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No. LXXXII.

From Miss WILLIAMS.

7th August, 1789.

DEAR SIR,

I Do not lose a moment in returning you my sincere acknowledgements for your letter, and your criticism on my poem, which is a very flattering proof that you have read it with attention. I think your objections are perfectly just, except in one instance

You have indeed been very profuse of panegyric on my little performance. A much less portion of applause from you would have been gratifying to me; since I think its value depends entirely upon the source from whence it proceeds the incense of praise, like other incense, is more grateful from the quality, than the quantity of the odour.

I hope you still cultivate the pleasures of poetry, which are precious, even independent of the rewards of fame. Perhaps the most valuable property of poetry is its power of disengaging the mind from worldly cares, and leading the imagination to the richest springs of intellectual enjoyment; since, however frequently life may be chequered with gloomy scenes, those who truly love the Muse can always find one little path adorned with flowers and cheered by sunshine.

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No. LXXXIII.

To MRS. DUNLOP.

Ellisland, 6th Sept. 1789.

DEAR MADAM,

I HAVE mentioned, in my last, my appointment to the Excise, and the birth of little Frank, who, by the bye, I trust, will be no discredit to the honourable name of Wallace, as he has a fine manly countenance, and a figure that might do credit to a little fellow two months older; and likewise an excellent good temper, though, when he pleases, he has a pipe, only not quite so loud as the horn that his immortal namesake blew as a signal to take out the pin of Stirling-bridge.

I had some time ago an epistle, part poetic, and part prosaic, from your poetess, Mrs. J. L, a very ingenious but modest composition.

VOL. II.

$

No. LXXIX.

From MR. ******.

MY DEAR SIR,

London, 5th August, 1789.

EXCUSE me when I say, that the uncommon abilities which you possess must render your correspondence very acceptable to any one. I can assure you I am particularly proud of your partiality, and shall endeavour, by every method in my power, to merit a continuance of your politeness.

When you can spare a few moments, I should be proud of a letter from you, directed for me, Gerrard-street, Soho.

I cannot express my happiness sufficiently

at

at the instance of your attachment to my late inestimable friend, Bob Fergusson, who was particularly intimate with myself and relations.* While I recollect with pleasure his extraordinary talents, and many amiable qualities, it affords me the greatest consolation that I am honoured with the correspondence of his successor in national simplicity and genius.That Mr. Burns has refined in the art of poetry, must readily be admitted; but notwithstanding many favourable representations, I am yet to learn that he inherits his convivial powers.

There was such a richness of conversation, such a plenitude of fancy and attraction in him, that when I call the happy period of our intercourse to my memory, I feel myself in a state of delirium. I was then younger than him by eight or ten years, but his manner was so felicitous, that he enraptured every person around him, and infused into the hearts of the young and old the spirit and animation which operated on his own mind.

I am, Dear Sir, yours, &c.

* The erection of a monument to him.

No.

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