And aiblins to the beating o't:
He dances best that dances fast,
And loups at ilka reesing o't,
And claps his hands frae hough to hough,
And furls about the feezings o't."

* * * * *

TODLEN HAME.

This is perhaps the first bottle song that ever was composed.

* * * * *

THE BRAES O' BALLOCHMYLE.

This air is the composition of my friend Allan Masterton, in
Edinburgh. I composed the verses on the amiable and excellent family
of Whitefoords leaving Ballochmyle, when Sir John's misfortunes had
obliged him to sell the estate.

* * * * *

THE RANTIN' DOG, THE DADDIE O'T.

I composed this song pretty early in life, and sent it to a young
girl, a very particular acquaintance of mine, who was at that time
under a cloud.

* * * * *

THE SHEPHERD'S PREFERENCE.

This song is Dr. Blacklock's.--I don't know how it came by the name,
but the oldest appellation of the air was, "Whistle and I'll come to
you, my lad."

It has little affinity to the tune commonly known by that name.

* * * * *

THE BONIE BANKS OF AYR.

I composed this song as I conveyed my chest so far on the road to
Greenock, where I was to embark in a few days for Jamaica.

I meant it as my farewell dirge to my native land.

* * * * *

JOHN O' BADENYON.

This excellent song is the composition of my worthy friend, old
Skinner, at Linshart.

"When first I cam to be a man
Of twenty years or so,
I thought myself a handsome youth,
And fain the world would know;
In best attire I stept abroad,
With spirits brisk and gay,
And here and there and everywhere,
Was like a morn in May;
No care had I nor fear of want,
But rambled up and down,
And for a beau I might have pass'd
In country or in town;
I still was pleas'd where'er I went,
And when I was alone,
I tun'd my pipe and pleas'd myself
Wi' John o' Badenyon.

Now in the days of youthful prime
A mistress I must find,
For _love_, I heard, gave one an air
And ev'n improved the mind:
On Phillis fair above the rest
Kind fortune fixt my eyes,
Her piercing beauty struck my heart,
And she became my choice;
To Cupid now with hearty prayer
I offer'