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LETTER V.

Answer to the foregoing, from Lord KINGSBOROUGH

            Abbe Boyle, April 13, 1748.
            MADAM,
            YOUR letter found me alone. I expected a fund of humour and entertainment on the receipt of it; but, good God! how much was I affected at your alteration of style. Surely, Madam, you are troubled with vapours, and this must be the effect of them. When I last had the honour to see you, you were in full health and spirits, neither did I see more vivacity in any person living. For heaven's sake, Mrs. Pilkington, be yourself and think no more of quitting a world, wherein the longer you live the more you will be admired.—As to your son, who I believe is a deserving young gentleman, you may rest assured, that my inclinations are, and warmest endeavours shall be, to serve him; which Mr. Pilkington will be convinced of as soon as I come to town.

            You were so obliging to promise, in one of your former letters, to entertain me with a transcript of your humorous epistle from Colonel D——m; I shall take it extremely kind, Madam, if you will, at a leisure hour send it to me; for though nothing can equal the native flowings of your pen, yet when you court the tragic sister, you win her so effectually to your assistance, that, as somebody says, you beguile us of our tears. It is needless to repeat to you, Madam, what I have before sincerely said, because yourself must confess, that nothing can do me so much honour as promoting the welfare of Mrs. Pilkington; to whom

            I am, &c.
            KINGSBOROUGH.

            P. S., I beg, dear Madam, you'll send something to raise my spirits, which your last has much depressed.

 

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