3-028-318 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Auld Mare Maggie," by J. Faed, 1870. Engraving of a painting inspired by a poem by Robert Burns. 'A poem more characteristic of Burns...could scarcely be named than that of the "Auld Farmer's New-Year morning salutation to his auld mare Maggie"...Well may the old farmer...greet his ancient companion with promises of continued protection and support, together with all needed indulgence now as they "totter" on together through the new year...Maggie is certainly now a poor, worn-out old creature, stiff and crazy, sunk in the back, and showing her bones, and her old hide, once so "dappl't, sleek, an' glaizie," now "as white's a daisie," does not receive, and would not repay, careful grooming. Yet it is quite possible to believe the praises of her youthful virtues; and her old eye is not yet too dim to sagaciously twinkle with gratitude. Her master's cheery, kindly face is a capital study of a hale old Scottish farmer - honest, industrious, thrifty, but full of good nature, and beaming with genial humour...The bright-eyed lassie carrying the empty com measure, with her sturdy little brother at her side, is fast ripening to the age at which her mother, Jenny, was borne home a "bonnie bride" on Maggie's back. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.