THE WORKS OF ROBERT BURNS; WITH HIS LIFE, BY ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. "High Chief of Scottish song! Whose lines are mottoes of the heart, Whose truths electrify the sage." Campbell. IN FOUR VOLUMES. VOL. III. BOSTON: HILLIARD, GRAY, AND COMPANY. ADVERTISEMENT. WHEN this edition of BURNS was first announced, six volumes, it was calculated, would contain all that was desirable to publish of his writings. But the success of the first volume opened new sources of intelligence-so many new poems, new songs, new letters, and new anecdotes were supplied, that the Editor began to feel the necessity of extending the limits of his undertaking. Nor was this all the propriety of forming a more ample Glossary was pressed upon him by his friends in whose judgment he has confidence; while, at the same time, he was stimulated to exertion by other publishers, who menaced him with rival editions of the Poet, conducted by editors of great powers and original resources. To render his own edition of his favorite bard acceptable to his country is his most anxious wish; and he hopes, though living at a distance from "The land of BURNS," and much employed in other pursuits, he will be found to have done his duty, and also to have rendered the triumph of his opponents at least a matter of doubt. To enable the Editor to do justice to the genius of BURNS, he must give him at full length, and extend the work to EIGHT [FOUR] VOLUMES. The present volume, together with the succeeding one, will contain his Letters, while the eighth will be occupied with his Remarks on Scottish song, his Memoranda, and Border and Highland Tours; including a Glossary and a General Index. New titlepages will be given for the whole work, and no pains will be spared, on the part of the Editor and Publishers, to render the publication at once complete and satisfactory. A month or two must, however, elapse before the appearance of the concluding volumes; but of this public notice will be given. The Editor is under little alarm lest this change should be unacceptable to his countrymen: to extend their acquaintance with so rare a genius as BURNS, and open up fresh sources of enjoyment and happiness, cannot but be agreeable to all: he feels like one who confers a benefit under the appearance of requesting a favor. Belgrave Place, |