To the Rev. Mr. Buchanan.
Weston, May 11, 1791.
My dear Sir,—You have sent me a beautiful poem, wanting nothing but metre. I would to heaven that you could give it that requisite yourself; for he who could make the sketch cannot but be well qualified to finish. But, if you will not, I will; provided always, nevertheless, that God gives me ability, for it will require no common share to do justice to your conceptions.[585]
I am much yours,
W. C.
Your little messenger vanished before I could catch him.