Chapter XXXV: Letter XXXIV: 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 quivering lips of indigence!--But, great God!--the inexpressible delight--the not-to-be-described rapture, in soothing, and _convincing_ the 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----.