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present me. There is a pathos and delicacy in his serious poems, a vein of wit and humour in those of a more festive turn, which cannot be too much admired, nor too warmly approved; and I think I shall never open the book without feeling my astonishment renewed and increased. It was my wish to have expressed my approbation in verse; but whether from declining life, or a temporary depression of spirits, it is at present out of my power to accomplish that agreeable intention.

Mr. Stewart, Professor of Morals in this University, had formerly read me three of the poems, and I had desired him to get my name inserted among the subscribers: but whether this was done, or not, I never could learn. I have little intercourse with Dr. Blair, but will take care to have the poems communicated to him by the intervention of some mutual friend. It has been told me by a gentleman, to whom I shewed the performances, and who sought a copy with diligence and ardour, that the whole impression is already exhausted. It were, therefore, much to be wished, for the sake of the young man, that a second edition, more numerous than the former, could immediately be printed; as it appears certain that its intrinsic merit, and the exertion of the author's friends,

might

might give it a more universal circulation than any thing of the kind which has been published within my memory.*

*The reader will perceive that this is the letter which produced the determination of our Bard to give up his scheme of going to the West Indies, and to try the fate of a new edition of his Poems in Edinburgh. A copy of this letter was sent by Mr. Lowrie to Mr. G. Hamilton, and by him communicated to Burns, among whose papers it was found.

For an account of Mr. Lowrie and his family see the letter of Gilbert Burns to the Editor, in the Appendix to Vol. III.

E.

No. VIII.

No. VIII.

From the Reverend MR. LOWRIE,

22nd December, 1786.

DEAR SIR,

I LAST week received a letter from Dr. Blacklock, in which he expresses a desire of seeing you. I write this to you, that you may lose no time in waiting upon him, should you not yet have seen him.

I rejoice to hear, from all corners, of your rising fame, and I wish and expect it may tower still higher by the new publication. But, as a friend, I warn you to prepare to meet with your share of detraction and envy—a train that always

even

****

you

always accompany great men. For your com fort I am in great hopes that the number of your friends and admirers will increase, and that you have some chance of ministerial, or patronage. Now, my friend, such rapid success is very uncommon; and do think yourself in no danger of suffering by applause and a full purse? Remember Solomon's advice, which he spoke from experience, "stronger is he that conquers," &c. Keep fast hold of your rural simplicity and purity, like Telemachus, by Mentor's aid, in Calypso's isle, or even in that of Cyprus. I hope you have also Minerva with you. I need not tell you how much a modest diffidence and invincible temperance adorn the most shining talents, and elevate the mind, and exalt and refine the ima gination, even of a poet.

I hope you will not imagine I speak from suspicion or evil report. I assure you I speak from love and good report, and good opinion, and a strong desire to see you shine as much in the sun-shine as you have done in the shade, and in the practice as you do in the theory of virtue. This is my prayer, in return for your elegant composition in verse. All here join in compliments and good wishes for your further prosperity.

VOL. II.

D

No.

No. IX.

To MR. CHALMERS.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I

Edinburgh, 27th December, 1786.

CONFESS I have sinned the sin for which there is hardly any forgiveness-ingratitude to friendship-in not writing you sooner; but, of all men living, I had intended to send you an entertaining letter; and by all the plodding stupid powers that in nodding conceited majesty preside over the dull routine of business-a heavily-solemn oath this!-I am, and have been ever since I came to Edinburgh, as unfit to write a letter of humour as to write a commentary on the Revelations.

**

To make you some amends for what, before you reach this paragraph, you will have suffer

ed,

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