CCLI.

TO PATRICK MILLER, ESQ.,

OF DALSWINTON.

[The time to which Burns alludes was the period of his occupation of Ellisland.]

_Dumfries, April, 1793._

SIR,

My poems having just come out in another edition, will you do me the honour to accept of a copy? A mark of my gratitude to you, as a gentleman to whose goodness I have been much indebted; of my respect for you, as a patriot who, in a venal, sliding age, stands forth the champion of the liberties of my country; and of my veneration for you, as a man, whose benevolence of heart does honour to human nature.

There _was_ a time, Sir, when I was your dependent: this language _then_ would have been like the vile incense of flattery--I could not have used it. Now that connexion is at an end, do me the honour to accept this _honest_ tribute of respect from, Sir,

Your much indebted humble servant,

R. B.

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