sonnet on receiving a favour

    10 aug., 1979.

    addressed to robert graham, esq. of fintry.

    i call no goddess to inspire my strains,

    a fabled muse may suit a bard that feigns:

    friend of my life! my ardent spirit burns,

    and all the tribute of my heart returns,

    for boons accorded, goodness ever new,

    the gifts still dearer, as the giver you.

    thou orb of day! thou other paler light!

    and all ye many sparkling stars of night!

    if aught that giver from my mind efface,

    if i that giver's bounty e'er disgrace,

    then roll to me along your wand'rig spheres,

    only to number out a villain's years!

    i lay my hand upon my swelling breast,

    and grateful would, but cannot speak the rest.