Chapter IV: Letter III: To Mr. M

Sept. 17, 1768.

I AM uneasy about your health--I do not like your silence--let some good body or other give me a line, just to say how you are.--I will, if I can, see you on Sunday;--it is a folly to like people, and call them friends, except they are blest with health and riches.--A very miserable undone poor wretch, who has no portion in this world’s goods but honesty and good temper, has a child to maintain, and is very near in a state of nature in the article of covering, has applied to me.--I do know something of her--no greater crime than poverty and nakedness.--Now, my dear M----, I know you have a persuasive eloquence among the women--try your oratorical powers.--You have many women--and I am sure there must be a great deal of charity amongst them--Mind, we ask no money--only rags--mere literal rags.--Patience is a ragged virtue--therefore strip the girls, dear M----, strip them of what they can spare--a few superfluous worn-out garments--but leave them pity--benevolence--the charities--goodness of heart--love--and the blessings of yours truly with affection, or something very like it,

I SANCHO.