The correspondence between Burns and Clarinda

Front matter

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Preface

The correspondence of Burns and Clarinda has often been sought for, of late years, with the view of publication. Among others, Allan Cunningham, in the year 1834, when publishing his edition of the Life and Works of the Poet, made an unsuccessful application. Mrs. M'Lehose, in a letter, dated 16th July, 1834, declined Mr. Cunningham's request, and gave the following account of the original surreptitious appearance of a portion of the letters of Burns : —

" Mrs. James Gray, then Miss Peacock, and Mr. Grahame, the author of ' The Sabbath,' (two of my most valued and lamented friends,) applied to me on behalf of a literary gentleman of the name of Finlay, who was then engaged in writing a Life of the Poet, for permission to make a few extracts from the Letters to enrich his Life. This was unfortunately granted ; and the Letters lent to Mr. Finlay by Mr. Grahame, under this express condition, that a few

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extracts inserted in the Life was the sole permission granted to him. Besides making this use of the Letters, Mr. Finlay gave permission to a bookseller to publish all the Letters which had been intrusted to him, and added, most falsely, in an advertisement prefixed to them, that this was done with my permission, (* condescension,' as he termed it;) and that the editor was vested with the sole powder to publish these Letters. Nothing could be more contrary to truth."

Allan Cunningham, when preparing the last volumes of his edition, wrote Mrs. M'Lehose as follows : " I am now arranging the materials for the remaining two volumes, and feel that I want your aid. Without the Letters of Clarinda the works of Burns wdll be incomplete. I wish to publish them at the beginning of the eighth volume, with a short introduction, in which their scope and aim will be characterized. You will oblige me, and delight your country, by giving permission for this. I will do it with all due tenderness. I have a high respect for your character and talents, and wish you to reflect, that the world will in time have a full command over the Letters, and that ruder hands than mine

PREFACE. IX

will likely deal with them : my wish is for an opportunity to give an accredited edition of the Correspondence to the public, and give a right notion of their object and aim, while I have it so much in my power."

A reviewer, who was intimately acquainted with Clarinda for many years, in noticing Allan Cunningham's edition, thus writes : — " It is to be regretted that the letters to Clarinda are not embraced in this collection ; but Mr. Cunningham's explanation on this subject is quite satisfactory. We agree with him, that the letters in question are particularly valuable; and cannot but think that it is from some misapprehension, Clarinda has declined to sanction their publication We are certain that they could have no such tendency as is feared : the justness of which opinion, we are sure, will at once be acknowledged by all who have the pleasure of knowing the estimable lady to whom they were addressed."

Mrs. M'Lehose originally refused Mr. Syme (who collected for Dr. Currie) permission to publish the Letters, and declined, as has been already stated, various similar applications in her latter years. But the present editor is of opinion, that the time is now

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come for their publication, and that an authentic edition of the Correspondence will have the effect of removing prejudice, will do honour to the memory of his respected relative, and interest the public, by giving them a new chapter in the life of our immortal poet. This interest, too, is increased by the consideration that these letters are probably the last original compositions of his which will ever be made public.

In reading the Correspondence of Burns and Clarinda, the reader will perceive, that several of her letters, and perhaps three or four of /m, are wanting, and that, in those published, various passages are short-coming. A brief explanation, in relation to their custody, is therefore deemed necessary. This seems the more called for, when it is recollected that, in 1797, Ciarinda wrote to Mr. Syme, that she never would suffer one of them (the letters of Burns) ^to perish. Ciarinda survived forty-four years ; and it is perhaps a matter of surprise, that the Letters should have been so well preserved, and so few lost in such a long time.

In some of the Poet's letters, pieces have been cut out, to gratify (it is supposed) collectois of

PREFACE. XI

autographs, as it is well known that Mrs. M'Lehose was much harassed with such applications: they are, besides, much torn, which was incidental to the frequent handling of them, for they were exhibited to gratify the curiosity of visitors. These are the sole causes of a few blanks being observable in the letters. The editor has an implicit belief that none were destroyed or suppressed by Mrs. M'Lehose, or by her son, the lale Mr. A. C. M'Lehose, W. S.

