Chapter CLIV: Letter CLII: October 15, 1780

MY DEAR BOY,

THIS is to thank you kindly for the affectionate mark of your remembrance of your old friend. After a long tedious voyage, you happily reached the haven of your repose--found your friends well--and rejoiced their hearts by presenting, not a prodigal, but a duteous, worthy, and obedient child;--theirs be the joy--but yours will be the gain.--As sure as light follows the rising of the sun, and darkness the setting of it;--so sure is goodness even in this life its own reward of course. You are in the militia--that will do you no harm;--spirit and true courage in defence of our country is naturally and nobly employed.--We are in the upper world playing the old foolish game--in the same foolish way--and with the same foolish set that trod the ministerial boards when you left us. Your friend D---- tries expedients, and gets nothing;--he is very deep in my debt; but as he has nothing, I can expect nothing--for I never will consent to do that to others, I would not they should do unto me.--N---- does better, and grows proud--I wish him joy.--My dear youth, be proud of nothing but an honest heart.--Let the sacred oracles be your morn and evening counsellors--so shall you truly enjoy life, and smile at the approach of death.--I have been exceedingly ill since you left us;--but, thank God! I have got a fair fit of the gout, which will, I hope, cleanse me from my whole budget of complaints.--I shall live, I hope, till your good present arrives;--and then I shall live indeed.--Send the girls some cherry nuts, if easy to be procured.--Mrs. S---- joins me in love, good-will, and good wishes for thy peace, health, and prosperity. Adieu.

Yours affectionately,

I. SANCHO.