Letter from Robert Burns to Maria Riddell

Fate seems determined, Madam, to set you
& I at cross purposes. - On Sunday I am
engaged to go to Drumlanrig with my
friend Clarke, the Organist from Edin.r
who goes to give the young ladies the
instruction of his profession. - I
was the Agent between Mr Mcmurdo &
him, & by express appointment
I must go to Drumlanrig on that day. -
However, it is not likely that I shall
see Glenriddel at that time; but if
I should, I shall say nothing at all
& listen to nothing at all, in which
you are, mediately, or immediately,
concerned, So, Vive l'amour, & vive la
bagatelle! For I dare say that one or,
both

both of these Mighty Deities are at
the bottom of this most extraordinary,
inexpressible, & inexplicable mystery.
Rob.t B -