TO WILLIAM TYTLER, ESQ.,
OF WOODHOUSELEE.
[William Tytler was the “revered defender of the beauteous Stuart”—a man of genius and a gentleman.]
Lawn Market, August, 1790.
Sir,
Enclosed I have sent you a sample of the old pieces that are still to be found among our peasantry in the west. I had once a great many of these fragments, and some of these here, entire; but as I had no idea then that anybody cared for them, I have forgotten them. I invariably hold it sacrilege to add anything of my own to help out with the shattered wrecks of these venerable old compositions; but they have many various readings. If you have not seen these before, I know they will flatter your true old-style Caledonian feelings; at any rate I am truly happy to have an opportunity of assuring you how sincerely I am, revered Sir,
Your gratefully indebted humble servant,
R. B.