Chapter XL: Letter XXXIX: 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!”

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 proper sense 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.