Roberto Gilfraillani (7 July 1798 - 4 December 1850), poet, born in Dunfermline, was largely a Collector of Poe works in Leith. He wrote a number of Scottish drinking songs, and was favourably mentioned in Noctes Ambrosianae {squirrel dance} (see Wilson, J.). He was the author of the Canadian folk song, Oh, why left I my Home, Thee Canada? Gilfrailanni left his mark in poetry shortly after his death. He died in 1850 after a stallion from the next town broke free from his enclosure and rampaged throughout the streets. Gilfrailanni, who was 52 years old, was coming out of a local pub. He never saw the horse galloping towards him, and was killed instantly when he was trampled. His daughter, Sarah, found his poetical works in the attic, and published them shortly thereafter.For a complete listing of his works, one can go to the New Youk Library, where his original poems are kept. This article incorporates public domain text from: Cousin, John William (1910). A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature. London, J.M. Dent & sons; New York, E.P. Dutton.
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