Chapter CXLVII: Letter CXLV: To Mrs. C

Charles Street, Sept. 7, 1780.

MY greatly esteemed and honoured friend, if my pen doth justice in any sort to my feelings, this letter will not be a complimentary one.--I look upon such letters as I do upon the ladies winter nosegays, a choice display of vivid colouring, but no sweetness.--My friend Mr. R---- says, I stand condemned in the opinions of two ladies for an omittance in writing: believe me, my sorrow for incurring the censure is much more real than the crime; for when the heart is overcharged with worldly care, the mind bending also to the pressure of afflictive visitations--add to that the snow-tipt hairs announcing fifty odd--the fire of fancy is quite extinguished.--Alas! alas! such being the true state of the case--I dare abide by the jury of your noble and equitable hearts, to be brought in not guilty. The shew of hands was greatly in favour of Mr. C---- F--x and Sir G---- R----y; they will carry it all to nothing, is the opinion of the knowing--Lord L---- met with a coarse reception, at which he was a little displeased.--Mr. B--g spoke like the pupil of eloquence;--but the glorious F--x was the father and school of oratory himself--the Friend! the Patron! the Example!--There now.--I attended the hustings from ten to half past two--gave my free vote to the Honourable C---- J---- F--x and to Sir G---- R----y; hobbled home full of pain and hunger.--What followed after, you shall know in my next. At present I have only to declare myself

Yours and Miss C----’s
most obedient, faithful,
humble servant,

IGN. SANCHO.