LETTERXLIX.TO MR. R——.
August 27, 1777.
DEAR FRIEND,
WHETHER this finds your officially parading on Newmarket turfs—or in the happier society of the good geniuses of B—— house—may it find you well—in good joyous spirits—gay, debonnair—happy at heart—happy as I have seen my meaning expressed in the countenance of my friend Mrs. C——, where humanity—humility—and goodwill—have outshone beauty—in one of the finest faces of your country—but this between ourselves;—and pray how does the aforesaid lady do?—does she ride, walk, and dance, with moderation?—and can you tell me that she continues as well as when she first went down—and still finds good from her western expedition?—And the little Syren Miss C——?—Have there no letters, sent by Cupid’s post, stickingon the arrow’s point, been picked up about your grounds, blown by western breezes across the country?—Tell her nothing can ever hurt her but Love and Time.—May Love bring her happiness, and Time honour!—As to wealth—may she have no more than she can manage with comfort and credit!—Monsieur L——’s letter is a good one—and I think it would make one laugh even in the gout.—God bless this old boy—for he is a true type of beggarly pride—cunning—narrow-hearted—vain and mean—one of Satan’s dupes—who do his dirty work for a little worldly trash—and cheat themselves at last.—I know a man who delights to make every one he can happy—that same man treated some honest girls with expences for a Vauxhall evening.—If you should happen to know him—you may tell him from me—that last night—three great girls—a boy—and a fat old fellow—were as happy and pleas’d as a fine evening—fine place—good songs—much company—and good music—could make them.—Heaven and Earth!—how happy, how delighted, were the girls!—Oh! the pleasuresof novelty to youth!—We went by water—had a coach home—were gazed at—followed, &c. &c.—but not much abused.—I must break off before I have half finished—for Mr. —— is just come in—you are not the first good friend that has been neglected for a fop.
IGN. SANCHO.