University of Virginia Library

185. AGE, Dread of old.—

I have ever
dreaded a doting old age; and my health
has been generally so good, and is now so
good, that I dread it still. The rapid decline
of my strength during the last winter has
made me hope sometimes that I see land.
During the summer I enjoy its temperature,
but I shudder at the approach of winter, and
wish I could sleep through it with the dormouse,
and only wake with him in the spring,
if ever.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. vii, 244. Ford ed., x, 216.
(M. 1822)