Chapter CIII: Letter CI: To Mr. S

Charles Street, Sept. 2, 1779.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

YOU can hardly imagine how impatient I was to hear how they behaved to you at B--h. I must confess, you give a rare account of your travels. I am pleased much with all the affair, excepting the cellar business, which I fear you repented rather longer than I could wish.--I had a letter from my honest L----n, who takes pride to himself in the honour you did him, and says Mr. S---- pleases himself in the hope of catching you on your return--when they flatter themselves the pictures will merit a second review:--but beware of the cellar!--I hope you are as well known at Scarborough as the Wells, and find more employment than you want, and that you get into friendly chatty parties for the evenings.--If I might obtrude my silly advice--it should be to dissipate a little with the girls--but, for God’s sake, beware of sentimental ladies! and likewise be on thy guard against the Gambling Dames, who have their nightly petite-parties at quadrille--and, with their shining faces and smooth tongues, drain unwary young men’s pockets, and feminize their manners.--But why do I preach to thee, who art abler to instruct grey hairs than I am to dust my shop?--Vanity, which has gulled mighty statesmen, misled poor me; and for the sake of appearing wiser than I am, I pray you, “set me down an ass!” I inclosed a petulant billet to your Reverend Sire, which I hope he did not send you.--There is no news worth talking about in town, excepting that it rains frequently, and people of observation perceive that the days are shorter.--Mrs. Sancho and children are all well--and, I dare swear, wish you so; in which they are heartily seconded by

Yours sincerely,

IGNATIUS SANCHO.

How shall I know whether you get this scrawl, except you send me word?