Volume II, song 190, page 198 - 'To a Blackbird' - Scanned...
Volume II, song 190, page 198 - 'To a Blackbird' - Scanned from the 1853 edition of the 'Scots Musical Museum', James Johnson and Robert Burns (Edinburgh and London: W. Blackwood & Sons, 1853)
Verse 1 (to the tune of 'Scots Queen'): 'Go on sweet bird, and soothe my care, Thy tuneful notes will hush despair; Thy plaintive warblings void of art, Thrill sweetly thro' my aching heart. Now chuse thy mate, and fondly love, And all the charming transport prove; While I a lovelorn exile live, Nor transport or receive or give, Nor transport or receive or give.'
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.
It is noted in the top right corner of the sheet that this song is 'by a lady'. Burns in his personal notes reveals the lady to be Clarinda, the alias for Agnes (Nancy) Craig M'Lehose. She was the subject of a passionate love fostered by Burns, but due to her separated status Burns's love had to remain unrequited. They exchanged poems early in their relationship and Burns gave them to his professional acquaintance Professor Gregory, for criticism. He returned a favourable report and Burns christened them 'worthy of Sappho'. The melody, 'Scots Queen' is older than this set of lyrics.
Volume II, song 190, page 198 - 'To a Blackbird' - Scanned from the 1853 edition of the 'Scots Musical Museum', James Johnson and Robert Burns (Edinburgh and London: W. Blackwood & Sons, 1853)