On the death of the latter, in April 1839, there was found in his repositories a bundle of papers, containing all the letters of Sylvander now published, and a small portion of those of Clarinda. These were taken possession of by Mr. G. H. Pattison, advocate, on behalf of the editor, who was then resident abroad. Very soon after Mrs. M'Lehose's death, a law-agent in this city, who acted for her under some sort of authority in the two years and a half which intervened between her son's death and her own, removed from her repositories, which had been sealed up on the day of her funeral, all her private papers. The authority from Mrs. M'Lehose, such as it was, came to

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an end by her death, and the removal of her papers was effected without warrant of any kind. Two boxes of these papers were dehvered up to the editor, on his arrival in this country, in the spring of 1842^ and, at some interval of time afterwards, several of Clarinda's letters were sent to him, with the apology, that they had fallen out of a box or press. It is curious that the only letters, which so fell out of a box or press, were several of Clarinda's letters to Burns, and the draft of a letter in which she declined sitting for her portrait for some of the poet's admirers.

The editor can only further express his belief, that Mr. Pattison gave up to him the letters which he took charge of, in the same condition in which he found them in Mr. M'Lehose's repositories ; and declare that he himself has given to the public all he received.

The editor takes this opportunity of rendering his best thanks to Mr. Robert Chambers and Mr. Pattison, for the useful suggestions which they have made, and the valuable assistance given in arranging the materials, and revising them for the pi ess.

C0ITEIT3 or THE COMESPOraiCE.

LETTER I. — Sylvander to Clarixda. Regrets that he did not know her sooner. Encloses a few lines of poetry. Would feel mortified at being forgotten by her, ....... 79

LETTER IL— Sylvaxder to Clarixda.

Had determined to cultivate her acquaintance ; but a fall from a coach prevents his visiting her at present, 80

LETTER IIL— Clari.vda to Sylvander.

Trusts he will soon recover. He must not leave town without seeing her. Has often composed rhyme, but not poetry. Wishes all the poetry he can spare, . 82

LETTER IV.— Sylvander to Ceari.vda.

Writes in agony. Her lines are good poetry Knows not where the God of Love would have led him, if he had known her earlier, ...... 85

LETTER v.— Clarixda to Sylvaxder.

Chides him for addressing a married woman in such a romantic style. Could he, Jacob-like, wait seven years .' Wishes she were the Duchess of Gordon, to give him solid proofs of friendship, ... 86

LETTER VI.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Is startled at the idea of paying his addresses to a married woman. If his heart went a little astray, hopes she wont condemn him without benefit of clergy. Replies to her raillery of seven years, . 38

CONTENTS OF THE CORRESPONDENCE.

LETTER VII. — Sylvander to Clarinda.

Has read one of her poetical pieces to Dr. Gregory. Loves her for her taste for poesy. Likes the idea of Arcadian names in their correspondence. Wishes her to have a just idea of his character. Describes it. She made a strong impression on him at their first interview. Says he deserved most of his unhappy hours. Wonders why her cup of life was dashed with sorrow, 91

LETTER VIII.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Is elated by Dr. Gregory's praises. Is not unhappy ; religion has been her balm in every wo. Sends a poetical simile, . . . . . . 96

LETTER IX.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Has met a lady who would have made a better Clarinda than herself. Will not find fault with his loving her for her taste for poesy. Agrees with him in thinking that friendship between the sexes must have a little softness. They were born the same year, and, she thinks, thrown off by Nature in the same mould. Providence chastised her for her good, Hopes they will meet in a future state, where there will be scope for every heartfelt affection, ..... 98

LETTER X. — Clarinda to Sylvander.

Sends the verses beginning " Talk not of Love," &c. Wishes to know if he is well enough to visit her in a coach, ......... 105

LETTER XI. — Sylvander to Clarinda.

Is delighted with her last verses. He is not well enough to visit her, even in a coach. His first visit shall be to her, ....... 107

CONTENTS OF THE CORRESPONDENCE.

LETTER XII.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Reveres her religious sentiments. Never ridiculed real religion. Thinks that we sometimes exchange faults rather than get rid of them. Defines worth. Grudges heaven totally engrossing Clarinda. Intends inserting her verses " Talk not of Love," &c., in the Scots Musical Museum. Proposes giving her the first call next day, ....... 108

LETTER XIII.— Sylvander TO Clarinda.

