ADVERTISEMENT. THE "present edition was undertaken by a geutleman, with the view of presenting the public with the Poetical Works of Burns more methodically arranged, more copiously illustrated, and less expensive in the purchase, than they have yet appeared. In comparing it with others it will be found to possess several advantages. I. It contains, besides a number of other pieces, not inserted in Dr. Currie's edition, The Jolly Beggars, a cantata replete with humorous description and discrimination of character, and inferior to no poem of the same length in the English language. It likewise comprehends Holy Willie's Prayer, a piece of satire unequalled for exquisite severity, and felicitous delineation. II. In the editions hitherto published no regard is paid to method or classification. In this, the Poems are disposed according to their respecti e subjects, and divided into Five Books. IJI. Most of the poetry of Burns, though possess. ing an energy, a richness, and an ardor, whis never fail to strike and captivate the mind, yet pears under great disadvantages to the Eng der. Much of the fire, which warms and dazzles i native of Scotland, is to him necessarily lost by the obscurity of the language. To obviate this as much as possible, a considerable number of words have been added to the Glossary, and several of the old definitions have been corrected or enlarged. A new Life, drawn up with care and fidelity has likewise been prefixed. Of an Edition, thus enlarged and improved, it: unnecessary to say more. Should its utility be ac knowledged, the Editor will consider his exertions sufficiently rewarded. J. T. London, Feb. 25, 1819. CONTENTS MORAL, RELIGIOUS, AND PRECEPTIVE. l'he Cotter's Saturday Night . Verses written in Friar's-Carse Hermitage, on- A Prayer under the Pressure of violent anguish 112 A Prayer in the Prospect of Death. Verses left by the Author, at a reverend Friend's Pa צון . PATHETIC, ELEGIAC, AND DESCRIPTIVE. Despondency 1.0 Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, on the approach The Lament, occasioned by the unfortunate issue Lament of a Mother for the Death of her Son . 139 Lament for James, Earl of Glencairn Lines sent to Sir John Whitefoord of Whitefoord, The Author's Farewell to his native Country . 1:5 . |