I am out of all patience with this vile world, for one thing. Mankind are by nature benevolent creatures, except in a few scoundrelly instances. I do not think that avarice of the good things we chance to have, is born with us; but we are placed here amid so much nakedness, and hunger, and poverty, and want, that we are under a cursed necessity of studying selfishness, in order that we may exist! Still there are, in every age, a few souls that all the wants and woes of life cannot debase to selfishness, or even to the necessary alloy of caution and prudence. If ever I am in danger of vanity, it is when I contemplate myself on this side of my disposition and character. God knows I am no saint; I have a whole host of follies and sins to answer for; but if I could--and I believe I do it as far as I can--I would wipe away all tears from all eyes. Adieu! R. B. * * * * * CLI.--To MRS. DUNLOP. ELLISLAND, _10th April 1790._ I have just now, my ever honoured friend, enjoyed a very high luxury, in reading a paper of the _Lounger_. You know my national prejudices. I had often read and admired the _Spectator_, _Adventurer_, _Rambler_, and _World_, but still with a certain regret, that they were so thoroughly and entirely English. Alas! have I often said to myself, what are all the boasted advantages which my country reaps from the Union, that can counterbalance the annihilation of her independence, and even her very name? I often repeat that couplet of my favourite poet, Goldsmith-- States of native liberty possest, Tho' very poor, may yet be very blest.