Chapter CXXV: Letter CXXIII: To Mr. I

Dec. 1779.

DEAR SIR,

THE bearer of this letter gives himself a very good report--he is certainly the best judge--he can cook upon occasion--dress and shave--handle a salver with address--and clean it too:--he is but little in make--and I hope not great in opinion:--examine his morals--if you can see through so opaque a composition as a Bengalian.--Was he an African--but it’s no matter, he can’t help the place of his nativity!--I would have waited upon the worthy circle yesterday; but the day was so unfriendly, I had not the heart to quit the fire-side.--I hope you and Mrs. I---- have as much health and spirits as you can manage.--I have had a pretty smart engagement with the gout, of which I can give a better account than Sir Charles Hardy can of the combined fleet.--I wish to place you, Sir, in the Censor’s chair--for the which purpose, I most pressingly beg the favor of your company to-morrow, Friday the 19th, in the afternoon--to meet a young unfledged genius of the first water--who, as well as myself, is fool enough to believe you possess as much true taste as true worth:--be that as God pleases--if you delight to do me honor, comply with this request, and imagine Sterne would have done as much for

I. SANCHO.