with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

114
THE SHEPHERDS PREFERENCEo
This song is BlacJdock's.—I don't know how it
came hy the name, hut the oldest appellation of the
air was, Whistle and I'll come to you my lad.
It has little affinity to the tune commonly known
by that name.
THE BONIE BANKS OF AYR.
I COMPOSED this song as I convoyed my chest so
far on the road to Greenock, where I was to em-
bark in afew daysfor Jamaica.
I meant it as my farewel Dirge to my native
land.
The gloomy night is gathering fast,
Loud roars the wild, inconstant blast
* " I had taken the last farewel of my few friends ; my chest
was on the road to Greenock ; I had composed the last song I
should ever measure in Caledonia, The gloomy Night is gathering
fast.
Letter to Dr. Moore, vol. i. p, 35. Dr. Currie's ed.
;