Weymouth April th 16 1764
My Friend
I think I write to you every Day. Shall not I make my Letters very cheep; don't you light your pipe with them? I care not if you do, tis a pleasure to me to write, yet I wonder I write to you with so little restraint, for as a critick I fear you more than any other person on Earth, and tis the only character, in which I ever did, or ever will fear you. What say you? Do you approve of that Speach? Dont you think me a Courageous Being? Courage is a laudable, a Glorious Virtue in your Sex, why not in mine? (For my part, I think you ought to applaud me for mine.) -- Exit Rattle.
Solus your Diana.
And now pray tell me how you do, do you feel any venom working in your veins, did you ever before experience such a feeling? -- This Letter will be made up with questions I fancy-not set in order before you neither. -- How do you employ yourself? Do you go abroad yet? Is it not cruel to bestow those favours upon others which I should rejoice to receive, yet must be deprived of?
I have lately been thinking whether my Mamma -- when I write again I will tell you Something. Did not you receive a Letter to Day by Hones?
This is a right Girls Letter, but I will turn to the other side and be sober, if I can --
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but what is bred in the bone will never be out of the flesh, (as Lord M would have said).
As I have a good opportunity to send some Milk, I have not waited for your orders; least if I should miss this, I should not catch such an other. If you want more balm, I can supply you.
Adieu, evermore remember me with the tenderest affection, which is also borne unto you by Your --
A Smith
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[Envelope -- see page image]
