To Patrick Miller

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.