“A short time after Mr.
Cromek had begun to print his volume of Burns, the proofs of the first
sheets were sent to me, when I was equally surprised and sorry to see that the
work opened with some poems, of the admission of which I very much doubt; but
which, in that situation, would have given a very unfavourable idea of the
work. I immediately wrote to Mr. Cromek, entreating him to
stop the press till we had settled this point, as well as some others, which I
had to remark to him. In consequence of this, he got into the mail, and came to
Allerton, where we have gone over the whole work; and I am sorry to say that,
in my opinion, the seven sheets now printed must be cancelled, and the work
begun again, although it will undoubtedly be attended with a very considerable
expense. This mistake has arisen from a misapprehension; it having been settled
by Mr. Cromek and me,
| 458 | LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. |
“I am particularly anxious on this subject, as I consider
it a matter of great importance not only to the character of the poet, but to
the credit and interest of those concerned in the publication. Should any thing
be admitted which may give just ground for censure, it will immediately be laid
hold of, and the book will be condemned as containing only worthless and
indecent fragments, which both the poet and Dr.
Currie had rejected; and not only would this affect the sale of
the work, but it would also injure the character of Burns; and, perhaps, depreciate, in a considerable degree, his
other writings, for the property of which you have so liberally paid. In
avoiding any imputation of this kind, the credit and interests of the author,
the editor, and the publishers, all unite; and I am truly happy to say that, in
my judgment, there is no danger of it whatever, if prudent precautions be
taken, which Mr. Cromek is not only
willing but anxious to do. The materials are, in fact, excellent, and the more
I examine them the more I am convinced that they will make a most interesting
volume. Every thing is
| LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | 459 |
