No More Learning

* * * * *




CCXX.


TO MR. THOMAS SLOAN.

[Thomas Sloan was a west of Scotland man, and seems, though not much
in correspondence, to have been on intimate terms with Burns. ]

_Ellisland, Sept. 1, 1791. _

MY DEAR SLOAN,

Suspense is worse than disappointment, for that reason I hurry to tell
you that I just now learn that Mr. Ballantyne does not choose to
interfere more in the business. I am truly sorry for it, but cannot
help it.

You blame me for not writing you sooner, but you will please to
recollect that you omitted one little necessary piece of
information;--your address.

However, you know equally well, my hurried life, indolent temper, and
strength of attachment. It must be a longer period than the longest
life "in the world's hale and undegenerate days," that will make me
forget so dear a friend as Mr. Sloan. I am prodigal enough at times,
but I will not part with such a treasure as that.

I can easily enter into the _embarras_ of your present situation.
You
know my favourite quotation from Young--

---------------"On reason build RESOLVE!
That column of true majesty in man;"

and that other favourite one from Thomson's Alfred--

"What proves the hero truly GREAT,
Is never, never to despair. "

Or shall I quote you an author of your acquaintance?

"---- Whether DOING, SUFFERING, OR FORBEARING,
You may do miracles by--PERSEVERING. "

I have nothing new to tell you. The few friends we have are going on
in the old way. I sold my crop on this day se'ennight, and sold it
very well. A guinea an acre, on an average, above value. But such a
scene of drunkenness was hardly ever seen in this country. After the
roup was over, about thirty people engaged in a battle, every man for
his own hand, and fought it out for three hours. Nor was the scene
much better in the house. No fighting, indeed, but folks lying drunk
on the floor, and decanting, until both my dogs got so drunk by
attending them, that they could not stand. You will easily guess how I
enjoyed the scene; as I was no farther over than you used to see me.

Mrs. B. and family have been in Ayrshire these many weeks.