hen you have
complete leisure, I will thank you for either the originals or
copies.[291] I had rather be the author of five well-written songs than
of ten otherwise. I have great hopes that the genial influence of the
approaching summer will set me to rights, but as yet I cannot boast of
returning health. I have now reason to believe that my complaint is a
flying gout--a sad business!

Do let me know how Cleghorn is, and remember me to him.

This should have been delivered to you a month ago. I am still very
poorly, but should like much to hear from you.

R. B.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 291: "It is needless to say that this revisal Burns did not
live to perform."--Currie.]

* * * * *

CCCXXXIV.

TO MRS. RIDDEL,

_Who had desired him to go to the Birth-Day Assembly on that day to
show his loyalty._

[This is the last letter which the poet wrote to this accomplished
lady.]

_Dumfries, 4th June, 1796._

I am in such miserable health as to be utterly incapable of showing my
loyalty in any way. Rackt as I am with rheumatisms, I meet every face
with a greeting like that of Balak to Balaam--"Come, curse me Jacob;
and come, defy me Israel!" So say I--Come, curse me that east wind;
and come, defy me the north! Would you have me in such circumstances
copy you out a love-song?

I may perhaps see you on Saturday, but I will not be at the ball.--Why
should I? "man delights not me, nor woman either!" Can you supply me
with the song, "Let us all be unhappy together?"--do if you can, and
oblige, _le pauvre miserable_

R. B.

* * * * *

CCCXXXV.

TO MR. CLARKE,

SCHOOLMASTER, FORFAR.

[Who will say, after reading the following distressing letter, lately
come to light, that Burns did not die in great poverty.]

_Dumfries, 26th June, 1796._

MY DEAR CLARKE,

Still, still the victim of affliction! Were you to see the emaciated
figure who now holds the pen to you, you would not know your old
friend. Whether I shall ever get about again, is only known to Him,
the Great Unknown, whose creature I am. Alas, Clarke! I begin to fear
the worst.

As to my individual self, I am tranquil, and would despise myself, if
I were not; but Burns's poor widow, and half-a-dozen of his dear
little ones--helpless orphans!--_there_ I am weak as a woman's tear.
Enough of this! 'Tis half of my disease.

I duly received your last, enclosing the note. It c