I picked it up again a few days ago and with his liberal use of the apostrophe one needs to understand his use of that tool.
For example wi’ usually meant with, and a’ usually means all or as, or aw and to determine which, one needs to see the next or previous word.
He uses tho’, while I just throw away the apostrophe and use tho.
O’ for of, joyfu’, e’er, doubl’d, lock’d, o’er murd’ring, thro’ for through, ev’ry slaught’ring, dent’d, 'd all over the place, barefac’d lie’d etc.
an’ for and, vex’d
So much flower and song, it’s just fun to read. And to see how we used to write and the difference now, however, the old way is still understandable and probably should be used more.
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Thanks!
He is one of my favourite poets, along with Fergusson.