Scottish Songs Volume 1 (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. 1869 Excerpt: ...King James I. there was probably the same difference that must ever exist between pure nature and mere art.t Country dances appear, from this prince's own testimony, to have been a no less favourite amusement in his time than they are at present. In his poem of " Peblis to the Play," "The Schamon's Dance" is spoken of as a well-known tune. J King James IV. has the reputation of a composer. In Johnson's "Scots Musical Museum" is a tune entitled "Here's a Health to my True Love," which is mentioned upon report as the performance of this gallant monarch. One would be glad, however, of some better, See " Boethii Scotorum Historia," fo. 362. t An absurd idea, said to prevail in Scotland, that the anthems and services of the old church were sung to what are since become popular melodies, will be noticed in another place. + The word schamons cannot be explained. In the fragment of a very old Scotish song, it is said, of a kind of fairy or genius, "His legs were scarce a schathmont's length." It has been very ridiculously interpreted showman's. See the Glossary to the present collection. or at least earlier authority, as Scotish traditions are to be received with great caution. The tune of " Flowden Hill," or "The Flowers of the Forest," is one of the most beautiful Scotish melodies now extant, and, if of the age supposed, must be considered as the most ancient. The "Souters of Selkirk," which has been already noticed, and is likewise a very fine air, if (as some say) it were actually composed upon the same occasion, must be left to dispute the precedency. The music of the " Gaberlunzie Man" is thought to be coeval with the words, if not by the same hand; which is pr...