SCOTT AND BURNS.

Western Star, Issue 2178, 9 February 1898, Page 2

SCOTT AND BURNS.

A correspondent to the Dunedin Star writes : The Dunedin Burns Club have just celebrated the 130th anniversary of the birth of their famous poet, and even those who do not enthuse over the Ayrshire ploughman must feel that it is only right that the world should not be allowed to forget the birthday of a lyrist who goes so straight to the heart as does Bobbie Burns. But how is it that Scotchmen, in various parts of the world, do not keep in remembrance the birthday of one who is generally considered the greatest writer of the nineteenth century—one who was not only a Scotchman, but also of noble character —the immortal Sir Walter Scott. It is generally thought that Burns appeals more to the average intellect than Scott. This may be so in poetry, Scott’s themes being more those of chivalry and romance, but surely in the latter’s prose characters and language may be found to suit the comprehension of all. Supposing a Scotchman of even slight education was doomed to remain alone on an island for so many years, and he was given the choice of having either the works of Burns or Scott for his only readings, which would he select ? Had he an average intelligence, I should say Scott. He w uld then be the possessor of those beautiful poems “ Marmion,” “ Lady of the Lake.” etc, and also quite a library of wonderful instructive literature. In choosing Burns he would simply have his songs, “ Tara o’ Shanter,” “ The Cottar’s Saturday Night,” and not much besides

It does appear strange that Scotchmen in the colonies should build statues to have clubs in honor of and constantly write in the papers about Robbie Burns, seemingly to almost entirely forget that their country has produced one whom they ought to be equally proud of and whom they should equally all understand—the immortal creator of Jeannie Deans, Dominee Samson and Nicol Jarvie.