Adieu. ROBT. BURNS" The 'interesting passage of youth' alluded to by Burns is the figure of 'Highland' Mary Campbell (1763-1786), about whose romantic relationship with the Bard much is speculated.

It was on this day in 1786, that Burns and Margaret Campbell, 'Highland Mary', were said to have parted. She was to die soon after. The poet had probably had a marriage proposal accepted by her ...