CCCXXXII.
TO MR. THOMSON.
[The genius of the poet triumphed over pain and want,—his last songs are as tender and as true as any of his early compositions.]
My dear Sir,
I once mentioned to you an air which I have long admired—“Here’s a health to them that’s awa, hiney,” but I forget if you took any notice of it. I have just been trying to suit it with verses, and I beg leave to recommend the air to your attention once more. I have only begun it.
[Here follow the first three stanzas of the song, beginning,
Here’s a health to ane I loe dear;[290]
the fourth was found among the poet’s MSS. after his death.]
R. B.