ROBERT BURNS LETTER TO MR THOMSON HIS PUBLISHER.

ROBERT BURNS LETTER TO MR THOMSON HIS PUBLISHER.

ROBERT BURNS LETTER TO MR THOMSON dated 16th September 1792 Dumfries.
Sir,
I have just this moment got your letter. As the request you make to me will positively add to my enjoyments in complying with it, I shall enter into your undertaking with all the small portion of abilities I have, strained to their utmost exertion by the impulse of enthusiasm.
Only, don't hurry me:"Deil tak the hindmost," is by no means the cri de guerre of my muse. Will you, as I am inferior to none of you in enthusiastic attachment to the poetry and music of old Caledonia, and, since you request it, have cheerfully promised my mite of assistance - will you let me have a list of your airs, with the first line of the printed verses you intend for them, that I may have the opportunity of suggesting any alteration that may occur to me. You know 'tis in the way of my trade; still leaving you, gentlemen, the undoubted right of publishers, to approve, or reject, at your pleasure, for your own publication. A propos! if you are for English verses, there is, on my part, an end to the matter. Whether in the simplicity of the ballad, or the pathos of the song, I can only hope to please myself in being allowed at least a sprinkling of our native tongue. English verses, particularly the works of Scotsmen, that have merit, are certainly very eligible. "Tweedside;" Ah! the poor shepherd's mournful fate!" Ah! Chloris could I now but sit," &c. you cannot mend; but such insipid stuff as, "To Fanny fair could I impart," &c. usually set to "The Mill, Mill O," is a disgrace to the collections in which it has already appeared, and would doubly dusgrace a collection that will have the very superior merit of yours. But more of this in the farther prosecution of the business, if I am called on for my strictures and amendments - I say, amendments; for I will not alter except where I myself at least think that I amend.
As to any remunerations, you may think my songs either above or below price; for they shall absolutely be the one or the other. In the honest enthusiasm with which I embark in your undertaking, to talk of money, wages, fee, hire, &c. would be downright prostitution of soul! A proof of each of the songs that I compose or amend, I shall receive as a favour. In the rustic phrase of the season, "Gude speed the wark!"
I am sir, your very humble servant,
Robert Burns.
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Robert Burns letter to his publisher shows very clearly he only wished his work to be kept in his native tongue.
I wonder what Robert Burns would think of this venture...