MEMOIR OF BRUCE. 23 



from the impaired state of his health to return 

 home, by the advice of his physician, in quest of 

 fresh air and exercise. This simple prescription 

 restored his constitution ; and it was now deter^ 

 mined that he should abandon the legal profession, 

 as its drudgeries were beyond his strength, and not 

 likely after all to ensure success. 



For several years Bruce remained idle, without 

 aiming at any particular line of life ; India was at 

 last suggested as a field suited to his ardent imagi- 

 nation ; but as he was considerably above the age 

 for receiving a writership from the Company, he 

 resolved to petition the Court of Directors for leave 

 to settle under its patronage as a free trader. In 

 July, 1753, he left Scotland for London, with a 

 view to carry this plan into execution. On his 

 arrival he met with the most cordial reception from 

 his former friends and acquaintances ; and while 

 waiting in suspense for the permission of the Direc- 

 tors, a new object took possession of his heart, 

 which speedily obliterated all thoughts of foreign 

 travel in pursuit of wealth or business. This was 

 an elegant and accomplished young lady, named 

 Adriana Allan, daughter of a widow, whose hus- 

 band, an eminent wine-merchant, had raised himself 

 to opulence by his steadiness and integrity. Bruce 

 had been introduced to her by one of his com- 

 panions; her engaging manners and affectionate 

 disposition soon won his love; their regard was 

 mutual; and as the mother's consent was easily 

 obtained, the marriage took place (Feb. 3, 1754), 



