VERSES, Written under the portrait of Fergusson, the poet, in a copy of that author's works presented to a young Lady in Edinburgh, March 19th, 1787. I CURSE on ungrateful man, that can be pleas'd, *This apostrophe to Fergusson, bears a striking affinity to one in Burns's poems, Dr, Currie's edition, vol. iii. p. 248. O Fergusson! thy glorious parts My curse upon your whunstane hearts, Ye E'nbrugh gentry! The tythe o' what ye waste at Cartes Wad stow'd his pantry! This was written before Burns visited the Scottish capital. Even without a poet's susceptibility we may feel how this prophetic parallel of Fergusson's case with his own must have pressed on the memory of our bard, when he paid this second tribute of affection to his elder brother in misfortune. E. SONGS, &c. EVAN BANKS. SLOW Spreads the gloom my soul desires, Oh streams whose murmurs still I hear! And she, in simple beauty drest, Or where yon grot o'erhangs the tide, Ye lofty banks that Evan bound! And 1 And o'er the stream your shadows throw, Sweet banks! ye bloom by Mary's side: Can all the wealth of India's coast Nor more may ought my steps divide From that dear stream which flows to Clyde. SONG. AE fond kiss, and then we sever; Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, |