with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

6
As one who by some savage stream,
A lonely gem surveys,
Astonish'd, doubly marks its beam,
With art's most polish'd blaze.
Blest be the wild, sequester'd shade.
And blest the day and hour.
Where Peggy's charms I first survey'd,
When first I -felt their pow'r
The tyrant death with grim controul,
May seize my fleeting breath,
But tearing Peggy from my soul
Must be a stronger death.
for instance, his " Lamentation for Abercairney," afid " Loch-
Erroch-side," are striking specimens of his genius, feeling, and
power of embellishment. These were set and prepared for pub-
lication, by his son Nathaniel ; whose respectable character, and
propriety of conduct, have long secured him the esteem and
favour of the public ; and whose knowledge of composition, and
variety of talent in the art, joined with the greatest refinement
of taste, elegance of expression, and power of execution, ren-
der him (beyond all dispute) the most accomplished and success-
ful performer of Scottish music in general, ever produced by
this country."
Scot» Mag, Jan. 1809.