I cannot alter the disputed lines in the “Mill Mill, O!”[222] What you think a defect, I esteem as a positive beauty; so you see how doctors differ. I shall now, with as much alacrity as I can muster, go on with your commands.
You know Frazer, the hautboy-player in Edinburgh—he is here, instructing a band of music for a fencible corps quartered in this county. Among many of his airs that please me, there is one, well known as a reel, by the name of “The Quaker’s Wife;” and which, I remember, a grand-aunt of mine used to sing, by the name of “Liggeram Cosh, my bonnie wee lass.” Mr. Frazer plays it slow, and with an expression that quite charms me. I became such an enthusiast about it, that I made a song for it, which I here subjoin, and enclose Frazer’s set of the tune. If they hit your fancy, they are at your service; if not, return me the tune, and I will put it in Johnson’s Museum. I think the song is not in my worst manner.
Blythe hae I been on yon hill.[223]
I should wish to hear how this pleases you.
R. B.
FOOTNOTES:
[222] “The lines were the third and fourth:
‘Wi’ mony a sweet babe fatherless,
And mony a widow mourning.’
As our poet had maintained a long silence, and the first number of Mr. Thomson’s musical work was in the press, this gentleman ventured, by Mr. Erskine’s advice, to substitute for them, in that publication.
‘And eyes again with pleasure beam’d
That had been blear’d with mourning.’