with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

181
TUNE YOUR FIDDLES.
TBIS song was composed b^ the Rev. John Skin-
ner y Non-juring Clergyman at Linshart, near
Peterhead. He is likewise the author of " Tul-
lochgorum," " Ewie wi' the Crookit horn," " John
o' Badenyond," ^c; and what is of still more con-
sequence, he is one of the worthiest of mankind.
He is the Author of an '^ Ecclesiastical History of
Scotland." The air is hy Mr. Marshall, butler to
the Duke of Gordon ; the first composer of strath-
speys of the age. I have been told by somebody
who had it of Marshall himself, that he took the
idea of his three most celebrated pieces, " The Mar-
quis of Huntly's Reel," his " Farewel," and " Miss
Admiral Gordon's Reel/' from the old air, ' The
German Laird ie.'
Tune your fiddles, tune them sweetly,
Play the Marquis' reel discreetly,
Here we are, a band completely
Fitted to be jolly.—
Come, my boys, blythe and gawcie.
Every youngster chuse his lassie.
Dance wi' life, and be not saucy.
Come, my boys, S^c.
Shy nor melancholy.