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THE

POETICAL WORKS

OF

ROBERT BURNS,

INCLUDING

SEVERAL PIECES

NOT INSERTED IN DR. CURRIE'S EDITION;

EXHIBITED UNDER

A NEW PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT,

AND PRECEDED BY

A LIFE OF THE AUTHOR,

AND

A COMPLETE GLOSSARY.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOL. L

BOSTON:

JAMES B. DOW

1834.

Kc 16385 (1

HARVARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

MAR 17 1955

53 122

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE present edition was undertaken by #gentleman 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 respective subjects, and divided into five books.

III. Most of the poetry of Burns, though possessing an energy, a richness, and an ardour, which never fail to strike and captivate the mind, yet appears under great disadvantages to the English reader. Much of the fire, which warms and dazzles a 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 Deen corrected or enlarged. A new Life, drawn up with care and fidelity, has likewise been prefixed.

Of an edition, thus enlarged and improved, it s unnecessary to say more. Should its utility se acknowledged, the editor will consider his exertions sufficiently rewarded.

J. T.

London, Feb. 25, 1819.

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