Scotlandsmusic

The Afton is a tributary of the Nith, the river near Burns's farm at Ellisland, Dumfires. The 'Mary' of this poem may be Mary Campbell, so-called 'Highland Mary' - one of Burns's many paramours - or simply a creature of the poet's imagination. Alexander Hume (1811-1859) who composed the tune given here was an accomplished musician, but this is the only work by which he is now remembered.