LETTERXXXIX.TO MR. M——.
September 1, 1776.
YOU have the happiest manner of obliging!—How comes it that—without the advantages of a twentieth generationship of noble blood flowing uncontaminated in your veins—without the customary three years dissipation at college—and the (nothing to be done without) four years perambulation on the Continent—without all these needful appendages—with little more than plain sense—sheer good-nature—and a right honest heart—thou canst—
“Like low-born Allen, with an aukward shame,“Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame!”
“Like low-born Allen, with an aukward shame,“Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame!”
“Like low-born Allen, with an aukward shame,“Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame!”
“Like low-born Allen, with an aukward shame,
“Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame!”
Now, by my grandame’s beard—I will not thank you for your present—although my ears have been stunned with your goodness and kindness—the best young man!—and, good Lord! how shall we make him amends?&c. &c.—Pshaw! simpleton, quoth I, do you not plainly ken, that he himself has a satisfaction in giving pleasure to his friends, which more than repays him?—so I strove to turn off the notion of obligation—though, I must confess, my heart at the same time felt a something—sure it was not envy—no, I detest it—I fear it was pride—for I feel within myself this moment, that I could turn the tables in repaying principal with treble interest—I should feel gratified—though perhaps not satisfied.—I have a long account to balance with you—about your comments upon the transcript:—you are a pretty fellow, to dare put in your claim—to better sense—deeper thinking—and stronger reasoning than my wise self.—To tell you the truth (though at my own expence) I read your letter the first time with some little chagrin;—your reasoning, though it hurt my pride—yet almost convinced my understanding.—I read it carefully a second time—pondered—weighed—and submitted—Whenever a spark of vanity seems to be glowing at my heart—I will read your letter—and what then?—Why then, humbled by a propersense of my inferiority, I shall still have cause for pride—triumph—and comfort—when I reflect that my valued Censor—is the true friend of his sincerely affectionate
IGN. SANCHO.