To Burns.

Old friend!— I always loved thee;

In childhood's early days,

Delighted I would listen

With laughter to thy lays.

And better still I loved thee,

To riper boyhood grown;

Because thou wert the pride of

The land that's part my own.

But with devotion deepened

I greet thee now anew,

Of love, because thou singest

So simple, sweet, and true.