ROBERT BURNS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18919, 7 February 1927, Page 11

ROBERT BURNS.

■ TO THK EDITOR OT TIIB MCSS. Sir,—l road with interest the article by "Anglicus" on Robert Burns, and. although I am a Scot myself, T could not but admit the justice of bis criticism. And on perusing the article again last Sunday I began to leel shamefaced in anticipation of the lettors which must surely follow—for I know my countrymen. Tlicro hare been two* such letters so far, and my worst expectations have been realised. As a Scut, I apologise to "Anglicus" (scholar and critic that ho is) for my countrymen, feeling assured that he is not troubh 1 bv such a display of prejudiced insuL'.iy. Your correspondents might make clear to us, if they can, the deep religious feeling which inspired Burns to writ© "Holy Willie's I'rayer," "The Holy Fair," and "The Two Herds." When they have done this Mr 11. M. Donaldson might tell us whether he really thinks that "The Cottar's Saturday Night" is poetry of the first order, and Mr Webster might let us know by what works or deeds our poet evidenced the piety to which he is claimed to havo given expression in his verse. J:i the meantime, I wish to assure | ''Anglicus'' that there is at least one .Scot who, as a result of reading his article, can see himself as ithcrs see him.—Yours, etc.. OXK FltOM THK HANKS OF TUSCAN Y. February Gth. TO THK EDITOR Or TUB rRf.SS. Sir. —J shall *bo glad if you will publish the following extract from a speech mado by Professor Masson, Glasgow University, at a Burns gathering recently: "Burns was a special creation from Ihe great rcsrrvo of genius, which Nature, or the great Author of Nature, |cccps in reserve, in order that a flash mav como now and again, like the great singular flashes of old."—Yours, etc., W.K.fl. Chnslchurcb, February sth, 192".