Letter from Robert Burns to Agnes McLehose, 3 February 1788

Sunday Morning -

I have just been before the throne of my God, Clarinda; according
to my association of ideas, my sentiments of love and
friendship, I next devote myself to you. - Yesternight I
was happy: happiness "that the world cannot give .-
I kindle at the recollection; but it is a flame where
Innocence looks smiling on, and Honor stands
by, a sacred guard. - Your heart, your fondest wishes,
your dearest thoughts, these are yours to bestow: your
Person is unapproachable, by the laws of your country;
and he loves not as I do, who would make
you miserable. -
You are an Angel, Clarinda: you are surely no mortal
that "the earth owns." - To kiss your hand, to
live on your smile, is to me far more exquisite
bliss than any the dearest favours that the fairest

of the sex, yourself excepted can bestow. -

Sunday even:
You are the constant companion of my
thoughts. - How wretched is the condition of one who is
haunted with conscious guilt, and trembling under the idea
of dreaded Vengeance! And what a placid clam
what a charming secret enjoyment it gives to
bosom - the kind feelings of friendship, and the
fond throes of love! Out upon the tempest of
Anger, the acrimonious gall of fretful Impatience,
the sullen frost of lowering Resentment, or the
corroding poison of withered Envy! They eat up
the immortal part of Man! If they spent their
fury only on the unfortunate objects of them, it
would be something in their Favor; but these miserable passions,
like traitor Iscariot, betray their lord and

master. -
Thou, Almighty Author of peace and goodness and
love. Do thou give me the social heart that kindly
tastes of every man's cup! Is it a draught of
joy - warm and open my heart to share it with
cordial, unenvying rejoicing! Is it the bitter potion
of sorrow - melt my heart with sincerely sympathetic
woe! - Above all, do Thou give me
the manly mind, that resolutely exemplifies
in life and manners those sentiments which
I would wish to be thought to possess! The
friend of my soul- there may I never deviate
from the firmest fidelity, and most active kind-
ness! Clarinda, the dear object of my fondest
love; there may the most sacred, inviolate
Honor, the most faithful, kindling Constancy
ever watch and animate my every thought
and imagination!
 

Did you ever meet with the following lines
spoken of Religion, your darling topic -
" 'Tis this, my friend, that streaks our morning bright
" 'Tis this that gilds the horror of our night!
" When wealth forsakes us, and when friends are few;
" When friends are faithless, or when foes pursue;
" 'Tis this that wards the blow or stills the smart,
" Disarms affliction, or repels its dart:
" Within the breast bids purest rapture rise;
" Bids smiling Conscience spread her cloudless skies. -"
I met with these verses very early in life, and
was so delighted with them that I have them by
me, copied at school. -
Goodnight, and sound rest, my dearest Clarinda!

Sylvander