2110-5-3-7

[G. Wilkinson]

Worcester College. Oxford.

Oct. 19, 1928

My dear Buchan

I have obtained a photograph of the original (?) broadside of Montrose's song. Both parts are given and as it is headed 'a proper new Ballad to the tune of I'll never love thee more', I am more than ever convinced it is not the original. When I was editing Lovelace I found in an old Huth catalogue an entry 'The Pensive Prisoner's apology to the tune of Love with unconfined wings'. I found the

original broadside some years later in the Pepys collection. The song was 'Love with unconfined wings' with additions. I feel sure this is much the same. I will have a look at some of the old music books. I cannot believe that a song which circulated in MS was first printed as a broadside, having already been set to music which was well known. There may, of course, have been an earlier broadside, but I think the music books will furnish the best hunting ground. Songs were not well known unless they were printed.

Early next week, I will send you, with my respectful homage to the author of Montrose, a collotype facsimile of the song printed on a piece of 12th century paper. I don't think you will be able to tell, without comparing the paper with the original - and that would'nt be conclusive - that it is not the original, until you read the note, which I think should be put in every fake of this kind, printed on the back.

I am pretty busy nowadays and don't get many minutes to read anything and have not yet finished your book. But I have read most of it and congratulate you heartily on a most attractive and

impressive piece of work. You seem to have read all 17th century literature, theology, history and law and to have digested them all. Lesser mortals may well wonder how you find time for it all.

I was staying near Inverness in the same house with an old friend of yours, General White. He asked me to give you his love if I should see you.

Yours ever, G. Wilkinson

I have no doubt you are right about the date of the song.