To Mr. Thomson

MY DEAR SIR, I once mentioned to you an air which I have long admired—"Here's a health to them that's awa, hiney," but I forget if you took any notice of it. I have just been trying to suit it with verses, and I beg leave to recommend the air to your attention once more. I have only begun it. [Here follow the first three stanzas of the song, beginning, Here's a health to ane I loe dear;[290] the fourth was found among the poet's MSS. after his death.] R. B.