Robert Burns

“ The form of the poem is said to have been suggested by Fegusson's Dialogue between the Plainstanes and Causeway ; but it is certainly true that all that lends it life and feeling belongs to his own heart and to his native Ayr. No Greek had a keener ear for the voices of the gods in wood and stream than had Burns for the spirit-echoes of the genii of his native land. ”

“ Feal: a tributary of the Ayr, which flows through the grounds of Captain Montgomery.
228. A female form : an allusion to Mrs. Stewart, of Stair.
229. Learning, etc. : a tribute to Professor Dugald Stewart, of Catrine.
On July 8, 1891, a statue of Burns was unveiled at Ayr. On that occasion, an original poem, entitled The Auld Brig's Welcome, was recited by its author, Mr. Wallace Bruce. The following stanzas are taken from that poem :
The Auld Brig hails wi' hearty cheer, Uncover, lads, for Burns is here! The hard who links us all to fame, And blends his own with Scotia's name. ”

“ See Exodus xx.
175. mak to through : pass current.
202. M'Lauchlan : a well-known performer of Scottish music on the violin.
225. Courage : a complimentary allusion to Captain Hugh Montgomery, of Coilsfield. ”