24 MARCH 1883, Page 13

"TO THINK LONG."

(To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR, —The phrase "To think long," in the sense of "feel weari- ness," could probably be paralleled from other English writers besides Milton. It is certainly good Scotch, as may be seen from the quotation given by Jamieson from Ross's " Helenore," to which may be added the following well-known stanza of Burns :—

"The Muse, use Poet over fend her, Till by himsel' he learn'd to wander, Adown some trottin' burn's meander, An' no think lang ; 0 sweet, to stray and pensive ponder A heartfelt sang !"

—I am, Sir, &c.,