LETTERCXVI.TO MR. S——.
Dec. 14, 1779.
SIR,
I EXPECT an answer.
Yours,
I. S.
Our friend H——’s head and heart are fully occupied with schemes, plans, resolves, &c. &c. in which (to his immortal honour) the weal and welfare of his S—— are constantly considered:—the proposal which accompanies this letter, from what little judgement I have, I think promises fair.—You will, however, give it a fair examination—and of course determine from the conviction of right reason.—If, as a friend, I might presume to offer my weak opinion—I freely say, I think in every light it seems eligible.The circle of your acquaintance is at present circumscribed—I mean in the artist line:—now in case you connect yourself in a business which requires constant daily perambulation—the chances are on your side for forming acquaintance—perhaps friendships—with men of genius and abilities, which may happily change the colour of your fortunes—the old proverb is on your side—“two heads,” &c.—and very fortunately in your case, where in fact one haswit, and the otherjudgement,—thechairofinterestwill have its compleat furniture in the two top ornaments—andhonestyfor itsbasis. So much for Mons. H——, and now I have to reckon with you. How could you be so preposterously wrong, to trouble the repose of your worthy father and mother about me? Surely you must think me exceedingly interested—or your heart must be a very proud one; if either—in the first instance you did me a wrong—in the last, perhaps, I may wrong you;—be it as it may—I know it gave me real vexation.—Your father sent such a basket, as ten times repaid the trifling service I had the honour as wellas pleasure in rendering a man of merit, and my friend;—believe me, I never accepted any present with so ill a will;—with regard to them, every thankful acknowledgement was due.—I wrote a very embarrassed letter of thanks—with a resolution to give you a chastisement for laying me under the necessity.—I hear with pleasure that you have enough to do. H—— declares he is sorry for it—as he wants and wishes you in town. Pray give my best wishes to Mess. B—— and S——w, and my love to O——. If you should happen to know a Miss A——, a rich farmer’s daughter, remember me to her—were you not widow-witched, she or some other heavy-pursed lass might be easily attainable to a man of your—aye, aye, but that, says ——, will not be, I fear.—For I verily believe, that * * * * * for the * * * * and by the same token do you not * * * * * * *? But this is matter of mere speculation.—God bless you! Yours sincerely—cordially—and sometimes offensively—but always friendly,
IGN. SANCHO.