The above definitions of _Sh.e.l.lycoat._are very precise: that of _Kow_ is less so. Both are spirits, and frightful in character; yet apparently of distinct habits. Hence the _first_ of the readings given above,--the oldest and that adopted in the text--

"She fled as frae a sh.e.l.lycoat or kow,"

is quite natural and proper: the _second_ (though susceptible of explanation,) seems much less so.

At page 57, a variation from the text given in the present edition, is found in nearly all the more modern editions: it is as follows:--

"_Enter_ BAULDY [_singing_].

SANG XVI.

Jocky _said to_ Jenny, Jenny, _wilt thou do't?

Ne'er a fit, quoth_ Jenny, _for my tocher-good; For my tocher-good, I winna marry thee: E'en's-ye-like, quoth,_ Jocky, _I can let you be._

_Mause,_[59] Well lilt.i.t, Bauldy, that's a dainty sang.

[Footnote 59: In some editions, _Madge_.]

_Bauldy,_ I'se gie ye't a', it's better than it's lang.

_I have gowd and gear, I have land eneugh, I have sax good owsen ganging in a pleugh; Ganging in a pleugh, and linkan o'er the lee, And gin ye winna tak me, I can let ye be._

_I have a good ha' house, a barn, and a byre; A peat-stack 'fore the door, will mak a ranting fire; I'll mak a ranting fire, and merry shall we be, And gin ye winna tak me, I can let ye be._

Jenny _said to_ Jocky, _gin ye winna tell, Ye shall be the lad, I'll be the la.s.s mysell; Ye're a bonny lad, and I'm a la.s.sie free; Y'ere welcomer to tak me than to let me be._"

In "Ramsay's Poems," published in London, by Millar, Rivington & Co., 2 vols. 12mo, 1761; (three years after the author's death;) there occur several variations from the text of the present edition. As the more important of these changes, with one exception, have been adopted in the edition edited by George Chalmers, published by Cadell & Co., London, 2 vols. 8vo, 1800; (usually considered the "best edition" of Ramsay's collected works;) and as they have been again adopted in the recent reprint of Cadell's edition by Fullarton & Co., London, 3 vols. 12mo, 1850, it has been thought best to present them here in the form of notes. The following, therefore, are to be understood as the readings in the editions just referred to:--

Page 5, line 13 from bottom:--

"'Till he yowl'd sair she strak the poor dumb tyke:"

This is the reading in the 8vo and 4to editions of 1721, before referred to. In the 4to subscription edition of 1728, the author rejected the above reading, and subst.i.tuted that given in the text. This would seem to be conclusive; and produces a considerable degree of suspicion as to the authority for the other alterations which we find in the editions of 1761 and 1800.

Page 11, line 4 from bottom:--

"We soon will hear what a poor feightan life"

[_Edition of_ 1800.

The editions of 1761 and 1850 give the reading in the text.

Page 19, line 8 from top:--

"To shine, or set in glory with Montrose."

Page 25, line 8 from bottom:--

"_Bauldy._ Well vers'd in herbs and seasons of the moon, By skilfu' charms 'tis kend what ye have done."

[_Edition of_ 1761.

The editions of 1800 and 1850 give the reading in the text.

Page 27:--

MAUSE _her lane_.

"This fool imagines, as do mony sic, That I'm a witch in compact with _Auld Nick_, Because by education I was taught To speak and act aboon their common thought.

Their gross mistake shall quickly now appear, Soon shall they ken what brought, what keeps me here.

Now since the royal _Charles_, and right's restor'd, A shepherdess is daughter to a lord.

The _bonny foundling_ that's brought up by _Glaud_, Wha has an uncle's care on her bestow'd, Her infant life I sav'd, when a false friend Bow'd to th' _Usurper_, and her death design'd, To establish him and his in all these plains That by right heritage to her pertains.

She's now in her sweet bloom, has blood and charms Of too much value for a shepherd's arms: None knows't but me;--and if the morn were come, I'll tell them tales will gar them all sing dumb."

Page 29, line 7 from top:--

"I darna stay,--ye joker, let me gang, Or swear ye'll never tempt to do me wrang."

Page 29, line 15 from top:--

"Shall do thee wrang, I swear by all aboon."

Page 36, line 4 from top:--

"No _Jaccacinths_ or _Eglantines_ appear.

Here fail'd and broke's the rising ample shade, Where _peach_ and _nect'rine_ trees their branches spread, Basking in rays, and early did produce Fruit fair to view, delightful in the use; All round in gaps, the walls in ruin lie, And from what stands the wither'd branches fly."

Page 47, line 10 from bottom:--

"With equal joy my safter heart does yield, To own thy well-try'd love has won the field."

Page 62, top line:--

"But love rebels against all bounding laws; Fixt in my soul the shepherdess excells,"

Page 63, line 15 from bottom:--

"Fine claiths, saft beds, sweet houses, sparkling wine, Rich fare, and witty friends, whene'er ye dine, Submissive servants, honour, wealth and ease,"

Page 64, line 14 from bottom:--

"_Roger._ And proud of being your secretary, I To wyle it frae me a' the deels defy."

Page 67, line 10 from bottom:--