Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-16
HIGHLAND MARY.

Burns Highland Mary, is one of his happ-
est eiiusions. traveller, we think-Mr.
Carter, gives the following interesting history
of the facts which gave rise TO the poem.-"ln
the west church of Greenock, without stone
to mark the place, slumbers the ashes OF Burns
Highland Mary. On late visit to that town,
curiosity and a hope of elicitng some particu-
lars respecting the object of the poets love,
induced us to pay visit to the mother OF Ma
ry Campbell, now residing there. We found
her tidy, hale old woman of four score, seat
ed beside her "wee bit ingle," and buslly en-
ployed at her spinning wheel, with the product
of which, and little assistance from the par
ish, she manages to cke out sort of lNeli-
hood. Her daughter Mary soon became the
subject Of conversation, and we found her eX-
trcmely communicative. She stated that when
her daughter came from Ayrshire, she spoke
often of the correspondence she had there
maintained with Burns, and said that he re-
peatedly offered her his hand, and told her he
would come to any part of the Highlands and
marry her. He Likewise mentioned that it was
his intention to 90 to the West Indies, but he
said, in the event of this taking place, he would
settle yearly sum upon his Highland Mary,
until he returned. Burns gallantry at this
time formed theme for gossips, and Mary
almost dreaded union with one whom her
friends condemned as a rake. Had she sur
vivid, these objections would have been sur
mounted; but, alas! their last farewell was
spoken; ere they we're long separated, the re-
sistless arm of death numbered Mary among
his victims, and she was mingled with the clods
of the valley--while the bard, unconscious of
his loss, revellcd in visionary prospects of do
mestic bliss Impatient at the delay and 81
lence of his betrothed, Burns, wrote repeatedly
to the Highlands, but could obtain no informa-
ton to quiet his soul. AT length he addressed
a letter of enquiry to her uncle at Greenock,
and by him the melancholy truth was unfold
ed. To one whose bosom ever too ten
derly alive to the fner feelings and passions,
this proved an overwhelming blow-his mental
anguish was in the extreme, and his sorrows
were vented in the well known impassionate
address " to Mary in Heaven" After Mary's
death several letters from Burns, breathing all
tlo ardour and enthusiasm which chara cterized
he illusions, were discovered in her chest
These, with letter addressed to Mrs Camp
bell, by her intended son-in-law, were commit
ted TO the flames bv the ruthless hand of one of
Mary's brothers. The last parting scene be-
tween the youthful lovers, as described by the
poet, was extremely impressive"
Ye banks, and braes, and streams around
The castle Of Montgomery,
Green be your woods, and fair your flowers,
Your waters never drumlie!
There simmer first unfauld her robes,
And there the Largest tarry,
For there took the last farewell
O. my sweet Highland Mary.
How sweetly bloom'd the gay, green birk,
How rich the Haw-thons blossom;
As underneath their fragrant shade,
I clasp'd her to my bosom
The flceting hours, on angel wings,
Flew DER me and my dearie;
For dear to me as light and life,
Was my sweet Highland Mary.
WI many a vow, and ock'd embrace,
Our parting was fu' tender;
And pledging aft to NEE; again,
We tore oursels asunder;
But. oh! fell deaths untimely frost,
That nipt my flower sac early,
Nov qreen's the sod, and caud's the clay,
That wraps my Highland Mary.
o pale. pale nov, those rosy lips,
aft hae kissed sac fondly!
Aud closed for ay, the sparkling glance
That dwelt on me sac kindly