Take a view, my Lord, of this truly noble (though poor) worthy in this single point--that he had the courage and integrity of heart to despise the tempting bait of _thirty thousand pounds sterling_, and not only so, but that in spite of the infirmities attending the hoary head he struggled through as great [Sidenote: _fol._ 470.] dangers[207] and difficulties of life for the preservation of etc., as it is in the power of the most fertil fancy to paint; and then I leave it to your lordship to draw the immortal character of this amiable instance of heroic virtue. [207] Well may honest Donald in a literal sense use the words of the blessed Apostle, 2 Cor. xi. 26, 27: 'In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.' [See Donald's whole Journal, ff. 266-326.]--F. I dare venture to say that no man of bowels can hear honest Donald's interesting story without a mixture of joy and pain, and even without shedding tears. Well do I know all the several parts of it, and the more I think upon it, to the greater height is my admiration raised of the wondrous good man. He has a large silver snuff-box which serves as an excellent medal of his history, to which I refer your lordship after asking your forgiveness for this too long letter. But while I would fain flatter myself with the hopes I am giving you pleasure, I indulge a self-satisfaction, for I could dwell upon the subject. I shall be glad to know when this reaches your lordship's hands, for I will be sorry if it should happen to be of an old [Sidenote: _fol._ 471.] date before it is delivered. That God Almighty may bless and reward your lordship with all happiness both here and hereafter, for the many seasonable instances of compassion and relief you have shewn to the necessitous and deserving, is the hearty and earnest prayer of, My Lord, Your lordship's very much obliged and most humble servant, ROBERT FORBES. _Citadel of Leith, October 21st, 1747._ Copy of a Letter to me, ROBERT FORBES. [Sidenote: 13 Oct. 1747] [Sidenote: _fol._ 472.] REVEREND DEAR SIR,--You'l received from the bearer all that was to the for of the weast coat[208] that the P. gave to me; because nobody could get it where I put it till I came home myself. Likwise tow of the buttons that war in it. [208] See ff. 263, 264, 265. I cou'd not get that from Kingsburgh you desired me ----[209]; however he has it. I have more to tell you when I see ----. [209] See f. 239 and footnote, f. 380. Writ to me by the bearer. Mind me most kindly to Lady Bruce and all acquantance, especiall Lady Balmirina and her sister. I'm your very humble servant,