Among our neighbours was a decent industrious old woman, born in the Highlands of Scotland: proud did I feel to run her errands; and at her fire side I spent many a winter evening, delighted beyond measure, with the wild Scottish ballads which she taught me, while labouring at her wheel.  Gilderoy, Johnny Armstrong, Sir James the Ross, Lord Thomas and fair Annette, The Duke of Gordon and his three daughters, Barbary Allan, and Binorie, were my greatest favourites.  From this cheerful, kind-hearted, well-informed creature, I imbibed the love of song, which has to the present day so particularly engaged my attention.