account one of the most exquisite pleasures of my life. But enough
of this melancholy, though not unpleasing, strain.

"I esteem you for your sensible and disinterested advice to Mr.
Bell, as you will see by my letter to him. As I approve entirely of
his marrying again, you may readily ask me why I don't marry at all.
My circumstances have hitherto been so variable and uncertain in
this fluctuating world, as induce to keep me from engaging in such a
state: and now, though they are more settled, and of late (which
you will be glad to hear) considerably improved, I begin to think
myself too far advanced in life for such youthful undertakings, not
to mention some other petty reasons that are apt to startle the
delicacy of difficult old bachelors. I am, however, not a little
suspicious that, was I to pay a visit to Scotland (which I have some
thought of doing soon), I might possibly be tempted to think of a
thing not easily repaired if done amiss. I have always been of
opinion that none make better wives than the ladies of Scotland; and
yet who more forsaken than they, while the gentlemen are continually
running abroad all the world over? Some of them, it is true, are
wise enough to return for a wife. You see, I am beginning to make
interest already with the Scots ladies. But no more of this
infectious subject. Pray let me hear from you now and then; and
though I am not a regular correspondent, yet perhaps I may mend in
that respect. Remember me kindly to your husband, and believe me to
be

"Your most affectionate Brother,
"James Thomson."
(Addressed) "To Mrs. Thomson in Lanark."