R. B.
CCXCI.
TO MISS ——.
[Burns, on other occasions than this, recalled both his letters and verses: it is to be regretted that he did not recall more of both.]
Dumfries, 1794.
Madam,
Nothing short of a kind of absolute necessity could have made me trouble you with this letter. Except my ardent and just esteem for your sense, taste, and worth, every sentiment arising in my breast, as I put pen to paper to you, is painful. The scenes I have passed with the friend of my soul and his amiable connexions! the wrench at my heart to think that he is gone, for ever gone from me, never more to meet in the wanderings of a weary world! and the cutting reflection of all, that I had most unfortunately, though most undeservedly, lost the confidence of that soul of worth, ere it took its flight!
These, Madam, are sensations of no ordinary anguish.—However, you also may be offended with some imputed improprieties of mine; sensibility you know I possess, and sincerity none will deny me.