[A composite volume : containing The ballads and songs of Ayrshire ...

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WHEN I UPON THY BOSOM LEAN.
tive to which the proud spirit of Isobel would have broken ere it had
stooped. Not only was the Poetess known to the convival in her own
neighbourhood, but to many from a great distance ; and at no period
was her humble dwelling more crowded or more uproarious than during
the month of August, when gentlemen from all quarters assemble
on the moors of Muirkii-k to enjoy the exercise of grouse-shooting.
She at all times delighted in whisky-drinking, and in the company of
jolly topers ; but the " pouting season," as it is called, was to her a
period of more than ordinary enjoyment. Many of the sportsmen not
only frequented her cottage, but occasionally sent for her to Muirkirk,
where, in return for her songs, her wit, and wicked sarcasm, she was
of course well plied with liquor and rewarded with money.
Notwithstanding her dissolute life, Isobel lived to an age attained
by few. She died on the 3d November 1821, in the eightieth year of
her age. Extensively known for her eccentricity of character, her
death created considerable noise, and crowds of every class flocked
from all quarters to her funeral. Her remains were conveyed to the
churchyard of Muirkirk in a cart. The day, it was remarked, was
extremely stormy—so much so, that the procession could scarcely
move on. A stone has been erected over her grave, inscribed with her
name, her age, and date of death. From, " The Contemporaries of
Burns."
Wifitn 31 upon tl^g 23osom %tm.
When I upon thy bosom lean.
Enraptured I do call thee mine
I glory in those sacred ties
That made us one, who once were twain ;
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