The Educational Monthly of Canada Volume 21 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ..."To a Mouse," "To a Mountain Daisy." These poems alone would serve to immortalize any writer. The first epistle to Davie is in every way remarkable for its genuineness of sentiment, for its quick transition of thought, for its illustration of the manner in which Burns employs the languages of England and of Scotland to express different kinds of sentiment. The poems to the mouse and the mountain daisy are full of the tenderest feelings, for all created beings. All the poems named, with the exception of the "Jolly Beggars," appeared in Burns's first volume of poems, which was published in July, 1786, and took Scotland by storm. Of an edition of 600 copies only 41 were left at the end of a month, a very remarkable success when we consider the contracted area to which he appealed. Towards the end of this year he wrote the " Brigs of Ayr," and the " Lass of Ballochmyle." V. Edinburgh 1786-1788 (Aetat. 28 30). The visit of the poet to Edinburgh soon after the publication of his first volume was, in most respects, successful. He was made much of. He was introduced into the best literary society, and produced a most favorable impression upon all whom he met. His deportment was gentle and dignified. His voice waspleasant, his conversation animated and humorous, and his wonderful eyes were never forgotten. Not merely social advantages, but commercial also resulted from this visit. A new edition of his poems brought him 500, part of which he gave to his brother Gilbert who was struggling with his farm, and out of which he defrayed the expenses of a tour in the Highlands. About the same time he became a contributor to Johnson's Museum, for which he wrote about 180 songs, and to Thomson's Melodies of Scotland, which had...