Volume III, song 245, page 254 - 'The Lover's address to...
Volume III, song 245, page 254 - 'The Lover's address to Rose bud' - Scanned from the 1853 edition of the 'Scots Musical Museum', James Johnson and Robert Burns (Edinburgh and London: W. Blackwood & Sons, 1853)
Verse 1: 'Sweet nursling of the tears of morning, By Zephyr's balmy kisses prest, O soon thy parent stem adorning, Thou shalt spread thy fragrant brast. Yet not too soon be fond of shining, Beauty's days are bright but few, This hour in prime, the next declining, I's charms will pall upon the view.'
The 'Scots Musical Museum' is the most important of the numerous eighteenth- and nineteenth-century collections of Scottish song. When the engraver James Johnson started work on the second volume of his collection in 1787, he enlisted Robert Burns as contributor and editor. Burns enthusiastically collected songs from various sources, often expanding or revising them, whilst including much of his own work. The resulting combination of innovation and antiquarianism gives the work a feel of living tradition.
The top right side of the sheet has a note, 'By a Lady'. The 'Lady' was Elizabeth Scott (neǸ Rutherford) of Wauchope. Her husband Walter was a significant landowner in the area of Jedburgh but her society and literary connection was through her aunt, Alison Cockburn. Both women were minor authors and poets, during a period of great amateur creativity in society. Unfortunately Lady Scott's work has not received the most enthusiastic praise. Lady Scott is thought to be responsible for the melody.
Volume III, song 245, page 254 - 'The Lover's address to Rose bud' - Scanned from the 1853 edition of the 'Scots Musical Museum', James Johnson and Robert Burns (Edinburgh and London: W. Blackwood & Sons, 1853)