Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1852-12-08
The Home of Burns.

eGRAcE GREEswoop,' the sprightly correspon-
dent of the National Era, writes of her visit to
the House of Burns:
The cottage in which Burns was born, and
which his father built, was originally what is here
called ar clay bigging, consisting only of two
small apartments on the ground foor--a kitchen
and sitting-room. The kitchen hasa recess for
bed, and here the poet rstopened his bewidered
! baby eyes on q most ungenial World Thisroom.
is ssupposed, was the scene Of s:The Cotters Sat-
urday night / was somewhat disappointed to
find this cottage standing the road, and that it
hadbeen built on to, and whtewashed out of all
character and venerableness. 1t is now occupied
us an ale house, which beseemeth it little as the
scene of the beautiful religious poem above nam
ed. A few rods from the door stands the sc auld
haunted kirk, through one Of whose windows
lnckless Tam O'Shanter took his daring observa-.
ton of Old Nick and the witches sas they appear
ed when enjoying themseKes.' This is pictur-
esque, reofess, raftless edfce, in good state OF
preservation. In the pleasant old church-yard
rests the father Of the poet, beneath the tomb
stone erected and inscribed by one whose days
should have been sslong in the land' according to
the promise, for Burns truly honored his father
and his mother. =
From the kirk we went to the monument, (which
stands on the summit of the eastern bank of the
Doon,and near the sauld brig. 'on the s:keystone
of which poor Tam O 'Shanter was delivered from
his weird pursuers, and his gray mare sMeggie,' %
met with loss irreparable. This monument of
which the prints give you very good idea, is of
graceful proportions and graceful style of arch-
lecture. The grounds about it, though small in
extent. are admirably kept, shaded with fine shrub
berry, and made more beautiful by hosts of rare
and lovely flowers There seemed to me some-
thing peculiarly and touchingiy fitting in thus
sounding an edifce, sacred to the genius of
Burns, with the leafy haunts of the birds he loved;
in whose songs alone would his tuneful memory
live, and with the sweetness and brightness of
flowers, from whose glowing hearts he would
have drawn deep meanings of love and pure
sbreatliings of passion whose frail, fragrant
leaves he would have read holy Sabbath truths,
lessons of modesty and meekness, and teachings
of the wondrous workings of Him who planted
the daisv on the lonely hillside and the poet in
a weary world--the one to delight the eyes, the
other to charm and cheer the souls of his crea-
tures. -
Within the monument, we saw the most touch
ing relic of Burns, the Bible which he gave to
"Highland Mary, at the solemn betrothal. 1t is
in two volumes. In the fy-leaf of the first, in the
handwriting of the poet is the text, And we shall
net swear by my name falsely: / am Lord" In
the second, Thou shalt not forswear thysef but
shalt perform unto the Lord thy oaths." In both
volumes is the name of Burns, with his Mason's
mark, and in one is a lock of Mary 5 own hair-a
soft glossy curl which, that last tender parting
may have been smoothed down by the caressing
hand may have waved in the BREATH or lain against
the breast of the poet lover.
The view from the summit of the monument is
exceedingly beautiful and interesting, embracing,
as it does, many Of the scenes of the life and soul
Of Burns. The scenery of Ayr is not grand, sure
~, nor strikingly picturesque; but this vale is
lovely, quiet and pleasant beyond description, is
truly a smiling landscape. Perhaps something
was owing to the erich sunshine and soft air of the
day, and more to the wondrous charm of associa.
tion; but never remember to have felt more
exquisite sense of beauty, delight more deep ane
delicious, though Swallowed with sad and regretfu
memories, than while sitting or strolling on the
banks of the Doom, half cheated by exciting fan.
cy with the hope that might see the rustic poet