May 22, 1778.
DEAR SIR,
I CLAIM your indulgence—and modestly insist upon your help.—The companions to this billet are the hobby-horses of a young man that I respect.—Darley has used him with less attention than he ought—having kept the press affair above a month—and done nothing—so he is (of course) out of favor.—I want first your approbation—that gained, I wish your interest, to get them speedily into the world;—there are some inaccuracies in both—which any regular artist will amend.—As my friend is self-taught, his errors must be excused.—I wish I could wait upon you;—but my stiff joint—my leg—is so unwell, that at present I must give up any hopes of that pleasure.—I hope Mrs. I——’s health is perfectly restored.—I should wish to win her over to our interests in the affairs before you: in good faith, I like the subject myself—and can fancy I discern something like wit in both of them.—Forgive and assist yours faithfully,
Sancho the Big.
LETTER LXVI.
TO MR. H——.
Charles Street, Westminster, May 31, 1778.
THE Sanchonian chapter of enquiries, dictated by an esteem nearly bordering upon affection (perhaps as warmly sincere as most modern friendships), runs thus—How do you do? Are you the better for your journey? Did the exercise create any amendment of appetite? Was your travelling party agreeable? And how did you find the good couple?—The sweet sensations arising from the sight of those we love, the reviewing the places, either houses, fields, hedges, stiles, or posts, of our early morn of life acquaintance, the train of pleasurable ideas awakened, are more salutary than the college of grave faces.—Tell me much about yourself—and more about your honored parents, whom I hope you found as well as you wished—your kindred at Lancaster, to whom my hearty wishes—and to all who have charity enough to admit dark faces into the fellowship of Christians.—Say much for me to your good father and mother—in the article of respect thou canst not exaggerate;—excepting conjugal, there are no attentions so tenderly heart-soothing as the parental.—Amidst the felicity of thy native fields, may’st thou find health, and diffuse pleasure round the respectable circle of thy friends!—No news—but that Keppel is in chace of de-Chartres.
Yours truly,
I. SANCHO.
If you can afford a line, inclose it in the inclosed.—Mrs. Sancho and girls wish you every pleasure.