Chapter L: Letter XLIX: To Mr. R

August 27, 1777.

DEAR FRIEND,

WHETHER this finds your officially parading on Newmarket turfs--or in the happier society of the good geniuses of B---- house--may it find you well--in good joyous spirits--gay, debonnair--happy at heart--happy as I have seen my meaning expressed in the countenance of my friend Mrs. C----, where humanity--humility--and goodwill--have outshone beauty--in one of the finest faces of your country--but this between ourselves;--and pray how does the aforesaid lady do?--does she ride, walk, and dance, with moderation?--and can you tell me that she continues as well as when she first went down--and still finds good from her western expedition?--And the little Syren Miss C----?--Have there no letters, sent by Cupid’s post, sticking on the arrow’s point, been picked up about your grounds, blown by western breezes across the country?--Tell her nothing can ever hurt her but Love and Time.--May Love bring her happiness, and Time honour!--As to wealth--may she have no more than she can manage with comfort and credit!--Monsieur L----’s letter is a good one--and I think it would make one laugh even in the gout.--God bless this old boy--for he is a true type of beggarly pride--cunning--narrow-hearted--vain and mean--one of Satan’s dupes--who do his dirty work for a little worldly trash--and cheat themselves at last.--I know a man who delights to make every one he can happy--that same man treated some honest girls with expences for a Vauxhall evening.--If you should happen to know him--you may tell him from me--that last night--three great girls--a boy--and a fat old fellow--were as happy and pleas’d as a fine evening--fine place--good songs--much company--and good music--could make them.--Heaven and Earth!--how happy, how delighted, were the girls!--Oh! the pleasures of novelty to youth!--We went by water--had a coach home--were gazed at--followed, &c. &c.--but not much abused.--I must break off before I have half finished--for Mr. ---- is just come in--you are not the first good friend that has been neglected for a fop.

IGN. SANCHO.