Letter from Robert Burns to Alexander Cunningham, dated 20 February 1793

In the first page Burns asks why he has not heard from Cunningham, surmising that 'the mazes of Law, the mysteries of Love' or the 'profound wisdom of modern politics' might be the reasons. The mention of politics sets Burns off on a critical view of the subject. Answering his own question 'what is politics', he writes that 'through nefarious cunning, & hypocritical pretence, we govern civil Polities for the emolument of ourselves & our adherents'.

In page two Burns continues his concern with politics and examines the position of a Minister (MP) whom he describes as 'an unprincipled fellow' as he obtained a place in parliament through 'the influence of heredity, or acquired wealth; by superior abilities, or by a lucky conjecture of circumstances'. Burns then describes a Patriot as being the same as a Minister, 'only, out of place'. He is then interrupted in his letter and when he returns it is too late and his train of thought is not concluded.

The last page contains a clue to his current frame of mind when he describes himself as being 'still in the land of the living, though I can hardly say in the place of hope'. Before signing off he includes a sonnet 'On hearing a thrush sing on a morning walk in January', saying that he has already shown it to his friend John Syme, who approves.