Postscript to some poetical pieces sent to Robert Graham

Postscript -

Sir,
I ought to have written to you long ago, but are mere letter of thanks muse be to you
an insipid business: I wish to give you something that will give you at least as
much amusement as "The Aberdeen new Prognostication;" or "Six excellent new
"Songs." - Along with two other Pieces, I enclose you a sheet full of groans,
wrung from me in my elbow chair with one unlucky leg on a stool before
choice of Patrons: the truly noble Glencairn is no more!- I intend soon to
do myself the honour of writing M.rs Graham & sending her some other lesser
pieces of late date. - My Muse will sooner be in mischief than be idle; so
I keep her at work. -

I thought to have mentioned some Excise ideas that your late goodness
has just put in my head, but 'tis so like the sorning impudence of sturdy beggar.
that I cannot do it. - It was something in the way of an Officiating job. -
With the most ardent wish that you may be rewarded by Him who can do
it, for your generous patronage to a man, who tho' feelingly sensible of it is quite
unable to repay it, I have the honour to be, Sir, your most devoted humble serv.t Robt Burns