Scotland/Scots > Life of Robert Burns

LIFE OF
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began. If I had it settled, I would be, I think,
quite well in a manner. How shall I use this lan¬
guage to you ? O, do not disappoint me ! but
strong necessity’s curst command !
“ I have been thinking over and over my brother’s
affairs, and I fear I must cut him up; but on this
I will correspond at another time, particularly as
I shall want your advice.
“ Forgive me for once more mentioning by re-
turn of post. Save me from the horrors of a jail!
“ My compliments to my friend James, and to
all the rest. I do not know what I have written.
The subject is so horrible, I dare not look it over
again. Farewell. R. B. ”
July 12th.
The same date appears also on a letter to his
friend Mrs Dunlop. Of these three productions
of the 12th of July, who would not willingly be¬
lieve that the following was the last?
“ Madam, I have written you so often, without
receiving any answer, that I would not trouble you
again, but for the circumstances in which I am.
An illness which has long hung about me, in all
probability will speedily send me beyond that
bourne ivhence no traveller returns. Your friend¬
ship, with which for many years you honoured me,
was the friendship dearest to my soul. Your con¬
versation, and especially your correspondence, were
at once highly entertaining and instructive. With
what pleasure did I use to break up the seal! The
remembrance yet adds one pulse more to my poor
palpitating heart.—Farewell! ”
I give the following anecdote in the words of
Mr M'Diarmid: *—“ Rousseau, we all know,
I take the opportunity of once more acknowledging