LETTERCI.TO MR. S——.
Charles Street, Sept. 2, 1779.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
YOU can hardly imagine how impatient I was to hear how they behaved to you at B—h. I must confess, you give a rare account of your travels. I am pleased much with all the affair, excepting the cellar business, which I fear you repented rather longer than I could wish.—I had a letter from my honest L——n, who takes pride to himself in the honour you did him, and says Mr. S—— pleases himself in the hope of catching you on your return—when they flatter themselves the pictures will merit a second review:—but beware of the cellar!—I hope you are as well known at Scarborough as the Wells, and find more employment than you want, and that you get into friendly chatty parties for the evenings.—If I might obtrude my silly advice—itshould be to dissipate a little with the girls—but, for God’s sake, beware of sentimental ladies! and likewise be on thy guard against the Gambling Dames, who have their nightly petite-parties at quadrille—and, with their shining faces and smooth tongues, drain unwary young men’s pockets, and feminize their manners.—But why do I preach to thee, who art abler to instruct grey hairs than I am to dust my shop?—Vanity, which has gulled mighty statesmen, misled poor me; and for the sake of appearing wiser than I am, I pray you, “set me down an ass!” I inclosed a petulant billet to your Reverend Sire, which I hope he did not send you.—There is no news worth talking about in town, excepting that it rains frequently, and people of observation perceive that the days are shorter.—Mrs. Sancho and children are all well—and, I dare swear, wish you so; in which they are heartily seconded by
Yours sincerely,
IGNATIUS SANCHO.
How shall I know whether you get this scrawl, except you send me word?