with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

68
came first on the streets as a ballad; and I suppose
the composition of the song was not much anterior
to that period.^
And are ye sure the news is true ?
And are ye sure he's weel ?
Is this a time to talk o' wark ?
Ye jads, lay by your wheel
Is this a time to talk of wark.
When Colin's at the door ?
Gie me my cloak ! I'll to the quay,
And see him come ashore.
For there's nae luck about the house,
' There s nae luck ava;
There's little pleasure in the house^
When our gudemans awa.
Rise up, and mak a clean fire-side, •
Put on the muckle pat
* The authoress of this unique ballad (supposed to be written
in the character of a Mariner's Wife) was a Jean Adarriy who
instructed a few children in an obscure village of Scotland ;
and
who, after wandering about from place to place, and experienc-
ing a variety of hardships and misfortunes, died in extreme
wretchedness in the woikhouse at Glasgow, in the year 1765.
A more detailed account of this extraordinary woman may be
seen in the Appendix, marked (a), at the end of this volume.
Ed.