THE BALLADS OF SCOTLAND.

AULD MAITLAND.

THIS ballad, if genuine, must be regarded as one of the very oldest productions of the Scottish muse; for it refers to remote events, little likely to have been selected as a theme by a minstrel, even of the sixteenth century. It was considered as authentic by Sir Walter Scott, so intimately acquainted with this kind of literature; and also by John Leyden, whose opinion is entitled to more than common respect. My own tendency certainly is not towards scepticism in such matters; nevertheless, I must needs confess that I have grave doubts as to the genuineness of this ballad; and, at the risk of being thought tedious, I shall state my reasons for doubting.

The appearance of a collector of ballads in a country district, produces the same effect as the advent of a wealthy gleaner for museums, in Rome or Naples. All kinds of ware are tendered; some perfect and genuine; others genuine, but dilapidated; others whole, but counterfeit. With such a mingled mass before him, and nothing but his own judgment to trust to, the inclination of the collector will be rather to accept than to decline. He is afraid that, by too much fastidiousness, he may reject an original; and this feeling will be much increased if there should happen to be, at the

VOL. II.

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