Chapter LXXVII: Letter LXXV: To Mr. S----,

Yours just received, Thursday,
Oct. 4, 1778.

“Whatever--is--is right--the world, ’tis true,
“Was made for Cæsar--and for Billy too.”

POVERTY and Genius were coupled by the wisdom of Providence, for wise and good ends no doubt--but that’s a mystery.--I feel for and pity you.--A pox upon pity and feelings--say I, they neither fill the belly, nor cloath the body--neither will they find lodging or procure an inside birth in a rascally stage--Thee and I too well know all this--but as I am at this present moment, thank fortune! not quite worth ten shillings, pity--cursed foolish pity--is, with as silly wishes, all I have to comfort you with.--Were I to throw out my whole thoughts upon paper, it would take a day’s writing, and thou would’st be a fool to read it--one dawn of hope I enjoy from the old saw--that “gloomy beginnings are for the most part blessed with bright endings:”--may it be so with you, my friend!--at the worst, you can only face about--and your lodgings and old friends will cordially receive you--for my part, I have use for every mite of my philosophy--my state at present is that of suspense--God’s will be done!

This letter will reach you by the hands of a friend indeed--the best and truest I ever found--a man who, if the worth of his heart were written in his face, would be esteemed by the whole race of Adam--he will greet you kindly from the benevolence of his nature--and perhaps will not dislike you the more for the attachment which for thee is truly felt by thy sincere friend,

I. SANCHO.

Mrs. Sancho is well--Kitty mends very slow--Billy improves in sauciness--the girls are pretty good--Monsieur H---- rides uneasily--his saddle galls him--his beast is restive--I fear he will never prosecute long journies upon him--he is for smoother roads--a pacing tit--quilted saddle--snaffle bridle with silken reins--and gold stirrups.--So mounted we all should like; but I query albeit, though it might be for the ease of our bodies, whether it would be for the good of our souls! Adieu.

Should you be so lucky to see B----, the house of the worthy Baronet Sir C---- B----, mind I caution thee to guard thy heart; you will there meet with sense that will charm exclusive of beauty--and beauty enough to subdue even were sense wanting--add to this good-nature and all the charities in one fair bosom.--Guard! guard thy heart!