Scotland/Scots > Life of Robert Burns

LIFE OF
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burgh, with a request that he would introduce
both to the notice of those persons whose literary
opinions were at the time most listened to in Scot¬
land, in the hope that, by their intervention, Burns
might yet be rescued from the necessity of expa¬
triating himself. Dr Blacklock’s answer reached
Dr Laurie a day or two after Burns had made his
visit, and composed his dirge; and it was not yet
too late. Laurie forwarded it immediately to
Gavin Hamilton, who carried it to Burns. It is
as follows:—
“ I ought to have acknowledged your favour
long ago, not only as a testimony of your kind
remembrance, but as it gave me an opportunity
of sharing one of the finest, and perhaps one of
the most genuine entertainments of which the
human mind is susceptible. A number of avoca¬
tions retarded my progress in reading the poems;
at last, however, I have finished that pleasing per¬
usal. Many instances have I seen of Nature’s
force or beneficence exerted under numerous and
formidable disadvantages ; but none equal to that
with which you have been kind enough to present
me. There is a pathos and delicacy in his serious
poems, a vein of wit and humour in those of a
more festive turn, which cannot be too much ad¬
mired, nor too warmly approved; and I think I
shall never open the book without feeling my asto¬
nishment renewed and increased. It was my wish
to have expressed my approbation in verse; but
whether from declining life, or a temporary de¬
pression of spirits, it is at present out of my
power to accomplish that intention.
“ Mr Stewart, Professor of Morals in this l ni-
versity, had formerly read me three of the poems,
and 1 had desired him to get my name inserted