join in millions of thanks they will leave me the first of December. Adieu, adieu! Believe me Yours, most truly, L. STERNE. CX. TO MR. AND MRS. J. Coxwould, Oct. 3, 1767. I HAVE suffered under a strong desire for above this fortnight to send a letter of inquiries after the health and the well-being of my dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. J; and I do assure you both 'twas merely owing to a little modesty in my temper not to make my good-will troublesome, where I have so much, and to those I never think of but with ideas of sensibility and obligation, that I have refrain'd. Good God! to think I could be in town, and not go the first step I made to Gerrard-street! My mind and body must be at sad variance with each other, should it ever fall out that it is not both the first and last place also where I shall betake myself, were it only to say, "God bless you" May you have every blessing he can send you! 'tis a part of my litany, where you will always have a place whilst I have a tongue to repeat it And so you heard I had left Scarborough, which you would no more credit than the reasons assign'd for it I thank you for it kindly - tho' you have not told me what they were; being a shrewd divine, I think I can guess. I was ten days at Scarborough in Sep., and was hospitably entertained by one of the best of our Bishops; who, as he kept house there, press'd me to be with him and his household consisted of a gentleman, and two ladies, which, with the good Bishop and myself, made so good a party that we kept much to ourselves. I made in this time a connection of great friendship with my mitred host, who would gladly have taken me with him back to Ireland. However, we all left Scarborough together, and lay fifteen miles off, where we kindly parted Now it was supposed (and have since heard) that I e'en went on with the party to London, and this I suppose was the reason assign'd for my being there. I dare say charity would add a little to the account, and give out that 'twas on the score of one, and perhaps both, of the ladies and I will excuse charity on that head, for a heart disengaged could not well have done better. I have been hard writing ever since and hope by Christmas I shall be able to give a gentle rap at your door and tell you how happy I am to see my two good friends. I assure you I spur on my Pegasus more violently upon that account, and am now determined not to draw bit till I have finished this Sentimental Journey which I hope to lay at your feet, as a small (but a very honest) testimony of the constant truth with which I am, My dear friends, Your ever obliged and grateful L. STERNE. P. S. My wife and daughter arrived here last night from France. My girl has returned an elegant accomplished little slut my wife but I hate to praise my wife 'tis as much as decency will allow to praise my daughter. I suppose they will return next summer to France. They leave me in a month to reside at York for the winter would till the first of January. and I stay at Cox I RETURN you a thousand thanks for your obliging inquiry after me -I got down last summer very much worn out and much worse at the end of my journey I was forced to call at his Grace's house (the Archbishop of York) to refresh myself a couple of days upon the road near Doncaster Since I got home to quietness, and temperance, and good books, and good hours, I have mended and am now very stout and in a fortnight's time shall perhaps be as well as you yourself could wish me. I have the pleasure to acquaint you that my wife and daughter are arrived from France I shall be in town to greet my friends by the first of January. Adieu, dear Madam Yours sincerely, Believe me EVER since my dear H. wrote me word she was mine more than ever woman was, I have been racking my memory to inform me where it was that you and I had that affair together. People think that I have had many, some in body, some in mind; but, as I told you before, you have had me more than any woman therefore you must have had me, H-, both in mind and in body. Now I cannot recollect where it was, nor exactly when it could not be the lady in Bondstreet, or Grosvenor-street, or Square, or Pall-mall. We shall make it out, H., when we meet I impatiently long for it 'tis no matter I cannot now - stand writing to you to-day - I will make it up next post for dinner is upon table, and if I make Lord F - stay, he will not frank this. How do you do? Which parts of Tristram do you like best? God FORGIVE me, dear Mrs. J-, if I am troublesome in writing something betwixt a letter and a card, to inquire after you and my good friend Mr. J-, whom 'tis an age since I have heard a syllable of. I think so, however, and never more felt the want of a house I esteem so much, as I do now when I can hear tidings of it so seldom and have nothing to recompense my desires of seeing its kind possessors but the hopes before me of doing it by Christmas. sadly to see you I long I am and my friend Mr. J—. my wife and girl* here She affectionate, and most eleshe is all heaven could give me in a daughter - but like other blessings, not given, but lent; for her mother loves France and this dear part of me must be torn from my arms to follow her mother, who seems inclined to establish her in France, where she has had many advantageous offers. not smile at my weakness, when I say I don't wonder at it, for she is as accomplish'd a slut as France can produce. You shall excuse all this if you won't, -- Do *Mrs. Medalle thinks an apology may be necessary for publishing this Letter the best she can offer is that it was written by a fond parent (whose commendation she is proud of) to a very sincere friend. I desire M. J- to be my advocate don't want one. but I know I With what pleasure shall I embrace your dear little pledge whom I hope to see every hour increasing in stature, and in favour, both with God and man! I kiss all your hands with a most devout and friendly heart. No man can wish you more good than your meagre friend does - few so much, for I am, with infinite cordiality, gratitude, and honest affection, My dear Mrs. J-, Your ever faithful L. STERNE. It P. S. My Sentimental Journey will please Mrs. J-, and my Lydia, I can answer for those two. is a subject which works well, and suits the frame of mind I have been in for some time past I told you my design in it was to teach us to love the world and our fellow creatures better than we do so it runs most upon those gentler passions and affections which aid so much to it. Adieu, and may you and my worthy friend Mr. J— continue examples of the doctrine I teach. Coxwould, Nov. 15, 1767. and execute Now be a good dear woman, my H—, these commissions well and when I see you I will give you a kiss there's for you! But I have something else for you which I am fabricating at a great rate, and that is my Sentimental Journey, which shall make you cry as much as it has affected me or I will give up the business of sentimental writing and write to the body that is, H., what I am |