LETTERXXXIV.TO MR. M——.
Jan. 4, 1776.
I KNOW not what predominates in my worthy friend—pride or good-nature;—don’t stare—you have a large share of both:—happy it is for you—as well as your acquaintance—that your pride is so well accompanied by the honest ardor of youthful benevolence.—You would, like the fabled pelican—feed your friends with your vitals. Blessed Philanthropy!—Oh! the delights of making happy—the bliss of giving comfort to the afflicted—peace to the distressed mind—to prevent the request from the quiveringlips of indigence!—But, great God!—the inexpressible delight—the not-to-be-described rapture, in soothing, andconvincingthe tender virgin that “You alone,†&c. &c. &c. (Prior’s Henry and Emma see.)—But I think you dropt a word or two about flattery.—Sir,—honest friend,—know, once for all—I never yet thought you a coxcomb:—a man of sense I dare not flatter, my pride forbids it;—a coxcomb is not worth the dirty pains.—You have (through the bounty of your great Creator) strong parts, and, thank the Almighty Goodness, an honest sincere heart;—yes, you have many and rare talents, which you have cultivated with success:—you have much fire, which, under the guidance of a circumspect judgement, stimulates you to worthy acts;—but do not say that I flatter in speaking the truth;—I can see errors even in those I half reverence;—there are spots in the Sun—and perhaps some faults in Johnny M——, who is by far too kind, generous, and friendly, to his greatly obliged friend,
IGN. SANCHO.
P. S. I tell you what—(are you not coming to town soon?)—F—— and venison are good things; but by the manes of my ancestors—I had rather have the pleasure of gossipation with your sublime highness.—What sketches have you taken?—What books have you read?—What lasses gallanted?—The venison is exceeding fine, and the cleanest I ever saw;—to-morrow we dress it;—a thankful heart shall be our sweet sauce:—were you in town, your partaking of it would add to its relish.—You say I was not in spirits when you saw me at G——; why, it might be so—in spight of my philosophy—the cares and anxieties attendant on a large family and small finances sometimes overcloud the natural chearfulness of yours truly,
I. SANCHO.
N. B.  A very short P—— S——.