LETTERCXXVIII.TO MR. M——.
Charles Street, Jan. 17, 1780.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I RECEIVED, as you taught me to expect last week, a very fine * * *, and after it as kind a letter—in name of a Mr. E—— W—— of Norfolk, near Houghton-Hall, &c.—I have bespoke a frank, and mean to thank him—as I also thank you, whom I look upon as the grand friendly mover of the generously handsome act.—You have your reward, for you had a pleasure in doing it;—and Mr. W—— has his, if he believes me honest.—Could I any way retaliate, I should feel lighter—that’s pride, I own it. Humility should be the poor man’s shirt—and thankfulness his girdle;—be it so—I do request you to thank Mr. W—— for me, and tell him he has the prayers—not of a raving mad whig—nor fawning deceitful tory—but of a coalblack, jolly African, who wishes healthand peace to every religion and country throughout the ample range of God’s creation!—and believes a painter may be saved at the last day, maugre all the Miss G——’s and widows in this kingdom. I have done nothing in the shoe affair yet—for which I ought to ask poor C——’s pardon as well as yours:—the rogue has left the court, and gone to live in Fish-market, Westminster bridge;—I shall ferret him out, and make him bless his old master.
I inclose your receipts in proof of my honesty—a rare virtue as times go!—M—— has wrote to you—left his letter with me—and I, like a what you please, let it slip into the fire—with a handful of company he had no business to be amongst:—he shall write you another—you will both be angry—but you will both forgive, as good Christians ought, accidents.—I am sorry. I will say no more, but God keep you, and direct your goings;
Yours, &c. &c.
I. SANCHO.
When you see the honourable Mr. B——, give our loves and best wishes to him andMrs. B——, and Squire S—— and his good dame also.—Salute the home of G—— for me.