a new fabric, and writes letters full of mercery eloquence and rhetoric to all his customers, to put them in mind of gowns and birth-days. I had the pleasure of enjoying Lady Sandwich's company half of last week, but she returned into Huntingdonshire on Monday. If I could tell you any more news I would, as it is my rule to tell all I know; for want of invention I cannot go farther; but I want not the assistance of imagination, invention, or any thing but my most certain knowledge, to affirm and declare myself dear Mrs. Boscawen's

most affectionate, and faithful

humble servant,

E. MONTAGU.

To Edward Montagu, Esq. her husband.

MY DEAREST,

1749.

I HAD this morning the pleasure of your letter, which was in every respect agree. able, and in none more so than your having

fixed your time for going to Sandleford, as I shall the sooner hope to see my best and dearest friend here. I can as yet give little account of the place; we staid at Lady Talbot's house till last night; this morning we drank the waters, and then went airing in Lady Sandwich's post chaise. The country here is wild and romantic, and we have a charming view from our windows; our lodgings are the best in the place, and we have a very large garden belonging to them, that we taste the rural pleasures in great perfection. As to the joys of society, and diversions of the public rooms, we can yet say nothing, for we have not yet been at the rooms, but propose to go this evening. I shall wish I could procure wings to bring me to you on the terrace at Sandleford, where I have passed so many happy hours in the conversation of the best of companions and kindest of friends, and I hope you will there recollect one who followed your steps as constantly as your shadow; I am still following them, for there are few moments in

which my thoughts are not employed on you, and ever in the tenderest and most faithful manner. I am glad you were not displeased at my sending for the chariot; you may indeed truly say you are always willing I should enjoy what you possess ;

a temper that has made me happier in the share of a moderate fortune than another turn would have done with an immense one; it has endeared every pleasure, and heightened all my obligations, and will ever secure you the utmost gratitude and most sincere acknowledgments. I am glad the Captain goes with you, and hope you will have fine weather, and all that can make your journey pleasant. The charms of Sandleford are strongly in my remembrance, and I hope will delight you, but still I would have you find they want your little friend. Jack writes me word he is well. Adieu for the present; I have as yet had little leisure, being only since twelve last night in our own house; but I hope by another post to write a longer letter; this would be long indeed,

were I to say how much, and how often, I wish to see you, and how sincerely I am

your's,

E. MONTAGU.

To the Same.

MY DEAREST,'

Tunbridge Wells, 1749.

MAY this find you in perfect health. enjoying the quiet, but delicate pleasures of the country! I am now sitting opposite to a view not unlike that from your terrace at Sandleford. Tunbridge, though it contains persons of high rank and distinction, does not, from its buildings, make a more superb figure than Newtown; small houses irregularly placed, with trees intermixed, appear rural and romantic, and though the inhabitants of these little edifices may not condescend to own that, as the song says,

To folks in a cottage contentment is wealth;

I fear few of them are possessed of any thing better. Half of us come here to cure the bodily evils occasioned by laziness; the other half to remedy the mental disease of idleness and inoccupation, called l'ennui; heavy fines raised on wealth and rank, which impartial nature levies on her elder sons, while her laborious younger children neither groan with bodily pain, nor sigh with imaginary dissatisfaction. I imagine the industrious bee has a better relish to the honey it makes than the drone to that it seizes; though we, who are the drones of the world, are apt to think otherwise, and to pity the labour of their pursuits, and the domestic cares of the cell; but what have bees and moral reflections to do in a letter? So, first, I must ask pardon if I have made my correspondent yawn,

common effect of serious and sad reflections out of place,) and then proceed to what concerns me more. When may I hope to see my best and dearest friend here? Mrs. Isted tells me she heard you got safe to Reading. I flatter myself the