For a scant 90 minutes on Monday, January 25, the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh will put on display a letter written by 18th century poet Robert Burns.According to a news release from the NLS, visitors to the library will be able to see the final letter that Burns wrote to Nancy McLehose which contains the famous song "Ae fond kiss."
The letter was written on Dec. 27, 1791, as Nancy prepared to depart for Jamaica to attempt a reconciliation with her husband. The song expresses Burns's despair at the end of their relationship.
They had first met four years earlier in Edinburgh when Burns was unmarried. The couple exchanged a series of love letters using the pseudonyms Sylvander and Clarinda. It was a delicate situation given that Nancy was a married woman, and the relationship remained a platonic one.
Written by Burns in Dumfries, the letter informs Nancy that he is sending her some recently composed songs. Then, for the first time ever, he presents a song that has become famous around the world with its familiar opening lines:
"Ae fond kiss, and then we sever; Ae fareweel, and then forever!"
January 25 is Burns' birthday and known as Burns Day in Scotland.
The letter will be on display in the Library boardroom at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh from 12:30 p.m. till 2 p.m. Edinburgh time on Jan. 25. Entry is free.
The Library café will also be serving haggis, neeps and tatties throughout the day as part of the Burns tradition.
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