University of Virginia Library

I hope you smoke your letters well, before you
deliver them. Mamma is so fearful lest I should
catch the distemper, that she hardly ever thinks the
letters are sufficiently purified. Did you never rob a
bird's nest? Do you remember how the poor bird
would fly round and round, fearful to come nigh, yet
not know how to leave the place? Just so they say
I hover round Tom, whilst he is smoking my letters.

But heyday, Mr. What's your name, who taught
you to threaten so vehemently? "A character besides
that of a critic, in which if I never did, I always
hereafter shall fear you." Thou canst not prove a
villain, impossible,—I, therefore, still insist upon it,
that I neither do nor can fear thee. For my part, I
know not that there is any pleasure in being feared;
but, if there is, I hope you will be so generous as to
fear your Diana, that she may at least be made sensible
of the pleasure. Mr. Ayers will bring you this
letter and the bag. Do not repine,—it is filled with
balm.

Here is love, respects, regards, good wishes—a
whole wagon load of them, sent you from all the
good folks in the neighbourhood.

To-morrow makes the fourteenth day. How many
more are to come? I dare not trust myself with
the thought. Adieu. Let me hear from you by
Mr. Ayers, and excuse this very bad writing; if
you had mended my pen it would have been better.
Once more, adieu. Gold and silver have I none,

but such as I have give I unto thee,—which is the
affectionate regard of your