Chapter XXIX: Letter XXVIII: To Miss. L

Sept. 12, 1775.

THERE is nothing in nature more vexatious than contributing to the uneasiness of those, whose partiality renders them anxious for our well-doing--the honest heart dilates with rapture when it can happily contribute pleasure to its friends. You see by this that I am coxcomb enough to suppose me and mine of consequence!--but if it is so--it is such as you whose partial goodness have grafted that folly on my natural trunk of dulness.--I am, in truth, in a very unfit mood for writing--for poor Lydia is very so, so--Mrs. Sancho not very stout;--and for me, I assure you, that of my pair of feet--two are at this instant in pain! This is the worst side--but courage! Hope! delusive cheating Hope! beckons Self-love, and enlists him of her side--and, together, use their friendly eloquence to persuade me that better times are coming.--Your beloved wife (cries Self-love) will have a happy time, and be up soon, strong and hearty.--Your child (cries Hope) will get the better of her illness--and grow up a blessing and comfort to your evening life--and your friend will soon be in town, and enliven your winter prospects.--Trust, trust in the Almighty--his providence is your shield--’tis his love, ’tis his mercy, which has hitherto supported and kept you up.--See, see! cries Hope! look where Religion, with Faith on her right, and Charity on her left, and a numerous train of blessings in her rear, come to thy support.--Fond foolish mortal, leave complaining--all will be right--all is right.--Adieu, my good friend--write me something, to chase away idle fears, and to strengthen hope.--Too true it is, that where the tender passions are concerned, our sex are cowards.

Yours sincerely,

I. SANCHO.

Mrs. Sancho sends her best wishes.