with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

^52
Something, however, is to be allowed to the nature of
the subject, and something to the education of the
poet: and if from veneration to the names of Swift
and Dryden, we tolerate the grossness of the one, and
the indelicacy of the other, the respect due to that of
Burns, may surely claim indulgence for a few light
strokes of broad humour. The same collection con-
tains ' Holy Willie's Prayer,' a piece of satire more
exquisitely severe than any which Burns afterwards
wrote, but unfortunately cast in a form too daringly
profane to be received into Dr. Currie's Collection.
'' Knowing that these, and hoping that other com-
positions of similar spirit and tenor might yet be reco-
vered, we were induced to think that some of them, at
least, had found a place in the collection given to
the public by Mr. Cromek. But he has neither risqued
the censure, nor laid claim to the applause, which
might have belonged to such an undertaking.*'
A critique so highly commendatory, from the pen
of one whose judgment in poetical matters is of great
authority, must have excited the curiosity of the pub-
lic with respect to the poem, and may avail as a licence
for its insertion here. The Editor, however, must
avow, that he still feels the fidl force of his former
scruples, and that he waves them only in deference
.