THE + POETICAL WORKS. OF ROBERT BURNS: INCLUDING SEVERAL PIECES NOT INSERTED IN DR. CURRIE'S EDITION: EXHIBITED UNDER A NEW PLAN OF ARRANGEMENT, ILLIPS, BOSTON: PHILLIPS, SAMPSON AND COMPANY, 110 WASHINGTON STREET. 1854. ADVERTISEMENT. PR 4300. 1854 THE present edition was undertaken by a 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 in serted 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 ardor, which never fail to strike and captivate the mind, yet appears under great disadvan |