The very name of Peter Pindar is an acquisition to your work. His
"Gregory" is beautiful. I have tried to give you a set of stanzas in
Scots, on the same subject, which are at your service. Not that I
intend to enter the lists with Peter--that would be presumption
indeed. My song, though much inferior in poetic merit, has, I think,
more of the ballad simplicity in it.
[Here follows "Lord Gregory." Song CLXXXVII.]
My most respectful compliments to the honourable gentleman who
favoured me with a postscript in your last. He shall hear from me and
receive his MSS. soon.
Yours,
R. B.
* * * * *
CCXLVII.
TO MR. CUNNINGHAM.
[The seal, with the coat-of-arms which the poet invented, is still in
the family, and regarded as a relique.]
_3d March, 1793._
Since I wrote to you the last lugubrious sheet, I have not had time to
write you further. When I say that I had not time, that as usual
means, that the three demons, indolence, business, and ennui, have so
completely shared my hours among them, as not to leave me a five
minutes' fragment to take up a pen in.
Thank heaven, I feel my spirits buoying upwards with the renovating
year.
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