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Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 1

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From Joseph Greenleaf

10 May 1755

To Gawen Browne

3 June 1755
From Gawen Browne
Browne, Gawen RTP
Tuesday Morning 4, o'Clock Boston 3d. June, 1755 Mr. Paine Sir,

The great satisfaction you gave me last Night, makes me think of You this Morning with Pleasure, & no Wonder, for this is what I have been in pursuit of these Fifteen Years. I could not help thinking of these lines in Milton, where he introduces the Discourse between Raphael & Adam, When Raphael at the request of Adam related how & wherefore this World was first Created.1

The Angel ended & in Adams ear, So charming lift his voice, that he a while Thought him still speaking, still stood fix'd to hear: Then, as new wak'd, thus gratefully reply'd. What thanks sufficient, or what recompence Equal, have I to render thee divine Mathematitian Historian! Who thus largely hast Allay'd the thirst I had of knowledge, & vouchsaf'd this friendly Condescension to relate Things else by me unsearchable; now heard wth. Wonder, But delight; & as is due, with Glory attributed to the High Creator. `When Raphael left him -- Adam thus follow'd with benediction. Since to part! Go Heavenly guest, Etherial messenger, Sent from Whose sov'reign goodness I adore! Gentle to me, & affable, hath been thy condescension, 272 And shall be honour'd ever, with gratefull Memory: Thou to mankind be good, and friendly still, and oft return So parted they; the Angel up to Heaven From the thick shade, and Adam to his bower.

NB. I shall be very glad to wait upon You when Your at leisure, to fix this Dial of Ahaz2 for me Parrelell to the plain of the Equinox. Sr. the sooner you come the more You will Oblige Your very Humble Servt.,

GAWN: BROWNE

RC ; addressed: "For Mr. Robt. Treat Paine in Boston this QDC"; endorsed.

1.

Paradise Last, Book VIII.

2.

Isaiah 38:8.