The time is approaching when I shall return to my shades; and I am afraid my numerous Edinburgh friendships are of so tender a construction, that they will not bear carriage with me. Yours is one of the few that I could wish of a more robust constitution. It is indeed very probable that when I leave this city, we part never more to meet in this sublunary sphere; but I have a strong fancy that in some future eccentric planet, the comet of happier systems than any with which astronomy is yet acquainted, you and I, among the harum scarum sons of imagination and whim, with a hearty shake of a hand, a metaphor and a laugh, shall recognise old acquaintance:
“Where wit may sparkle all its rays,
Uncurs’d with caution’s fears;
That pleasure, basking in the blaze,
Rejoice for endless years.”
I have the honour to be, with the warmest sincerity, dear Sir, &c.
R. B.
LX.
TO JAMES JOHNSON.
[James Johnson was an engraver in Edinburgh, and proprietor of the Musical Museum; a truly national work, for which Burns wrote or amended many songs.]
Lawn-market, Friday noon, 3 May, 1787.
Dear Sir,