Lithograph of Burns and Campbell sitting in a woodland setting, holding hands, and kissing. Robert Burns (January 25, 1759 - July 21, 1796) was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland. Celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature. In 2009 he was chosen as the greatest Scot by the Scottish public in a vote run by Scottish television channel STV. Mary Campbell also known as Highland Mary (March 1763 - 1786) was the daughter of a sailor. Burns had an affair with her after he felt that he had been deserted by Jean Armour following her move to Paisley in March 1786. The brief affair started in April 1786, the parting took place on May 14. Mary died later that year at the age of 23 from typhoid fever contracted when nursing her brother. Published by Sarony & Major, April 9, 1846.