LETTERCXXI.TO MR. W——E.
Dec. 26, 1779.
IT is needless, my dear Sir, to say how pleasingly the news of your great good fortune affected us:—for my part, I declare (self excepted) I do not know, in the whole circle of human beings, two people whom I would sooner wish to have got it;—neither, in my poor judgement, could it have fallen with a probability of being better used in any other hands. The blessings of decent competency you have been used to from early childhood:—your minds have been well cultivated—virtuous and prudent in your conduct, you have enjoyed the only true riches (a good name) long;—your power of doing good will certainly be amply increased; but, as to real wealth, I will maintain it, you were as rich before.—You must now expect a decent share of envy;—for, as every one thinks pretty handsomely of self, most ofthe unfortunate adventurers of your acquaintance will be apt to think how much pleasanter it would have been to have had twenty thousand pounds to themselves.—Avarice will groan over his full bags, and cry, “Well, I never had any luck!” Vanity will exclaim, “It is better to be born lucky than rich!” Whilst Content, sheltered in her homely hovel, will cry, “Blessing on their good hearts! aye, I knew their good parents;—they were eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame, and made the orphan’s and the widow’s hearts sing for joy; God will prosper the family.”—But, while I am prating away, I neglect to thank you, which was the chief business of this letter—to thank you, and to admire that rectitude of temper which could, in the full tide of worldly good fortune, remember the obscure, the humble old friend.—Accept my thanks, and the plaudit also of a heart too proud to court opulence—but alive to the feelings of truth, sacred friendship, and humanity.—Mine and Mrs. Sancho’s thanks for your genteel present attend you, Mrs. W——, and the worthy circle round!—May every year beproductive of new happiness in the fullest sense of true wisdom, the riches of the heart and mind!—So wishes thy obliged sincere friend,
I. SANCHO.