The Correspondence of Samuel Richardson (Volume 1); Selected from the Original Manuscripts, Bequeathed by Him to His Family, to Which Are Prefixed, a Biographical Account of That Author, and Observations on His Writings (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. 1804. Excerpt: ... orte-'s breast to another, who, in contempt of the fashion we are fallen into, of decrying the works of the second, could have courage to declare himself charmed, by both the muse and the man, in that writer. What you tell me concerning my Casar, gives me the pleasure you intended it should; but I receive it from a different quarter. It was your purpose to balance my chagrin at the inconsiderable effect of that essay, by.representing it as obtaining some notice; whereas all the delight I enjoy from this generous artifice, is in my reflection on the view it arose from. For my part, I am afraid to be popular. I see so many who write to the living, and deserve not to live, that I content myself with a resurrection when dead. I very often remember, with pleasure, an old man (I am sure near a hundred), whom I rode by in a journey to Devonshire, and observed in the midst of a field, that had newly been plowed, very busy with a stick B 2 and and a basket. When I came up to the place he was at work in, I found he was making holes in the ground, and in every one of them planting an acorn. Friend, said I, is it for profit, or pleasure, you labour?--For neither, Sir, replied the honest old patriot; but here will be a grove when J want no shelter. Before I put an end to this letter, I must say a word or two concerning your postscript. You tell me you had given yourself up, for some days, to a state of indolence, at North-End. I like leisure extremely; but have a suspicion of that vapourish word, indolence Whatever you do, encourage cheerful and lively ideas. If you give your distemper a vacuum, it will till it with lassitude and.anguish. I am, Dear Sir, your most affectionate and most humble servant, A. Hill. To TO MR. RICHARDSON. July 2, 17S6. DEAR SIR, Jlate last ...