THE LAST POEM OF BURNS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19198, 14 June 1924, Page 7

THE LAST POEM OF BURNS.

Sir,—l have been particularly interested in the poem, purported to be the last literary work of the immortal genius. Robert Bums, which you printed in your columns a few’ days ago, and in the correspondence which has been evoked by the publication of tbe_ poem. Mr Wnldie’s letter is a very fine one, reflecting credit equally upon Ida head and his heart, and 1 feel an added respect for him for bis having written it. It is, perhaps, too much to expect that, after the laps© of more than a hundred years, anything definite will ever ho discovered as to whether this really fine poem is indeed a genuine Burns production. In the absence of definite proof, all argument must necessarily bo in the form of conjecture, and consequently futile; hut. as the work itself bears distinct evidence of having emanated from the genius of tho immortal ploughman, J am of the opinion of Mr Waldie that vve should regard if as genuine, until, at any rate, such time as contrary proof is forthcoming. If, as your correspondent, “Lothian,” seems to suggest, the poem is not genuine, who, then, could have written it, since, obviously, it is not tho work of any common rhymster? And what could bo the motive in attributing it to Burns ? , With regard to the correct word for the misprint “lava,” it seems to me that “Lothian’s” substitute “hays” is more ap; preprint© than Mr Waldie’a word “lays.” !u the light, of the lino immediately following, “bays” seems to express tho true meaning’ of the poet, sine© there is something suggestive in the coolness-of green leaves. The word “lown” is indeed, as Mr Waldie says, a fine old Scottish word, and one which I have hoard my father use many times, but which one rarely hears nowadays. . , . ... In the event of possible criticism of this letter, I would say. Sir, that I do not pretend to be an authority on Burns. 1 have never, indeed, seen the country where lie was horn, and which ho has immortalised, but descendants of “Auld Scotia” may’ still claim to love her national hard, ami can say, with tho American poet, “Wear we not graven on our hearts The name of Robert Burns;” —I am, etc., Hugh Wuaojr opeott. Mosgiel. Sib, In your issue of June 5 you publish ’an extract from the I’crthshire Advertiser giving in full a poem—a “recent discovery” found in New Zealand—and supposed to he Bums’s “Swan Song.” Tho manuscript may bo a recent “find.” bub as wo are not told whether it is in Burns’s handwriting or not wo must wait for furl her information on tho matter. Tho poem, in eight double stanzas, is not new to the literary world, as it has been in circulation for half a century. It appeared in print for the first time in the New York Scotsman as far back as June. 1876. It was given then ns an original poem by the poet Burns, hut was looked upon by critics as spurious. In page 206 of volume vi. of the Carnegie edition of “Burns Works” (1886, Hunter and Cebbie, Philadelphia) there is a footnote alluding to the poem ns fictitious stanzas by a modern versifier, imposing upon and deluding the public. " The first line, verse 7, should read; “Ah, what is feme? Its wreath of bays,” and the third line is “Though proudly it may tell his name,” etc.—l am, t, *°” A Critic Fkar Balcldtita.

TO THE EDITOR.