CCXLV.
TO MR. THOMSON.
[The songs to which the poet alludes were “[Poortith Cauld],” and “[Galla Water].”]
Jan. 1793.
Many returns of the season to you, my dear Sir. How comes on your publication?—will these two foregoing [Songs [clxxxv.] and [clxxxvi.] be of any service to you? I should like to know what songs you print to each tune, besides the verses to which it is set. In short, I would wish to give you my opinion on all the poetry you publish. You know it is my trade, and a man in the way of his trade may suggest useful hints that escape men of much superior parts and endowments in other things.
If you meet with my dear and much-valued Cunningham, greet him, in my name, with the compliments of the season.
Yours, &c.,
R. B.