PUBLISHERS' NOTICE TO THE THIRD EDITION. Two large editions of this work, in a sumptuous and somewhat costly form, having been sold, the publishers have been induced to issue it in plainer style, and at a much lower price. It is thought that many a son of Scotia who might have found it difficult to indulge himself with a copy of the former edition will be glad to avail himself of the present reduction to cultivate the acquaintance of her immortal Bards. They can not but feel grateful for the favor with which it has every where been hailed, and the dormant enthusiasm which it has universally awakened. One says of it: "If the eyes of the sons and daughters of the land o' cakes' do not glisten when they see this elegant book, we shall begin to think that Caledonian hearts are not what they once were. It is a Scotch book all over. The tartan waves on the pinnacle of the introductory page; the thistle stands guard over the gates of the preface; and the bagpipe plays an adieu at the finis. It is enriched with the most brilliant and costly poetic gems from the mines of that land, which has been as fruitful in minstrels as in metaphysicians, heroes and martyrs." Another says: "In the trashy flood of annuals and gift-books that is now setting in, it is refreshing to meet a book like this, that has some of the genuine droppings from the 'pictured urn.' It is a magnificent bouquet, culled from the sweetest flowers of song that have ever glistened with the sunlight or trembled with a tear. There is a touching sweetness in Scottish poetry that is unknown to the statelier productions of the English muse, and that makes it eminently the poetry of the heart, and eminently adapted for such a collection as this." To all the friends of Scotland and the Scottish bards, in whatever clime they abide, this volume is affectionately commended. The stirring history of Scotland, her struggles for liberty, both civil and religious-her magnificent scenery-the simple manners of her people-their strength of domestic affection, and kindly social feeling—all afford ample themes for poetry. Hence her poets have always excelled in lyric composition, and no other country can show so large, so varied, or so charming a literature of song. |