TO MR. MORISON,
Mauchline.
[Morison, of Mauchline, made most of the poet’s furniture, for Ellisland: from Mauchline, too, came that eight-day clock, which was sold, at the death of the poet’s widow, for thirty-eight pounds, to one who would have paid one hundred, sooner than wanted it.]
Ellisland, September 22, 1788.
My dear Sir,
Necessity obliges me to go into my new house even before it be plastered. I will inhabit the one end until the other is finished. About three weeks more, I think, will at farthest be my time, beyond which I cannot stay in this present house. If ever you wished to deserve the blessing of him that was ready to perish; if ever you were in a situation that a little kindness would have rescued you from many evils; if ever you hope to find rest in future states of untried being—get these matters of mine ready. My servant will be out in the beginning of next week for the clock. My compliments to Mrs. Morison.
I am,
After all my tribulation,
Dear Sir, yours,
R. B.