Autograph letter signed : place not specified, to [George Thomson], [1794] Nov. 19-20.

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Autograph letter signed : place not specified, to [George Thomson], [1794] Nov. 19-20.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/587603891

Giving the verses of "Song -- Tune, The Sow's tale," noting that the song was written that morning and "is not an hour old," and discussing his choice of the name "Philly." Discussing tunes and choruses in general. Giving the verses of "Song" to the tune of "Lumps o' puddins," noting that if Thomson does not "relish it," Burns will send it to James Johnson. Mentioning that the words of "Auld lang syne" are "good," but that the "music is an old air, the rudiments of the modern tune of that name." Continuing the letter on the following day, giving the verses of "Can you leave me thus, my Katy," noting that it is for the tune of "Roy's wife." Giving revised verses of his "Song" (i.e., "Saw ye my Phely (quasi dicat, Phillis) Tune, When she cam ben she bobbit") substituting "Mary" for "Phely" and "Harry" for "Willie." Rejecting some proposed edits by Thomson and discussing the complicated history and relationships of Scottish and Irish songs. Asking Thomson to give David Allen a detailed message about an illustration, offering to send Allen a related "sight" of his own, and noting "I look on Mr. Allen & Mr. Burns to be the only genuine & real Painters of Scotish Costume in the world."

1 item (12 p.) ; 24.9 cm.

Pierpont Morgan Library.

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 7769972

Related Entities

There are 3 Entities related to this resource.

Burns, Robert, 1759-1796

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6nv9g84 (person)

Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world. Celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature. ...

Allan, David, 1744-1796

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w69z9355 (person)

Thomson, Mr. (George), 1757-1851

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6s75szb (person)

Scottish amateur folksong editor and publisher. From the description of Autograph letter in the third person, dated : [Edinburgh], 10 August 1839, to Mrs. [Samuel] Laing, 1839 Aug. 10. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270677692 ...