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[G. Wilkinson]

Worcester College. Oxford.

Oct. 19 1928

Dear Buchan

I was young and am now getting middle aged, but as never before, so probably never again shall I see in conjunction two names which will move my heart 'more than with a trumpet', as Sidney says, as to-day do those of "Montrose" by John Buchan. I read the review of your book in the Literary Supplement as I came to Oxford last Friday and hastened to Blackwells to get a copy. But as might be expected they were sold out and I have only got my copy this evening. May I, who lost two brothers in the war, pay my

Last edit over 1 year ago by ubuchan
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humble tribute to your Dedication.

For all things else and all men may renew;

Yea, son for son the gods may give and take,

But never a brother or sister any more.

I turned first to p.151 to see if you had solved the problems connected with Montrose's great song. But his verse is outside the scope of your book. None the less, as you may have these questions fresh in your mind, will you, when we next meet at the Chest, enliven the somewhat tedious proceedings of that august body by sending me a note on the following points.

'My dear and only Love' (an incomparable opening) was first attributed to Montrose by Watson on p.107 of Part III of Scots Poems, 1711.

The text according to Napier follows a broadside of 1690. Does this broadside exist? I have never seen it and wish you had reproduced it if it does. I have a note that an imitation

'My dear and only love take heed

How thou thyself expose.'

was printed in Wit and Drollery, 1661, p.41, and that this was reprinted in Pills to Purge Melancholy, 1720, vol: VI, p.122-3, with the music. I have also seen the music in The Dancing Master, 17th edition, 1721, p.110. 'Never love thee more'.

I have only got Watson and Durfey. Watson gives thirteen stanzas to the 'Second Part' and Durfey prints five and a half of which only the first is the same as that given by Watson.

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There were obviously several imitations. But if one of these is dated 1661, is it at all probable that Montrose's song was never printed before 1690? I find it hard to believe that an imitation was written of a song which circulated only in MS. and that a popular song by Montrose would not have found its way into print in 1660 or 1661. Have you any information?

I traversed Scotland from Dumfries to Inverness and stalked stags, grouse and partridges last month. I even tried to commit 'that sin' as Lander called it, of fishing, but the fish were not responsive to my efforts.

Shawn returned to you yesterday. I fear that he is going blind in one eye, poor man.

Yours very sincerely,

C.H. Wilkinson

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