The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-03
My Mary, dear departed shade,
Where is thy place of lis ful rest?

My Mary, dear departed shade,
Where is thy place of bissful rest?
About 100 of his characteristic poems
were already written and the now priceless
first edition of the same had been issued
from the rural press of Kilmarnock, in the
been born to him out of wedlock by Jean
Armour, one of whom, Robert, in after
years man of rare character and worth,
survived the poet IS years. his decease oc-
Currring at Dumfries in 1867, and his body
being inferred in the Burns vault. Mary
Campbell died and was buried Mt Greencck.
Burns local fame having attracted the at
tention of the literary coterie at Edinburgh,
he WAS invited to that city where he was
affiliated at the famous lodge of Free
Masons (Which still meets in the veritable
room then used) and subsequently "inaug-
urated" as its poet laureate, the latter event
being the subject of a celebrated paint
ing: while he was made the literary lion of
the day. as new and enlarged editions of his
poems appeared. He then made tour of
the border counties of England and Scot
land, and, untarnished by fame, returned to
there by his true love for his Jean, who re-
pented her remuneration, and with whom
the former intimacy was renewed. The tour
of the north was then made; Burns returned
to greater Edinburg literary triumphs; he
was introduced to Mrs. Maclehose, the
SiaIln0a VI MS famous correspondence
and again returning to his beloved jean,
took her secretly to Tarbottom mill for con-
1inement there in disgrace, when twins,
both of which died. were again born to
them. Being now Independent of scandal
GUS opposition, Burns publicly aud proudly
acknowledged" Jean Armour as his wife.
then as sacred and binding marriage in
Scotland as any other. and in this instance.
necessary only because debarrcd formal mar
riage at all times by the wife's parents, who
thus We're solely responsible for the cloud
upon the poets marital record. Burns also
satisfied the church, which in those days
was not SO difficult of satisfaction" He
was also in position to satisfy Jeans
parents: for on settlement with Creech, his
Edinburgh publisher, the then astounding
sum of s.. $40 was found to be at his dis
posal.
Then came the brief, bright days. Mag
unanimously generous always, much OF this
sum, the first and last good fortune Burns
ever knew, went to Jeans parents, and to
assist his brother Gilbert Burns in avertinp
disaster in the latter's farm-life efforts. His
lucky meeting with the ingenious and kind
ly Patrick Miller, OF Laiswinton han, hae
| occurred. 1t had been settled that the poet
| who hated tho city witty a royal hatred
should return to the plough. The nobility
| of the day never quite forgave this plebeaI
longing and love, the source OF his grand
est inspirations. The beautiful farm of FL
island, five miles from Dumfr'es; va
taken at rental of E45O per year. Burns
unaided. began his farm labors the mrs
Monday after Whitsunday. in 17SS. III
toiled manfully until the autumn OF tina
year. meantime singing many . iusty seel
to his absent wife, tearing down the wretch
cd howell he found. and building the losea
cottage which stands there embowered Il
roses to this day. And then was celebrate'
the simple but glorious homecoming
when. with rustic rites. and his bonni
Jean upon his arm, ''preosded by peasan
girl carrying the family Bible and bowl 9
salt" he marched proudly INTO his littl
home heaven beside the winding NTH. A
evidences agree that in the brief period Q
g. ,rlfe, over two years. betwee
ll79i. Burns and his good Jean q