I have got a good mind to make verses on you all, to the tune of "Three guid fellows ayont the glen"
R. B.
[99] See the poem on the "Wounded Hare."
[100] That is, William Dunbar, W.S.
CXXVIL—TO MR. RICHARD BROWN.
MAUCHLINE,
21st May
1789.
My Dear Friend,—I was in the country by accident, and hearing of your safe arrival, I could not resist the temptation of wishing you joy on your return—wishing you would write to me before you sail again—wishing that you would always set me down as your bosom friend—wishing you long life and prosperity, and that every good thing may attend you—wishing Mrs. Brown and your little ones as free of the evils of this world as is consistent with humanity—wishing you and she were to make two at the ensuing lying-in, with which Mrs. B. threatens very soon to favour me—wishing I had longer time to write to you at present; and, finally, wishing that if there is to be another state of existence, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Burns, our little ones of both families, and you and I, in some snug retreat, may make a jovial party to all eternity!
My direction is at Ellisland, near Dumfries.—Yours,