Admires the character of Satan in " Milton's Paradise Lost." Sends her the autobiographical letter he ad-

" dressed to Dr. Moore, ..... 114

LETTER XIV.— Clarinda to Sylvander. His letter to Dr. Moore deeply affected her. Finds no trace of friendship to a female in it. Regrets his being an enemy to Calvinism. Believes in Calvinism herself, one or two dark tenets excepted. Wishes to know his objections. Advises him to resolve against wedlock, ..... . 116

LETTER XV.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Prefers a pious to a lukewarm female. States the outlines of his religious belief. Alludes to a female, whose happiness is twisted with the threads of his existence. Clarinda must not guess who. Has been spending the evening with sordid souls who could relish nothing in common with him, but Port, . 121

LETTER XVI.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Can relish most things in common with him, except Port. Conjectures that he alludes to his Jean. He had Clarinda's good wishes before they met. Thinks

CONTENTS OF I HE CORRESPONDENCE.

PAGE

they have more of the eagle and turtle-dove, than of the cart-horse, 125

LETTER XVII.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Is distracted at not having seen her. Declares she has converted him. Is glad that, in his last letter, he did not let some fatal information escape. His friendships, both strong and eternal, .... 129

LETTER XVIIL— Clarinda to Svlvander. Inquires how she has converted him. Regrets his intimacy with a man of bad character. Wishes to know if Bishop Geddes remembers meeting her, . . 132

LETTER XIX.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Religion his favourite topic. Hates controversial divinity. Deprecates her censure. Cherishes the maxim, " Reverence thyself," . . . 137

LETTER XX.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Hopes she will forgive unguarded expressions in his last letter, 139

LETTER XXI. — Clarinda to Sylvander.

Was delighted with their last meeting. Fears she was too unreserved. Relates her interview with Lord Napier's sister. States her sentiments on religion. Sylvander must not be proud to her, . . . 140

LETTER XXII.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Condemns the poetry of Elphinstone. Sends an epigram on him. Next week, must sing, "The night is my departing night." Is partial to the use of quotations, 145

CONTENTS OF THE CORRESPONDENCE.

LETTER XXIII.— Sylvander to Clarinda. Was enraptured with Clarinda at their last meeting. Thinks she is too sensitive. Believes that God approves of sincere love and friendship. Looks forward ^ with pain to their separation, .... 148

LETTER XXIV.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Francis Vulcan has lent hira the key of her heart. Thinks him the first of letter-writers. Hopes he will not visit her in a sedan chair. It would raise speculation among the neighbours. Elphinstone a pedant, 150

LETTER XXV.— Sylvander TO Clarinda.

Impertinence of visitors. Indisposition has depressed his spirits. Reflects on the mortality of man. Promises Clarinda unalterable love and friendship. Expects an equal return. Indulges in a Mahometan vision of Heaven, 153

LETTER XXVI.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Imagines that Fortune has attached him to Clarinda, that he may give her immortality, . . . 158

LETTER XXVII.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Is capable of strong affection. Love has led her into many weaknesses. Wishes their parting over. Absence will mellow their interest in each other. Has been too often guided by impulse, . . . 161

LETTER XXVIII— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Appeals to her whether he trespassed against the spirit of Decorum. Feels stung by her reproaches. Is pained at the idea of having wounded her feelings, 166

CONTENTS OF THE CORRESPONDENCE.

LETTER XXIX.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Proposes paying her a visit with Mr. Ainslie, . 169

I»E3'TER XXX.— SvLVANDER TO Clarinda.

His 'Srfnscnption on Stirling Palace" has injured his prospects. Schetki has composed an air for the song, " Clarinda, mistress of my Soul," . , . 170

LETTER XXXI.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Confesses to her Clergyman that she feels " a tender impression" for Sylvander. Wishes him to shelter his love in the garb of friendship, . . . 172

LETTER XXXII.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Loathes the malignant passions of human nature. Prays for himself and Clarinda. Quotes some lines on religion, ........ 179

LETTER XXXIII.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

He must be satisfied with her " tenderest friendship." Their youthful tastes were much alike. Wishes the scenes of nature to remind him of Clarinda. Fears that a friend, wlio has been kind to her, feels a prepossession, which she cannot return, . . . 182

LETTER XXXIV.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

She possesses his soul. Proposes set times for meditating on her. Wants her miniature to wear as a breastpin,

LETTER XXXV.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Has sometimes suffered severely from unguardedness. Thinks Sylvander a friend who would die sooner than injure her. Encloses her lines "To a Blackbird."

CONTENTS OF THE CORRESPONDENCE.

Explains some of her views on religion. Describes Lord Dreghorn's character, and conduct to her, - 190

LETTER XXXVL— Sylvander to Clarinda.

