I trust that this will find you in better health than I did last time I called for you. A few lines from you, directed to me at Mauchline, were it but to let me know how you are, will set my mind a good deal [at rest.] Now, never shun the idea of writing me because perhaps you may be out of humour or spirits. I could give you a hundred good consequences attending a dull letter; one, for example, and the remaining ninety-nine some other time—it will always serve to keep in countenance, my much respected Sir, your obliged friend and humble servant,
R. B.
CXIII.
TO MISS CHALMERS.
[The sacrifice referred to by the poet, was his resolution to unite his fortune with Jean Armour.]
Mauchline, 7th April, 1788.
I am indebted to you and Miss Nimmo for letting me know Miss Kennedy. Strange! how apt we are to indulge prejudices in our judgments of one another! Even I, who pique myself on my skill in marking characters—because I am too proud of my character as a man, to be dazzled in my judgment for glaring wealth; and too proud of my situation as a poor man to be biased against squalid poverty—I was unacquainted with Miss K.’s very uncommon worth.
I am going on a good deal progressive in mon grand bût, the sober science of life. I have lately made some sacrifices, for which, were I vivâ voce with you to paint the situation and recount the circumstances, you should applaud me.
R. B.