A pair of trousers

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, early April 1882

I see a chance of making my money do if you can arrange to send another 100 fr. about the middle of this month; it will last me until the beginning of May. I have not been able to pay Tersteeg out of the 100 fr. you just sent me: I have so many expenses, and, for instance, I could no longer put off paying the rent or buying a pair of trousers. If you send again about the middle of April, I can return it to him then (and will do so if you insist). But I would rather make a drawing for it sometime. I must not do it this way - I must not pay cash to dealers. My debt to you is different, we don't know how things will go. If you remain an art dealer, you will get drawings and pictures for it in time; if you become a painter, I will pay you back the money with interest into the bargain.

Letter 184
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
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