of Jamaica.

I am so struck, on a review, with the impertinent length of this letter,
that I shall not increase it with one single word of apology, but
abruptly conclude with assuring you that I am, Sir, yours and misery's
most humble servant.

ROBERT BURNS.

[Footnote 14: Proposals for publishing.]

[Footnote 15: Misquoted from Shakspeare's _Henry VIII_.]

[Footnote 15a: Reference to the rejection of his acknowledgment of
marriage.]


* * * *

XXI.--To MR. DAVID BRICE, SHOEMAKER, GLASGOW.

MOSSGIEL, _June_ 12_th_, 1786.

DEAR BRICE,--I received your message by G. Paterson, and as I am not
very _throng_ at present, I just write to let you know that there is
such a worthless, rhyming reprobate as your humble servant still in the
land of the living, though I can scarcely say in the place of hope. I
have no news to tell you that will give me any pleasure to mention, or
you to hear.