subject, parts which we cannot with propriety attempt to elevate. They are by nature humble, and can only be made to assume an awkward and uncouth appearance by being mounted. But again I take it for granted, that this remark does not apply to the matter of your objection. You were sufficiently aware of it before, and have no need that I should suggest it as an apology, could it have served that office, but would have made it for me yourself. In truth, my dear, had you known in what anguish of mind I wrote the whole of that poem, and under what perpetual interruptions from a cause, that has since been removed, so that sometimes I had not an opportunity of writing more than three lines at a sitting, you would long since have wondered as much as I do myself, that it turned out any thing better than Grub

street.

My Cousin, give yourself no trouble to find out any of the magi to scrutinize my Homer. I can do without them; and if I were not conscious that I have no need of their help, I would be the first to call for it. Assure yourself that I intend to be careful to the utmost line of all possible caution, both with respect to language and versification. I will

not send a verse to the press, that shall not have undergone the strictest examination.

A subscription is surely on every account the
When I shall

most eligible mode of publication.
have emptied the purses of my friends, and of their
friends, into my own, I am still free to levy contri-
butions upon the world at large, and I shall then have
a fund to defray the expences of a new edition. I
have ordered Johnson to print the proposals imme-
diately, and hope that they will kiss your hands be-
fore the week is expired.

I have had the kindest Letter from Josephus that I ever had. He mentioned my purpose to one of the Masters of Eton, who replied, that "such a work is much wanted."

Affectionately yours,

W. C.

I am glad that you have seen Lady Hesketh. I knew that you would find her every thing that is amiable and elegant. Else, being my relation, I would never have shewn her to you. She also was delighted with her visiter, and expects the greatest pleasure in seeing you again; but is under some apprehensions, that a tender regard for the drum of your ear, may keep you from her. Never mind! You have two drums, and if she should crack both, I will buy you a trumpet.

General Cowper having much pressed me to accompany my proposals with a specimen, I have sent him one. It is taken from the twenty-fourth book of the Iliad, and is part of the interview between Priam and Achilles. Tell me, if it be possible for

any man to tell me burial of Hector?

--

why did Homer leave off at the

Is it possible, that he could be determined to it by a conceit, so little worthy of him,

as that, having made the number of his books com

་

pletely the alphabetical number, he would not for the joke's sake, proceed any farther? Why did he not give us the death of Achilles, and the destruction of Troy? Tell me also, if the critics, with Aristotle at their head, have not found, that he left off exactly where he should, and that ́every epic poem to all generations, is bound to conclude with the burial of Ilector? I do not in the least doubt it. Therefore if I live to write a dozen epic poems, I will always take care to bury Hector, and to bring all matters at that point to an immediate conclusion,

I had a truly kind Letter from Mr.

written immediately on his recovery from the fever. I am bound to honour James's powder, not only for the services it has often rendered to myself, but still more, for having been the means of preserving a life ten times more valuable to society, than mine is ever likely to be.

You say

"

Why should I trouble you with my troubles ?" I answer-" Why not? What is a "friend good for, if we may not lay one end of the "sack upon his shoulders, while we ourselves carry "the other?”

You see your duty to God, and your duty to your neighbour; and you practise both, with your best

ability. Yet a certain person accounts you blind. I would, that all the world were so blind even as you are. But there are some in it, who like the Chinese, say—“ We have two eyes; and other nations have but one!" I am glad however, that in your one eye, you have sight enough to discover, that such censures are not worth minding.

I thank you heartily for every step you take in the advancement of my present purpose.

Contrive to pay Lady H. a long visit, for she has a thousand things to say.

you an hasty line to explain to you the delay that the publication of my proposals has unexpectedly en