Universal Classics Library Volume 5 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1901 Excerpt: ... CHESTERFIELD'S LETTERS LETTER I AM told, Sir, you are preparing to travel, and that you begin by Holland'; I therefore thought it my duty to wish you a prosperous journey, and favorable winds. I hope you will be so good as to acquaint me with your arrival at The Hague; and if, in the course of your travels, you should make any curious observations, be so kind to communicate them to me. Holland, where you are going, is by far the finest and richest of the Seven United Provinces, which altogether form the republic The other provinces are Guelderland, Zealand, Friesland, Utrecht, Groningen, and Overyssel: these seven provinces form what is called the States-General of the United Provinces. This is a very powerful and a very considerable republic. I must tell you, that a republic is a free state, without any king. You will first go to The Hague, which is the most beautiful village in the world; for it is not a town. Amsterdam, reckoned the capital of the United Provinces, is a very fine rich city; there are, besides, in Holland, several considerable towns, such as Dort, Haerlem, Leyden, Delft, and Rotterdam. You will observe, throughout Holland, the greatest cleanliness; the very streets are cleaner than our houses are here. Holland carries on a very great trade, particularly to China, Japan, and all over the East Indies. You are going to have a great many holidays altogether; make the best use of them, by diverting yourself well. At your return hither, you must regain the lost time, by learning better than ever. Adieu. LETTER II Isle Worth. MY DBAX Child; As Vou will, in time, read the ancient Greek and Latin poets, it is proper that you should have some notion of the foundation of poetry, and a general knowledge of those stories to which poets most commonl...