Autograph letter signed "Sylvander" : Cumnock, to "Clarinda" 1788 March 2.

An affectionate letter mentioning his travels, a farming scheme, and his longing to see her; saying "I have been hurried with business and dissipation almost equal to the insidious degree of the Persian Monarch's mandate, when he forbade asking petition of god or man for forty days : had the venerable Prophet been as throng as I, he had not broke the decree; at least, not thrice a day. - I am thinking my farming scheme will yet hold. A worthy, intelligent farmer, my father's friend and my own, has been with me on the spot : he thinks the bargain practicable. - I am myself, on a more serious review of the lands, much better pleased with them. - I won't mention this in writing to any body but you and Mr. [Ainslie] - Don't accuse me of being fickle : I have the two plans of life before me, and I wish to adopt the one most likely to procure me independance. I shall be in Edin'b next week - I long to see you : your image is omnipresent to me : nay, I am convinced I would soon idolatrize it most seriously; so much do absence and memory improve the medium thro' which one sees the much loved Object - Tonight, at the sacred hour of eight, I expect to meet you - at the Throne of Grace. - I hope as I go home tonight, to find a Letter from you at the Post Office in Mauchline. - I have just once seen that dear hand since I left Edinburgh; a letter indeed which much affected me. - Tell me, first of womankind, will my warmest attachment, my sincerest friendship, my correspondence, will they be any compensation for the sacrifices you make for my sake? If they will, they are yours. If I settle on the farm I propose I am just a day and a half's ride from Edin'b - we will meet - don't you say "perhaps too often!." Farewell, my fair my charming Poetess! May all good things ever attend you!."