LETTERLXXVIII.TO MR. S——.
October 22, 1778.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
HAVE you never beheld a bust with double—no, not double—but with two very different profiles—one crying, and one laughing?—That is just my situation at present:—for poor de Groote—huzza!—is presented to the Charter-house—by—bless him!—the good Archbishop of Canterbury;—but, by a standing law, he cannot be admitted till a fresh quarter begins—and, as he says, he may be dead by that time;—we will hope not;—well,this is the laughing side.—The Duke of Queensbury died this morning:—Alas! “I ne’er shall look upon his like again!”—the clearest head, and most humane of hearts:—I have in common with many—many—a heavy loss—I loved the good Duke—and not without reason:—he is gone to reap a reward—which St. Paul could not conceive in the flesh—and which, I will be bold to say, they both perfectly enjoy at this moment.—God of his mercy grant!—that thee and I—and all I love—yea—and all I know—may enter eternity with as promising hopes—and realize the happiness in store for such as the Duke of Queensbury!
Lord Lincoln died on his passage;—the news came last night; but he has left a son and daughter.
T—— is well—but still plagued with his uncouth kinsfolk.
Adieu, Yours, &c. &c.
I. SANCHO.
Kitty very poorly, the rest all well.