good in your sight. “Duncan Gray” is that kind of light-horse gallop of an air, which precludes sentiment. The ludicrous is its ruling feature.

R. B.