Aurelius (found at Bermuckety, on the very limits of Roman
Caledonia), my "Complaynte of Scotland" (the only perfect copy
known),


My copperplate, with almanacks
Engrav'd upon't, and other knacks;
My moon-dial, with Napier's bones
And several constellation stones.


Make your choice, in fact, of all my Gabions, as honest old George
Ruthven called them.

Nay, excuse the covetousness of an Antiquary, my dear sir; I well
know that nothing I could offer were worth a tithe of your
priceless discovery, the oldest printed Scots Ballad extant. It
shall suffice for me to look on it, under the roof of Mainsforth,
when next I make a raid across the Border. I have conquered my
passions, and can obey the last of the Commandments. Haud equiden
invideo, minor magis. I need not bid you be watchful of your
booty.--Yours most faithfully,

JONATHAN OLDBUCK.


From Robert Surtees, Esq., to Jonathan Oldbuck, Esq.


June 11.