The children of misfortune, especially, need mutual esteem and reliance. Compares his own life to a temple in ruins. Forms high resolves. She has refined his soul, ... . . ... 198

LETTER XXXVIL— Sylvander to Clariisda.

Has been disappointed in a return of affection from his fellow-creatures. Wishes to devote his love to God. Prays Heaven to bless his intercourse with Clarinda, 202

LETTER XXXVHL— Sylvander to Clarinda. Dreads having offended her. Sends her a poem to read. Wishes to alleviate her sorrows, . 204

LETTER XXXIX.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Fears Miss Peacock entertains admiration for Sylvander, too much akin to love, .... 205

LETTER XL. — Sylvander to Clarinda.

Laughs at her fears. Considers Solomon was the " Spectator" of his day. Thinks the manners of the Court of Jerusalem very similar to that of London or Versailles. Dislikes both ancient and modern voluptuaries, 208

LETTER XLI. — Sylvander to Clarinda.

Cannot cease to love her Execrates the half-inch soul of an unfeeling Presbyterian bigot, . . 210

LETTER XLIL — Sylvander to Clarinda.

Is angry with a friend of Clarinda's, for endeavouring

to dissolve their friendship, . . . 211

CONTENTS OF THE CORRESPONDENCE.

LETTER XLIII.— SvLVANDER TO Clarinda.

Laments that he has deprived her of a fi-iend. Advises her to call a little honest pride to her aid. Prays for her, 214

LETTER XLIV.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Repeats his protestations of love and friendship, . 216

LETTER XLV.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Requests her to be comforted. Refers to the jealousy of two of her prying friends. Recommends her not to answer their inquiries, 217

LETTER XLVI.— Sylvander TO Clarinda.

Assures her she will be always in his thoughts. Meets with an old friend, and his brother William, in Glasgow, , . . . . . . . 219

LETTER XL VII.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

The friend, whose prepossession she could not return, hears of her attachment to Sylvander, and is cold in consequence. Wishes to introduce him to a young lady in Ayr, 221

LETTER XLVITL— Sylvander TO Clarinda.

Describes a day spent with Mr. Pattison, a zealous Anti-burgher, at Paisley. Mr. P. has struggled hard with the world and the flesh since his widowerhood. He consults Sylvander about marrying a young girl in his old age. Narrates his domestic troubles, . 226

LETTER XLIX— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Is distressed at not hearing from him. Has seen Miss Burnet at an evening lecture. Admires her vastly, 229

CONTENTS OF THE CORRESPONDENCE.

LETTER L. — Sylvander to Clarinda.

Does not forget her. Is hurried with business and dissipation. Thinks of taking a farm. Offers her his wannest attachment and sincerest friendship, 232

LETTER LL — Clarinda to Sylvander.

Can hardly forgive his neglecting to write her. Thinks the pursuits of a farmer more suitable for him than the Excise, ....... 234

LETTER LII.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Complains of the savage hospitality of a friend. Its consequences. Moralizes on the unhappy and thoughtless career of man, ...... 238

LETTER LIII. — Sylvander to Clarinda.

Defends himself against the reproach of unkindness. Urges her to call self-respect to aid her in defeating the petulance, the prejudices, or the weakness of her acquaintance, ....... 240

LETTER LIV.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Thinks Mr. Pattison possessed of the Demons of Avarice and Impurity. Rejoices at being high in Sylvander's esteem. Young Beauties must not tempt him to forget her, , 245

LETTER LV.— Sylvander to Clarkvda.

Has received his Excise appointment. Expects soon

to leave town, ....... 249

LETTER LVI.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Is anxious about his worldly prospects, . . 254

LETTER LVII.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

His Publisher delays his departure, . . . 252

LETTER LVIII. Sylvander to Clarinda.

Intends to write her often, .... 253

Verses addressed by Burns to Clarinda on leaving Edinburgh in Ajoril 1783, " Fair Empress of the Poet's Soul," 255

LETTER LIX.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Cannot plead guilty to the accusation of perfidious treachery. Was not to blame in being the victim of Clarinda's charms, ...... 256

LETTER LX.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Has been out of health all winter. A conjuncture of events have caused him to err. Sends her the Song, " My Lovely Nancy," .... 258

LETTER LXL— Sylvander to Clarinda. Encloses Stanzas on " Sensibility," . . 260

LETTER LXII.— Clarinda to Sylvander. Writes him in behalf of a dying Girl who had loved him, " not wisely, but too well," . . 262

LETTER LXIII.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Is deeply affected by the Girl's distress. Will afford her immediate relief, ...... 263

LETTER LXIV.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Encloses his Ballad on Queen Mary, . . . 265

LETTER LXV.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Has altered the Stanzas on " Sensibility," . . 268

LETTER LXVL— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Sends Clarinda the three beautiful Songs, " Ae fond Kiss," « Behold the Hour," « Gloomy December," 270

LETTER LXVII.— Clarinda to Sylvander.

