Sonnet. To Mrs Margaret Leslie, afterwards Lady Maderty, Lines to Queen Anne upon New Year's Day 1604, On a Ring sent by Queen Anne to the Author, with a Diamond.in ENGLISH POEMS NOT CONTAINED IN THE". MS; Ad Jacobum VI., Angliam petentem, Roberti Aytoni Paneris Epicedium in obitum Thomæ Rhædi, Basia sive Strena ad Jacobum Hayum, Equitem Illustrissimum, Lessus in funere Raphaelis Thorei Medici et Poetæ præstantissimi; 3 PREFACE. AN attempt is here made to rescue from oblivion the poetical works of an author who has been comparatively neglected for upwards of two hundred years. A taste for the early productions of the Scottish and English Muse has of late more extensively diffused itself; and the works of our ancient poets are more sought after, and more highly appreciated. Under these circumstances, the editor has prepared the accompanying volume for the press, trusting that the poems of Sir Robert Aytoun will now receive that attention which, he humbly conceives, they well merit, and which the neglect of two centuries ought to render more obligatory. How far the editor has been successful in his department must depend on the opinion of a candid public. It is, however, but justice to himself to state, that in preparing these poems for publication, he has had no small difficulties and disadvantages to encounter. Living in a rather retired part of the country during the summer months, and engaged during winter in following out an academical education at St Andrews University, and at a distance from places of antiquarian research, he was |
