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John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.

4797 Robert Burns 1759-1796 John Bartlett

 
NUMBER:4797
AUTHOR:Robert Burns (1759–1796)
QUOTATION:He turn’d him right and round about
  Upon the Irish shore,
And gae his bridle reins a shake,
  With, “Adieu for evermore, my dear,
  And adieu for evermore.” 1
ATTRIBUTION:A’ for our Rightfu’ King. 2
 
Note 1.
Under the impression that this stanza is ancient, Scott has made very free use of it, first in “Rokeby” (1813), and then in the “Monastery” (1816). In “Rokeby” he thus introduces the verse:—

He turn’d his charger as he spake,
Upon the river shore,
He gave his bridle reins a shake,
Said, “Adieu for evermore, my love,
And adieu for evermore.” [back]
Note 2.
This ballad first appeared in Johnson’s “Museum,” 1796. Sir Walter Scott was never tired of hearing it sung. [back]