Takes an affecting farewell of him on leaving for Jamaica. Gives parting advice. Is to sail in the

' same^vessel he formerly intended crossing the Atlantic in, .. • -273

Pastoral composed by the Poet on Clarinda's departure for the West Indies in 1792, " My Nannie's Awa," 276

LETTER LXVIIL— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Is grieved that she has not informed him of her return to Europe. Wishes to renew their correspondence, 277

LETTER LXIX.— Sylvander to Clarinda.

Cannot write her an ordinary epistle of friendship. Envies an old friend the power of serving her. Consoles himself by drinking her health in solitude and in company. Implores the blessings of Heaven upon her, 279

MEMOIR OF MRS. .M'LEH<)SE.,

Mrs. M'Lehose, whose maiden name was Agnes Craig, was born in Glasgow in April 1759. She was the daughter of Mr. Andrew Craig, surgeon in that city — a gentleman of a good family. His brother was the Rev. William Craig, one of the ministers of Glasgow, and father of Lord Craig, a Judge of the Court of Sessions. The mother of Mrs. M'Lehose was a daughter of the Rev. John M'Laurin, — minister of Luss, and afterwards of St. David's, Glasgow, — well known as the author of a volume of sermons ; one of which, in particular, has always been viewed as a model of evangelical piety and pulpit eloquence. He was a brother of Cohn M'Laurin, the celebrated mathematician and friend of Sir Isaac Newton.

Of the early years of Agnes Craig but little is recorded. She was so delicate in infancy, that it was hardly expected she would survive childhood. Yet of four daughters and a son, she alone reached old age : all died in childhood except her sister Margaret, who, at the age of nineteen, became the wife of Captain Kennedy of Kailzie, and died about a year afterwards. The education of Agnes Craig was very incomplete, as all female education was at that period, compared with the numerous advantages possessed by young people of both sexes in the present day. All the education bestowed upon her was some very imperfect instruction in English grammar, and that laborious idleness called sampler work; even spelling was much neglected. The disadvantages attending such an education she afterwards fully perceived, and partially remedied at a period of life when many women neglect the attainments previously acquired, and but few persevere in the cultivation of further knowledge.

Agnes lost her mother when she was only eight years old ; and her only surviving sister, Mrs. Kennedy, dying about five years afterwards, she was deprived of that compensation for a mother's invaluable influence and superintendence which might have been derived from an elder sister's counsels.

Her mother's instructions were not lost upon her ; for many years afterwards she referred with heartfelt gratitude to the benefits she derived from the rehgious principles instilled into her by her " sainted mother." Henceforward, till her marriage, she lived with her father, — except that, for half a year, when fifteen years old, she was sent to an Edinburgh boarding-school to finish that education which could not be said to have been properly begun, and had no solid foundation : — a practice apparently prevalent in those days as well as now. This circumstance originated an acquaintance which ended in her marriage. Even at this early age, she was considered one of the beauties of Glasgow, and was styled " the pretty Miss Nancy." Mr. James M'Lehose, a young man of respectable connexions, and a law agent in that city, had been disappointed in getting introduced to her ; and when he learned that she was going to Edinburgh, he engaged all the seats in the stage-coach, excepting the one taken for her. At that period the coach took the whole day to perform the journey between the two cities, stopping a considerable time for dinner on the road, which thus afforded Mr. M'Lehose an excellent opportunity of making himself agreeable — an opportunity which he took the utmost pains to improve, and with great success, being possessed of an agreeable and attractive person, and most insinuating manners. His deficiency of sound principle was hidden from general observation by great plausibility. After the return of " the pretty Miss Nancy" to Glasgow, Mr. M'Lehose follow^ed up the acquaintance thus commenced, by paying her the most assiduous attention, and thus succeeded in winning her affections. Being young and inexperienced, deprived of the counsels of a mother and sister, and attached to one whom she thought possessed of every virtue, and who had shown so decided a partiality to her in a manner peculiarly calculated to please a romantic mind, — she favourably received his addresses.

