Letter from Robert Burns to the Rev. Dr Hugh Blair, 4 May 1787

Letter of thanks
from Mr Burns Poet
the Rev.d D.r Blair

Rev.d & much respected Sir,
I leave Edin.r tomorrow
morning, but could not go without troubling you
with half a line, sincerely to thank you for that kind-
ness that patronage, that friendship you have
shown me.-

I often felt the embarrassment of my very singular
situation; drawn forth from the verist shades of
life to the glare of remark; ^ and honoured by the
notice of those illustrious Names of my country,
whose Works, while they are applauded to the end
of time, will ever instruct and mend the heart.
However the meteor-like novelty of my appear-
-ance in the world might attract notice, and

honour me with the acquaintance of the permanent
lights of genius and literature, those who are truly
Benefactors of the immortal nature of Man, I
knew very well that my utmost merit was far
unequal to ^the task of preserving that character,
when once that novelty was over; and have
made up ^my mind that abuse or almost even neglect
will not surprize me in my quarters. -

I have sent you a proof impression of Beugo's
work for me, done on Indian paper, as a trifling
but sincere testimony with what heart-warm
gratitude
I have the honour to be,
Revered Sir,
your much indebted humble serv.t

Rob.t Burns
Lawn Market
Friday morn