This is a very pretty song; but I fancy that the first half stanza, as
well as the tune itself, are much older than the rest of the words.
* * * * *
GRAMACHREE.
The song of Gramachree was composed by a Mr. Poe, a counsellor at law
in Dublin. This anecdote I had from a gentleman who knew the lady, the
"Molly," who is the subject of the song, and to whom Mr. Poe sent the
first manuscript of his most beautiful verses. I do not remember any
single line that has more true pathos than
"How can she break that honest heart that wears her in its core!"
But as the song is Irish, it had nothing to do in this collection.
* * * * *
THE COLLIER'S BONNIE LASSIE.
The first half stanza is much older than the days of Ramsay.--The old
words began thus:
"The collier has a dochter, and, O, she's wonder bonnie!
A laird he was that sought her, rich baith in lands and money.
She wad na hae a laird, nor wad she be a lady,
But she wad hae a collier, the colour o' her daddie."
* * * * *
MY AIN KIND DEARIE-O.
The old words of this song are omitted here, though much more
beautiful than these inserted; which were mostly composed by poor
Fergusson, in one of his merry humours.
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