FRIEND JAMES,
Your repeated kindness had already insured my warmest regard; but your last really claims every spark of gratitude that my heart is susceptible of. The number of airs which you promise me, far surpasses what I could even hope for, the writing of so many must be a laborious undertaking. They will be a treasure to me, and, by Jove ! if ever I write a verse to any of them you shall have the first copy.With respect to the tune, “But Lately Seen,” I know it already, but wanted it into the collection, so you need not mind it. I see several parts in the one which I sent you to “The Maids of Arrochar,” which I would wish amended. What do you think of the following for the last line of it, but two, “Yet sad sung the bard wi the tear in his ee.” “Ah ! poor weeping Flora, &c.,” being Scottish, I am afraid it will not do well, all the rest being English. How would “bugles” do for “pibroch” in line 3rd? [1] I will thank you for your observations next week. I never saw “Forneth House” till you sent it. Mr. Smith tells me that the band play it. He thinks it a very pretty air. I am likewise highly pleased with it. I have written a couple of doggerel kind of verses to it, but am doubtful they are unworthy. I am so little acquainted with the subject which you suggested that you will excuse me, though I am convinced none can suit it better. I will here give you them. Please give me your opinion of them, with any alteration you may think proper. I request you not to give away any copies of it, as I cannot judge properly how it stands till the newfanglestrie goes off me. I intend seeing you soon, till then, believe me yours,
R. TANNAHILL.
Annexed, in the handwriting of Tannahill, is the song, No. 72, “Now Winter wi' his cloudy brow.”
The original is in possession of James Caldwell, Esq.
[1] This is the song “Weep not, my Love,” &c., No. 97.—Ed.