"_June, 1778._
"I have taken a thorough dislike to being an author; and, if it
would not look like begging you to compliment one by contradicting
me, I would tell you what I am most seriously convinced of, that I
find what small share of parts I had grown dulled. And when I
perceive it myself, I may well believe that others would not be
less sharp-sighted. _It is very natural_; mine were _spirits_
rather than _parts_; and as time has rebated the one, it must
surely destroy _their resemblance_ to the other."