In this she was not encouraged by her friends, who thought that her beauty, talents, and connexions, entitled her to a superior match. However, she became Mrs. M'Lehose in July 1776, being then only seventeen years of age, and her husband five years her senior. Their union, she always stated, was the result of disinterested affection on both sides. But this connexion proved the bane of her happiness, and the source of all her misfortunes. Married at so early an age, before the vivacity of youth was passed, and, indeed, before it was fully developed, possessed of considerable personal attractions, a ready flow of wit, a keen relish for society, in which her conversational powers fitted her to excel, and a strong love of admiration ; she appears to have displeased her husband, because she could not at once forego those enjoyments so natural to her time of life and situation. And he, without any cause, seems to have conceived the most unworthy jealousy, which led him to treat her with a severity most injudicious, and, to one of her disposition, productive of the worst consequences.

She soon discovered the mistaken estimate she had formed of her husband's character ; and being; of a high sanguine spirit, could ill brook the unmerited bad treatment she received. To use her own words, in a statement which she afterwards made for the advice of her friends — " Only a short time had elapsed ere I perceived, with inexpressible regret, that our dispositions, tempers, and sentiments, were so totally different, as to banish all hopes of happiness. Our disagreements rose to such a height, and my husband's treatment was so harsh, that it was thought advisable by my friends a separation should take place, which accordingly followed in December 1780."

Mrs. M'Lehose had at this period only two children living — having lost her first-born. A fourth was born a few months after this separation. Soon after this event, her husband took her infant children away from her, in the hopes of thereby w^orking on her maternal feelings, and forcing a reunion which she had firmly refused, being convinced that they could not live happily together. She parted with her children with extreme reluctance — her father being both able and willing to maintain her and them ; while her husband had neglected his business, and entered into every species of dissipation, so that he became unable to maintain his children, and they were distributed among his relations — the youngest infant being, as soon as possible, removed from the tender care of his mother, and committed to the charge of a hireling nurse. He even prohibited her from seeing the children, to whom, he knew, she was devotedly attached. It required the utmost fortitude, on her part, to bear this cruel deprivation ; but, by enduring it, she rendered her husband's cruel attempt abortive. All the children died young, except the late A. C. M'Lehose, W. S.

Immediately after the separation, she had returned to her father's house with her children, where she remained till his death, in the year 1782, two years afterwards. He judiciously left his property to be invested in an annuity for her behoof, entirely independent of her husband, and beyond his control; and, feeling it unpleasant to remain in the same city with her husband and his relations, and yet in a state of alienation, Mrs. M'Lehose, by the advice of her friends, removed to Edinburgh in the same year, 1782.

Her husband followed her soon after, on his way to London, having formed an intention of going abroad. He solicited an interview in these terms — "Earlv to-morrow mornins: I leave this country for ever, and therefore wish much to pass one quarter of an hour with you. Upon my word of honour, my dearest Nancy, it is the last night you probably will ever have an opportunity of seeing me in this world." This appeal she refused for the following reasons : — " I consulted my friends : they advised me against seeing him; and as I thought it could be productive of no good, I declined the interview%*' The treatment she received from her husband w^hile living wdth him, must have been bad indeed, to make one of her forgiving disposition so unyielding ; and he seems to have been not altogether insensible to his misconduct; for, two years later, and just previous to going abroad, he wrote to his wife — " For my own part, I am "willing to forget what is past ; neither do I require any apology from you : for I am heartily sorry for those instances of my behaviour to you which caused our separation. Were it possible to recall them, they should never be repeated." These feelings may have been sincere at the moment, but they had no depth or endurance.

Soon after Mr. M'Lehose went to London, in the year 1782, he wrote his wdfe a very reproachful letter, stating his intention of going abroad, and bidding her take her children home to her. In this letter he observed — '^ The sooner you return to Glasgow the better, and take under your care and protection those endearing pledges of our once-happier days, as none of my friends will have any thing to do with them." After speaking of his prospects of employment, he added — " Yet still, however remote my residence may be from you and those endearing infants, God forbid that I should be so destitute of natural affection for them, as to permit you or them, in the smallest degree, to be burdensome to any of your friends. On the contrary, I shall at all times observe the strictest economy, and exert myself to the uttermost, so that I may be enabled to contribute to your ease and happiness."