Selected for 31 March
On the last day of March, 1791, Helen Anne Park, a barmaid at the Globe Tavern in Dumfries, gave birth to Burns's daughter, Elizabeth. His wife, Jean Armour, herself expecting a son within the week, once again, took in the illegitimate offspring of another woman. 'Oor Robbie should have had twa wives' was her tolerant, and astute reaction to news of Anna Park's pregnancy. Never much of a reader, Jean may have been unaware of the lyric her husband wrote for his 'Anna'. It was the poet's favourite amongst his hundreds of love songs. And if Jean did see or hear the verses in praise of her (latest) rival? Insult added to injury perhaps? There was certainly much to be jealous about.
Donny O'Rourke