and that therefore, he must not hope for my acquaintance. His Lordship most civilly subjoined, that he was sorry for it. "And is that all?" Say you. Now were I to hear you say so, I should look foolish, and say " "Yes."-But having you at a distance, I snap my fingers at you, and say-" No, that is not all.”— Mr. who favours us now and then with his company, in an evening, as usual, was not long since discoursing with that eloquence, which is so peculiar to himself, on the many providential interpositions, that had taken place in his favour. "He had wished

for many things (he said) which at the time, when " he formed those wishes, seemed distant and impro

bable, some of them indeed impossible. Among "other wishes that he had indulged, one was, that he

might be connected with men of genius and ability and in my connexion with this worthy gen❝tleman, (said he, turning to me) that wish I am sure, is amply gratified." You may suppose, that I felt the sweat gush out upon my forehead, when I heard this speech; and if you do, you will not be at all mistaken. So much was I delighted with the delicacy of that incense.

Thus far I proceeded easily enough; and here I laid down my pen, and spent some minutes in re

collection, endeavouring to find some subject, with which I might fill the little blank, that remains.

But

none presents itself. Farewel, therefore, and remember those who are mindful of you!

Present our love to all your

comfortable fire

side, and believe me eyer most affectionately yours,

W. C.

They, that read Greek with the accents, would pronounce the in Chew, as an . But I do not hold with that practice, though educated in it. I should therefore utter it just as I do the Latin word filio, taking the quantity for my guide.

LETTER LXXXVI.

To the Revd. WILLIAM UNWIN.

March 20, 1785.

MY DEAR WILLIAM,

I thank you for your Letter. It made me laugh, and there are not many things capable of being contained within the dimensions of a Letter, for which I see cause to be more thankful, I

was pleased too, to see my opinion of his Lordship's nonchalance upon a subject, that you had so much at heart, completely verified. I do not know, that the eye of a nobleman was ever dissected. I cannot help supposing however, that, were that organ, as it exists in the head of such a personage, to be accurately examined, it would be found to differ materially in its construction from the eye of a commoner; so very different is the view, that men in an elevated, and in an humble station, have of the same object. What appears great, sublime, beautiful, and important, to you and to me, when submitted to my lord, or his grace, and submitted too with the utmost humility, is either too minute to be visible at all, or if seen, seems trivial, and of no account. My supposition therefore seems not altogether chimerical.

In two months I have corrected proof-sheets to the amount of ninety-three pages, and no more. In other words, I have received three pacquets. Nothing is quick enough for impatience, and I suppose that the impatience of an author has the quickest of all possible movements. It appears to me however, that at this rate we shall not publish till next autumn. Should you happen therefore to pass Johnson's door, pop in your head as you go, and just in

sinuate to him, that, were his remittances rather more frequent, that frequency would be no inconvenience to me. I much expected one this evening, a fortnight having now elapsed since the arrival of the last. But none came, and I felt myself a little mortified. I took up the newspaper however, and read it. There I found, that the Emperor and the Dutch are, after all their negociations, going to war. Such reflections as these struck me. A great part of Europe is going to be involved in the greatest of all calamities -troops are in motion-artillery is drawn together -cabinets are busied in contriving schemes of blood, and devastation-thousands will perish, who are incapable of understanding the dispute, and thousands, who, whatever the event may be, are little more interested in it than myself, will suffer unspeakable hardships in the course of the quarrel-Well! Mr. Poet, and how then? You have composed certain verses, which you are desirous to see in print, and because the impression seems to be delayed, you are displeased, not to say dispirited-be ashamed of yourself! you live in a world in which your feelings may find worthier subjects-be concerned for the havock of nations, and mourn over your retarded

volume, when you find a dearth of more important tragedies!

You postpone certain topics of conference to our next meeting. When shall it take place? I do not wish for you just now, because the garden is a wilderness, and so is all the country around us. In May we shall have 'sparagus, and weather, in which we may stroll to Weston; at least, we may hope for it; therefore come in May; you will find us happy to receive you, and as much of your fair houshold as you can bring with you.

We are very sorry for your Uncle's indisposi tion. The approach of summer seems however to be in his favour, that season being of all remedies for the rheumatism, I believe, the most effectual.

I thank you for your intelligence concerning the celebrity of John Gilpin. You may be sure that it was agreeable-but your own feelings on occasion of that article, pleased me most of all. Well, my friend, be comforted! You had not an opportunity of saying publicly. "I know the Author." But the author himself will say as much for you soon, and perhaps will feel in doing so a gratification equal to your own,