CROMEK says of the parting between Burns and Highland Mary – “Their adieu was performed with all those simple and striking ceremonials which rustic sentiment has devised to prolong tender emotions and to impose awe. The lovers stood on each side of a small purling brook; they laved their hands in the limpid stream – and holding a Bible between them, pronounced their vows to be faithful to each other.” The lovers exchanged Bibles. That presented by Burns to Mary is now in the monument at Alloway. It is in two volumes. In a blank leaf of the one is inscribed in the handwriting of the Bard, “And ye shall not swear by my name falsely. I am the Lord.” – Levit. xix. 12. On the second volume, “Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths.” – Matt. v. 33.
Parting with Highland Mary, pp.47-48.
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