swells my heart! I forget that I am a poor insignificant devil,
unnoticed and unknown, stalking up and down fairs and markets, when I
happen to be in them reading a page or two of mankind, and "catching the
manners living as they rise," whilst the men of business jostle me on
every side as an idle incumbrance in their way. But, I daresay, I have
by this time tired your patience; so I shall conclude with begging you
to give Mrs. Murdoch--not my compliments, for that is a mere commonplace
story; but my warmest, kindest wishes for her welfare; and accept the
same for yourself, from,--Dear Sir, yours, etc.

[Footnote 5:

"The last o't, the warst o't,
Is only for to beg."
--_First Epistle to Davie._]

[Footnote 6:
"For the glorious privilege
Of being independent."
--_Epistle to a Young Friend. _]

* * * * *

IX.--To HIS COUSIN, MR. JAMES BURNESS, WRITER, MONTROSE.

LOCHLIE, _21st June, 1783._

DEAR SIR,--My father received your favour of the both current, and as he
has been for some months very poorly in health, and is in his own
opinion (and, indeed, in almost every body's else) in a dying condition,