BATH, November 21, 1761.
MY DEAR FRIEND: I have this moment received your letter of the 19th. If I
find any alterations by drinking these waters, now six days, it is rather
for the better; but, in six days more, I think I shall find with more
certainty what humor they are in with me; if kind, I will profit of, but
not abuse their kindness; all things have their bounds, ‘quos ultra
citrave nequit consistere rectum’; and I will endeavor to nick that
point.
The Queen’s jointure is larger than, from SOME REASONS, I expected it
would be, though not greater than the very last precedent authorized. The
case of the late Lord Wilmington was, I fancy, remembered.
I have now good reason to believe that Spain will declare war to us, that
is, that it will very soon, if it has not already, avowedly assist
France, in case the war continues. This will be a great triumph to Mr.
Pitt, and fully justify his plan of beginning with Spain first, and
having the first blow, which is often half the battle.
Here is a great deal of company, and what is commonly called good
company, that is, great quality. I trouble them very little, except at
the pump, where my business calls me; for what is company to a deaf man,
or a deaf man to company?
Lady Brown, whom I have seen, and who, by the way, has got the gout in
her eye, inquired very tenderly after you. And so I elegantly rest,
Yours, till death.