TO MR. THOMSON.
[Stephen Clarke, whose name is at this strange note, was a musician and composer; he was a clever man, and had a high opinion of his own powers.]
August, 1793.
My dear Thomson,
I hold the pen for our friend Clarke, who at present is studying the music of the spheres at my elbow. The Georgium Sidus he thinks is rather out of tune; so, until he rectify that matter, he cannot stoop to terrestrial affairs.
He sends you six of the rondeau subjects, and if more are wanted, he says you shall have them.
Confound your long stairs!
S. Clarke.