328 Burns and the Song-Birds of Scotland, [Sess. 



skylark, which evidently held a strong place in the affec- 

 tions of Burns,-— 



" And when the lark, 'tween light and dark, 

 Blithe waukens by the daisy's side, 

 And mounts and sings on fluttering wings, 

 A waeworn ghaist I hameward glide." 



This connection between the lark and the daisy was a 

 favourite conjunction of Burns. You have it in his well- 

 known poem, " To a Mountain Daisy." The reference in this 

 case is most vivid and lifelike, perfect in its natural accu- 

 racy, — 



" Alas ! it's no' thy neibor sweet, 

 The bonny lark, companion meet, 

 Bending thee 'mang the dewy weet, 



Wi' speckled breast. 

 When upward springing blithe to greet 

 The purpling east." 



This is exquisite as a picture of the skylark. Other refer- 

 ences are forthcoming, and all convey the same impression of 

 accurate observation and happy description. The song of the 

 lark seems to have caught the ear and inspired the muse of 

 the poet, as — 



" Thou laverock that springs frae the dews o' the lawn, 

 The shepherd to warn o' the grey breaking dawn." 



This love of the lark and its song was natural to Burns as 

 a ploughman. There are few things in nature fuller of 

 ravishing sweetness than to hear the song of the lark on a 

 fine June morning. There has been a spell of sunny weather, 

 and home affairs have been going well with the little song- 

 bird. Sunshine has warmed the nest by day and the dews of 

 night have been refreshingly abundant. All day the lark 

 rises and soars over the grass field or meadow, and as he soars 

 he sings, and as he descends he sings still. He was telling to 

 the skies of a dear secret hid away down there on mother 

 earth. And thus another day dawned with the promise of 

 golden sunshine, and the lark rose to greet its rising. That 

 scene Burns often witnessed, and it obviously impressed his 

 sensitive heart. 



