University of Virginia Library

Epistle I. To his Uncle Fabatus.

by Mr. — —

YOU desire after a long Delay, to see your Niece and me together — Your Request is very agreeable to us both, and as earnestly desir'd on our Side — For we reciprocally love you with the utmost Tenderness, and will not defer our Visit any longer. We are now packing up

with that View, and shall make all the convenient Speed we can in our Journey — We must make one Stop, tho' a short one; and we must turn out of our way to Tuscany, not to survey our Lands and Estate, for that's a Concern of no Weight in Comparison with our Design, but indeed to do an Act of real Duty.

There is a Town near my Farms call'd Tifernum, on the Tiber, of which I have been Patron from a Child, The People are us'd to welcome me at my Arrival with more Ceremony than Judgment, They meet me with a formal Procession, and are pleas'd with doing me Honour.

To give some Proof of my Gratitude, (for 'tis a Shame to be out-done in Kindness) I have built 'em a Temple at my own Expence. It would look a little Irreligious, since all things are ready, to defer the Dedication of it any longer: I shall therefore be there on the Dedication Day, which I have resolv'd to celebrate with a Festival Supper: As far as I know, we may stay a Day or two, but we will make the more haste in our Journey.

May we be so happy as to meet you and your Daughter in good Health, for merry and in good Humour you will be, if you receive us safe and sound.

Farewell.