I am neither dead nor lost, as you might naturally suppose. My visit
to Sir William[200] produced another to the Bishop of Landaf[201]
in Oxfordshire. We proceeded by slow journeying, arrived safe in
town Sunday evening, and yesterday I left my little friend in the
hands of his Aunts. I ought to have given you a line sooner--but
procrastination---- Next Sunday I go into Sussex. Adieu, and believe
me,
Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.
[200] Probably Sir William Guise.
[201] Shute Barrington, afterwards Bishop of Durham.
179.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Dec. 4th, 1773.
*We have conquered; Winton was amazed at the tempest just ready
to burst over his head. He does not desire to go to law, wishes
to live in peace, has no complaints to make, hopes for a little
indulgence. _Hugonin is now in the attitude_ of St. Michael trampling
upon Satan; he holds him down, till Andrews has prepared _a little
chain of Adamant_ to bind the foul fiend. In return, receive my
congratulation on your Irish Victory.[202] Batt told me yesterday, as
from good authority, that administration designed a second attempt
this session; but to-day I have it from much better, that they always
discouraged it and that it was _totally an Iernian scheme_. You
remark that I saw Batt. He passed two hours with me; a pleasant man!
He and Sir John [Russel] dine with me _some day next week_: you will
_have both their portraits; the originals are engaged_.* Walton _is
perfectly dry_; both the copies will be done from the first pictures;
in both they are unquestionably the best, and my Lady has more spirit
and sense than in the second. Ah! my Lady, my Lady, what rumours have
you diffused in the regions of Bath relating _to Sappho_[203] and
your Slave. Adieu. I am called to cut in for the next Rubber. Town
is empty, dirty and comfortable. Newton is at his Villa: I _hope my
Cabinet afforded a refined tête-à-tête to the_ congenial souls.