Without having anything particular to write I can at any time play
the gossip with you, and so fill up a letter. Yet why should I
intrude upon you with my complainings? The chief matter which, in
my opinion, is of sufficient interest to be communicated to you at
present is that I am getting on well, and taking into account the
constitutional weakness and infirmity which you are well aware of,
am also making some progress in study. Certainly, also, the kindness
of my patron may well quicken the inactivity of the most indolent
individual, for it is such that I clearly understand that it is
given for the sake of letters. So that I must all the more endeavour
and earnestly strive that I be not utterly overwhelmed under the
pressure of so much generous kindness, which somehow constrains
me to exertion. Although, indeed, were I to strain every nerve to
the utmost I could never make any adequate, or even inadequate
return, so great is the amount of obligation which I would have to
encounter. This inducement, therefore, must keep me continually
mindful to cultivate those common pursuits of study for the sake
of which so great a value is put upon me. If permitted to enjoy in
repose such as this--the interval, whether I am to consider it of
my exile or of my retirement, I shall conclude that I have been
very favourably dealt by. But the Lord, _by whose Providence all is
foreseen, will look to these things_. I have learned from experience
that we cannot see very far before us. When I promised myself an
easy tranquil life, then what I least expected was at hand; and,
on the contrary, when it appeared to me that my situation might
not be an agreeable one, a quiet nest was built for me, beyond
my expectation, and this is the doing of the Lord, to whom, when
we commit ourselves, Himself will have a care for us. But I have
already almost filled my page, partly with writing, partly with
blotting.--Adieu, greet whom you will.
[_Lat. copy_--_Library of Berne_. Vol. 450.]