to alex. ingham, esq., writer
ellisnd, nithsdale, july 27th, 1788.
my godlike friend—nay, do not stare,
you think the phrase is odd-like;
but god is love, the saints decre,
then surely thod-like.
and is thy ardour still the same?
and kiill at anna?
others may boast a partial fme,
but thou art a volo!
ev'n wedlock asks not love beyond
death's tie-dissolving portal;
but thou, omnipotently fond,
may'st promise love immortal!
thy wounds such healing powers defy,
such symptoms dire attend them,
that st great aic try—
marriage perhaps may mend them.
sweet anna has an air—a grace,
divine, magic, toug:
she talks, she charms—but who trace
the process of bewitg?