Chapter CXXI: Letter CXIX: To Mr. B

Dec. 24, 1779.

LOSERS have the privilege to rail--I was taking the benefit of the act upon my seeing Johnny O----, when he abruptly (and not disagreeably) stopped my mouth--with saying, he had just loaded a stout lad--in the name of Mr. B----, and dispatched him to Charles Street:--now this same spirit of reparation may suit well with both the in and out side of Mr. B----; and those who know the man will not marvel at the deed. For my own part, I have been long convinced of the blindness, and more than Egyptian stubbornness, of repiners of every sect.--For how can we say but that seeming evils in the seed, with the cultivation of benevolence--mark that--may yield an abundant crop of real substantial good?--The confounded lurches, and four by honours, trimmed me of ten pieces:--Ten pieces; quoth I as I was preparing for bed--better been at home:--Ten pieces! quoth Prudence, you had no business to play:--So much good money flung away! cries Avarice.--Avarice is a lying old grub--I have pork worth twice the money--and the friendly wishes of a being who looks hospitality and good-will.--The blessings of the season attend you!--May you have the pleasure and exercise of finding out want, and relieving it! and may you feel more pleasure than the benefited!--which I believe is mostly the case in souls of a kind, generous, enlarged structure.--My respects attend the gun and dog of Squire S----, which, being the things of most consequence, I name before Mrs. S---- or himself.--They and every one connected with B---- house have my best wishes--and you, my good Sir, the thanks of

Your most humble servant,

I. SANCHO.