Burns sent 'Ode to Spring' to George Thomson, the editor of A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs (1793-1818), in January 1795. Burns claimed that he was challenged by an acquaintance to ...
'Tis Friendship's pledge, my young, fair Friend; Nor thou the gift refuse, Nor with unwilling ear attend The moralising Muse. Since thou, in all thy youth and charms, Must bid the world adieu, (A ...