Letter from Robert Burns to John McMurdo, 9th January 1789

Ellisland Jan: 9th 1789

Sir,
A poet and a Beggar are in so many points of view alike, that one might take them for the same individual character under different designations; were it not that though, with trifling Poetic license most Poets may be styled Beggars, yet
he converse of the proposition does not hold that every Beggar is a Poet.- In one particular however they remark if you help, the one or the other to a mug
of ale or the picking of a bone, the will very willingly
repay you with a Song. - This occurs to me at present, as I have just dispatched a well-lined rib of J. Kilpatrick's Highlander: a bargain for which I am indebted to you, in the style of our Ballad printers, "Five excellent new Songs." The inclosed is nearly my newest Song and one that has cost me some pains, though that is but an equivocal mark of its excellence. Two or three others which I have by me shall do themselves the honor to wait on your after-leisure: petitioners for admittance into favour
;
Must not harass the condescention of their Benefactor. You see, Sir, what it is to patronise a Poet.- 'Tis like being a magistrate in a petty Borough; you do them the favour to preside in their Council for one year, and your name bears the prefatory stigma of Bailie, for life.

With, not the Compliments, but the best wishes the sincere prayers of the Season for you, that you may see many and happy years with M.rs McMurdo and your family two blessings, by the by, to which your rank does not any means entitle you; a loving wide and dine family being alone the only good things of this life to which the Farm-house and Cottage have an exclusive right.
I have the honor to be,

Sir,

your much indebted
And very humble serv.
Rob.Burns