Egerton MS 1656

AUTOGRAPH letters and poems of Robert Burns, viz.:-

1. Letter to Mr. George Thomson, criticising pieces intended for insertion in his forthcoming Collection of Scottish Songs; offering substitutes of his own composition, etc.; dated 7 Apr. 1793, f. 1. Printed, with omissions and verbal variations, in the Works of Burns, ed. J. Currie, London, 4 vols. 8vo. 1801; vol. iv. p. 55.

2. Draft of letter to the Earl of Buchan, in answer to his advice to Burns to write on subjects of Scottish history, etc.; n.d. 1787?, f. 5. A portion printed as above, vol. ii. f. 54.

3. Draft of letter to the Lord Provost and Council of Dumfries, soliciting the benefit of a real as well as honorary membership of the corporation, in respect of the schools; n.d. 1796 ?, f. 7.

4. Humorous verses in the form of a Summons for a meeting of Fornicators, beginning, "In Truth and Honor''s name, Amen," f. 8.

5. "The Holy Tulzie:" Verses on occasion of a quarrel between Mr. Moodie, of Riccarton, and Mr. Russel, of Kilmarnock; with explanatory verses, f. 12.

6. A few lines which formed part of an unfinished tragedy; with explanation, beginning, "All devil as I am." f. 14b.

7. Another fragment, beginning, "I burn, I burn," f. 15.

8. "The Kirk of Scotland''s alarm - a Ballad," f. 16. Printed with variations in Works of Burns, ed. Allan Cunningham, London, 8vo. 1842, p. 90.

9. Another copy of the above, with some variations; written out, apparently, for Mr. Graham of Fintray. On the back of the leaf are a few lines, in prose, on the depravity of human nature. f. 17.

10. "Extempore in the Court of Sessions," f. 18. Printed in Works, ed. Cunningham, p. 122.

11 "The Dean of Faculty- a new Ballad," f. 19. Printed, but without the last stanza, as above, p. 73.

12. "Sketch-inscribed to the Rt. Hon. Charles James Fox, Esq.," f. 20. Printed, with verbal differences, and omitting the last twelve Lines in works, ed. Currie, vol. ii. p. 221.

13. "The Holy Fair," f. 21. Printed, with variations, as above, vol. iii. p. 28.

14. Dialogue between husband and wife, f. 25. Printed, with the addition of two stanzas at the commencement, as above, vol. iv. p. 145.

15. "McPherson''s Farewell," f. 26. Printed in Works, ed. Cunningham, p. 146.

16. Song, "Here''s a health to them that''s awa''," f. 27. Printed as above, p. 219.

17. "A Scots Ballard:" The five Carlins, f. 28. Printed as above, p. 94. Paper. Folio.