Year: 1868

BURNS AND HIGHLAND MARY-The most
beautiful episode in the life OF Burns was his
deep attachment to Highland Mary-the pure
minded maiden who pledged her troth to him
in his gloomiest hour; who died so early,
and left him lonely In the world to clutch at
worthless enjoyments, to struggle onward
against poverty, neglect, insult, and selfup-
braidings, till at thirty-seven years of age he
passed away. Formerly, II was believed that
his parting with Mary Campbell was an ear
ly event, even as he himself declared Il to
have been. He wished 20 mystify inquirers
and preserve the secret of that holy affection.
Less readily might bis "Bonny Jean" have
forgiven the intense worship paid by bis soul
to the innocent Highland Mary, immeasura-
bly, her superior, than the transient wander
ings of his fancy towards unworthy rivals.
SO the man bore the secret in his own heart,
Striving bravely against ills that were partly
his own bringing; only at rare intervals be
gave vent to the agony Of memory, such as
inspired his beautiful lines To Mary IN HedDs8.
We envy no one who can read unmoved the
narrative of the anniversary when my Mary
from my side was torn" We remember the
carefully guarded manner by which the poet,
usually unreserved In speech, eluded ques-
tions of curiosity regarding that event.
Robin, Robin, the earthly punishment Of thy
fault was manfully borne; but 1t would have
been better for thee had that gentle Highland
gill; Win liOuc COuidtCs uCl uuoW
faith been the partner allotted to thee, In
stead Of the early-wronged woman who had
no power or will to lift thee TO holier life.
We now know the date of his engagement
with Mary-17S6.


The disastrous intrigue with Jean Amour
had wrecked his character and peace Of mind.
His offer of reparation had been insultingly
refused by the father of Jean. The girl her
self either from mercenary fears, weakness Of
heart, or from unwillingness to accept anoth-
er suitor, had agreed to the contemptuous
rejection of Burns. Wrecked In reputation,
abandoned by friends, despairiug Of himself
or of any Advancement In his native land, he
determined to emigrate, and attempt In the
West Indies to gain independence. In few
months the pestileutial climate might have
robbed US of the truest poet Scotland ever
bore. At this hour came the wild excite
ment that produced fruit In him Of those
marvellous Bacchanalian songs WNlts brsiosd
a peek O. Maui, and The WAtstle. It was q
dangerous time, the peril OF q noble soul In
the darkness. In despair be remembered the
innocence and affection Of the young girl,
Mary yCampbell-the Highland Mary to whose
name his own is inseperably joined. All
voices were against her, prudence forbade
her union with this outlawed man, bat the
girl dared to trust the love In her own heart,
and looked to her Heavenly Father for pro-
lection. She knew that Burns had sinned,
and how be had repented. She knew be was
free to be her husband-made free even By
the scorn of that Jean whom he had Injured.
She knew how little prospect Of fortune be
had, but she believed In bis affection She
vowed to be true 10 him, and called Heaven
to witness that vow. They exchanged bibles
and parted, looking to a speedy reunion;
but death came between them, and they new
er on earth met again. In Dumfdes the ash
es of the great poet rest There is hallowed
dust in Greenock also, that no lover Of Burns
can fail to reverence paying pilgrimage to
the tomb Of Highland Mary.-Reu- J W.
Ebs,ooYfh