with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

129
THE LAIBD OF COCKPEN.
Here is a verse of this Vwely old song that used
to be sung after these printed ones.
O, wha has lien wi' our Lord yestreen ?
O, wha has lien wi' our Lord yestreen ?
In his soft down bed, O, twa fowk were the sted.
An* whare lay the chamber maid, lassie, yestreen ?
more boasted of than enjoyed. The happiness of rustic society
in its approach to modern refinement—his delight in the society
and converse of the aged, all tended to confer on him that
powerful gift of imitating the ancient ballads of his country with
the ease and simplicity of his models. This ballad of * Auld
lang syne' would have been esteemed a beautiful modern in the
days of Ramsay: its sentiments and language are admirably
mixed with the sweet recollections of boyish pranks and endear-
ments. To a native of Scotland, the phrase * Auld lang syne'
is very expressive, and " conveys a soothing idea to the mind, as
recalling * the memory ofjoys that are past.'
Burns's most successful imitation of the old style seems to be
in his verses entitled ' The lovely Lass of Inverness.' He took
up the idea from tlie first half verse, which is all that remains of
the old words, and this prompted the feelings and tone of the
time he wished to commemorate. That he passed some of these
as the popular currency of other years is well known, though
only discovered by the variations which his papers contain. He
scattered these samples to be picked up by inquisitive criticism^
that he might listen to its remarks, and, perhaps, secretly enjoy
the admiration which they excited.
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