94 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Mr. Campbell. The visits of the bard were most frequently paid in the evening,
when he usually drank tea, remained for an hour or two, and then hurried away
to become the lion of a fashionable party, or to join in the deep carousal of a
tavern debauch.
One day Mr. Campbell was surprised by a call from the bard at a much earlier
hour than usual. ‘‘ I am come, Lucky,” said Burns, addressing Mrs. Campbell
in his off-hand manner, “to make trial of a plate of your kaail, knowing by
experience that your tea is excellent.” It was just then the dinner hour ; and
the poet was of course kindly invited to partake. After duly complimenting
the hostess on the excellence of her fare, he at length adverted to the business
that had brought him so early abroad. It related to the tribute paid by the
bard to the memory of poor Fergusson. Burns wanted an introduction to
Bailie Gentle of the Canongate, whom he supposed likely to grant the favour
he required. His host at once agreed to accompany him, but stated his doubts
as to the success of the application. “ Leave that to me,” said Burns ; “ all I
want is an introduction.” When dinner was over, Mr. Campbell accompanied
him to Bailie Gentle, who, on ascertaining the object of their visit, expressed
his concurrence, in so far as he was himself concerned, but he had no power to
grant permission without consent of the managers of the kirk funds. He
promised, however, to lay the matter before them at their first meeting. ‘ I Tell
them,” said Eurns, “it is the Ayrshire Ploughman who makes the request.”
Shortly afterwards due authority was obtained, and a promise given, which,
we believe, has been sacredly kept, that the grave should remain inviolate ;
but another difficulty existed. This was an introduction to Mr. Gowan, marblecutter,
Abbey Hill, in obtaining which the good offices of Mr. Campbell were
again in requisition. The poet had not yet reaped the benefit of his “Edinburgh
edition ”-a circumstance which rendered an introduction to the marblecutter
of manifold importance, Mr. Gowan at once complied with the order ;
and by him the stone, with the well-known inscription, which still marks
where the ashes of poor Fergusson repose, was erected in the Canongate
Churchyard.‘ This act of sympathetic devotion on the part of Burns to the
memory of an unfortunate brother poet, has been justly and universally admired;
but there is one circumstance connected with it characteristic of the bard’s
want of punctuality, or more probably of his unhappy fortune, not generally
known to the world. He most
likely did not care to remind the bard of the obligation while in the hey-day of
his short-lived prosperity, and still less would be his inclination under altered
circumstances.
Mr. Gowan was never paid for the stone!
“he stone bears the following inscription :--“Here lies Robert Fergusson, born 5th September
1751, died 16th October 1774.
‘‘ No sculptured marble here, nor pompous lay ;
No storied urn, nor animated bust :
This simple stone directs pale Scotia’s way,
To pour her 8orrow8 o’er her poet’s dust.”
