My dear Sir,
“Let me in this ae night” I will reconsider. I am glad that you are pleased with my song, “Had I a cave,” &c., as I liked it myself.
I walked out yesterday evening with a volume of the Museum in my hand, when turning up “Allan Water,” “What numbers shall the muse repeat,” &c., as the words appeared to me rather unworthy of so fine an air, and recollecting that it is on your list, I sat and raved under the shade of an old thorn, till I wrote one to suit the measure. I may be wrong; but I think it not in my worst style. You must know, that in Ramsay’s Tea-table, where the modern song first appeared, the ancient name of the tune, Allan says, is “Allan Water,” or “My love Annie’s very bonnie.” This last has certainly been a line of the original song; so I took up the idea, and, as you will see, have introduced the line in its place, which I presume it formerly occupied; though I likewise give you a choosing line, if it should not hit the cut of your fancy:
By Allan stream I chanced to rove.[231]
Bravo! say I; it is a good song. Should you think so too (not else) you can set the music to it, and let the other follow as English verses.
Autumn is my propitious season. I make more verses in it than all the year else. God bless you!
R. B.