No. XXXI. From MR. R*****. Ochterlyre, 22d October, 1787. SIR, 'TWAS only yesterday I got Colonel Edmondstoune's answer, that neither the words of Down the burn Davie, nor Dainty Davie, (I forgot which you mentioned) were written by Colonel G. Crawford. Next time I meet him, I will inquire about his cousin's poetical ta lents. Inclosed are the inscriptions you requested, and a letter to Mr. Young, whose company and musical talents will, I am persuaded, be a feast to * to you.* Nobody can give you better hints, as to your present plan than he. Receive also Omeron Cameron, which seemed to make such a deep *These Inscriptions, so much admired by Burns, are below: WRITTEN IN 1768. For the Saliclum + at Ochtertyre. SALUBRITATIS voluptatisque causâ, Paludem olim infidam, Mihi meisque desicco et exorno. Silvulas inter nascentes reptandi, Hic, si faxit Deus opt. max. Ævique paululum supersit, Vos silvulæ, et amici, Cæteraque amoena, Valete, diuque lætamini! ENGLISHED + Salictum-Grove of Willows, Willow-ground. a deep impression on your imagination, that I am not without hopes it will beget something to delight the public in due time: and, no doubt, the circumstances of this little tale might be varied or extended, so as to make part of a pastoral comedy. Age or wounds might have kept Omeron at home, whilst his countrymen ENGLISHED. To improve both air and soil, I drain and decorate this plantation of willows, I love to wander, Now fondly marking the progress of my trees, If vain these humble wishes, Ye trees and friends, Farewell, and long may ye flourish! countrymen were in the field. His station may be somewhat varied, without losing his simpli city and kindness * * * *. A group of characters, male and female, connected with the plot might be formed from his family, or some neighbouring one of rank. It is not indispensable that the guest should be a man of high station; nor is the political quarrel in which Above the Door of the House, WRITTEN IN 1775. MIHI meisque utinam contingat, Bene vivere fausteque mori! ENGLISHED. On the banks of the Teith, In the small but sweet inheritance May I and mine live in peace, And die in joyful hope! These inscriptions, and the translations, are in the hand-writing of Mr. Ramsay. E. which he is engaged of much importance, unless to call forth the exercise of generosity and faithfulness, grafted on patriarchal hospitality. To introduce state-affairs, would raise the style above comedy; though a small spice of them would season the converse of swains. Upon this head I cannot say more than to recommend the study of the character of Eumæus in the Odyssey, which, in Mr. Pope's translation is an exquisite and invaluable drawing from nature, that would suit some of our country Elders of the present day. There must be love in the plot, and a happy discovery; and peace and pardon may be the reward of hospitality, and honest attachment to misguided principles. When you have once thought of a plot, and brought the story into form, Dr. Blacklock, or Mr. H. Mackenzie, may be useful in dividing it into acts and scenes; for in these matters one must pay some attention to certain rules of the Drama. These could afterwards fill up at your lei you sure. But, whilst I presume to give a few wellmeant hints, let me advise you to spirit of my namesake's dialogue,* study the which is natural Allan Ramsay, in the Gentle Shepherd. E. |