m
my by-past conduct, and my feelings at this moment, as exceptions to
the too just conclusion. Exalted as are the honours of your lordship's
name, and unnoted as is the obscurity of mine; with the uprightness of
an honest man, I come before your lordship with an offering, however
humble, 'tis all I have to give, of my grateful respect; and to beg of
you, my lord,--'tis all I have to ask of you,--that you will do me the
honour to accept of it.

I have the honour to be,

R. B.

* * * * *

CCXCIV.

TO MR. THOMSON.

[The correspondence between the poet and the musician was interrupted
in spring, but in summer and autumn the song-strains were renewed.]

_May, 1794._

MY DEAR SIR,

I return you the plates, with which I am highly pleased; I would
humbly propose, instead of the younker knitting stockings, to put a
stock and horn into his hands. A friend of mine, who is positively the
ablest judge on the subject I have ever met with, and, though an
unknown, is yet a superior artist with the burin, is quite charmed
with Allan's manner. I got him a peep of the "Gentle Shepherd;" and he
pronounces Allan a most original artist of great excellence.

For my part, I look on Mr. Allan's choosing my favourite poem for his
subject, to be one of the highest compliments I have ever received.

I am quite vexed at Pleyel's being cooped up in France, as it will put
an entire stop to our work. Now, and for six or seven months, I shall
be quite in song, as you shall see by and bye. I got an air, pretty
enough, composed by Lady Elizabeth Heron, of Heron, which she calls
"The Banks of Cree." Cree is a beautiful romantic stream; and, as her
ladyship is a particular friend of mine, I have written the following
song to it.

Here is the glen and here the bower.[256]

R. B.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 256: Song CCXXIII.]

* * * * *

CCXCV.

TO DAVID M'CULLOCH, ESQ.

[The endorsement on the back of the original letter shows in what far
lands it has travelled:--"Given by David M'Culloch, Penang, 1810. A.
Fraser." "Received 15th December, 1823, in Calcutta, from Captain
Frazer's widow, by me, Thomas Rankine." "Transmitted to Archibald
Hastie, Esq., London, March 27th, 1824, from Bombay."]

_Dumfries, 21st June, 1794._

MY DEAR SIR,

My long-projected journey through your country is at last fixed: and
on Wednesday next, if you have nothing of more