Letter from Robert Burns to Agnes McLehose, 3 January 1788

[---] have so delighted me that
I have copied them in among some of my own most
valued pieces, which I keep sacred for my own use. -
Do, let me have a few now and then.-

Did you, Madam, what I feel when you talk of
your sorrows! Good God! that one who has so much
worth in the sight of Heaven, and is so amiable
to her fellow creatures should be so unhappy!

I can't venture out for cold. - My limb is vastly
better, but I have not any use of it without
my crutches. Monday, for the first time, I
dine in a neighbour's next door: as soon as
I can go so far, even in a coach, my first visit
shall be to you. - Write me when you leave town.

and immediately when you return; and I earnestly
pray your stay may be short. - You can't
imagine how miserable you made when you
hinted to me not to write. -