To Mrs Frances Anna Dunlop of Dunlop

                                                  Mauchline, 31 March 1788

I am truly sorry to tell you madam, that I fear it will not be in my power to meet you at the Mount on Sunday.- To come to Dunlop is impracticable; but I would earnestly wish, and will try to meet you ate the old Major’s.-

If you go on Madam, in the same style of Complimenting me on the pleasure my correspondence gives you, you will bar my pen altogether.- Now that I am often – “Crazed with care,” my letters will be

                   “like a twice told tale,
                   “Vexing the dull ear of a drousy man”-

I claim the kind promise of your correspondence as a priviledge, as a honor; and am never better pleased then when I see a letter from you, wrote out till there is hardly blank paper enough to close it.-

The Poems I promised you, I must confess debt and craved days.- Till Whitsunday I shall be immersed in business, partly my own, and partly on account of some near and dear friends, that I will not spare a moment.- Your kindness has already exhausted my various expression of gratitude; and for this last instance, I am determined to be silent till I tax my invention for something new to say on the subject.-

I much fear I will not be able to meet you on Sunday, but I’ll try.-

                                I have the honor to be, most gratefully
                                     Madam,
                                          Your oblidged, humble servant
                                               Robt Burns