Instead of inventing any artificial excuses for my natural and
original sin of indolence, I believe my most prudent method would
be to quarrel with you for the provoking patience with which you
have endured my long and scandalous silence. Even in the midst of
the dissipation of this town I might have found a few moments to
tell you that I have been perfectly well this winter, and to enquire
after your health, your spirits and your amusements. Lady Dy. tells
me that she was once in your company at Dr. Delacour's, for whom
both she and Beauclerc express a veneration almost equal to your
own. As little or no conversation passed between you, she had only
an opportunity of admiring the harmony of your voice and the beauty
of your teeth, on which she bestows the most lavish enconiums. They
mean to visit Bath again this spring, and I am very desirous that you
should be better acquainted with her. You will find her one of the
most accomplished women in the World, and she will soon discover in
you qualities more valuable than those which are now the objects of
her enconiums.
The decline of the Roman Empire does not yet decline, the clamour
subsides, the sale continues, and we are now printing a third edition
in quarto of 1000 copies (in all 3500) with the notes at bottom. I
am often pressed about the second volume, which advances very slowly
indeed. Last year was allowed for repose and preparation, the usual
distractions of the winter have been increased by a constant daily
attendance of two hours _every day_ to Dr. Hunter's Anatomy Lectures,
which have opened to me a new and very entertaining scene within
myself. This summer I propose passing at Paris, as I must not lose
any time if I wish to catch my friends the Neckers[356] in their
brilliant and precarious situation of Ministers. As soon as we have
paid the King's debts I intend (about the end of next month) to set
forward on an expedition in which I promise to myself very great and
various entertainment. You need not in any respect be allarmed at my
design. My seat at Westminster is a full security for my return in
four or five months; the supplies for the journey will be paid by
the Roman Empire, and my business (particularly in Bucks) will be
entrusted to the safeguard and active hands of the Lord of Sheffield.
Adieu, Dear Madam,
I am,
Ever yours,
E. GIBBON.
Mrs. Porten is as young as ever. I understand that the giddy girl has
neglected writing to you.
[356] In June, 1776, after the fall of Turgot, Necker was
associated with Taboureau des Réaux, the Controller-General, in
the management of the finances of France, and given the title of
_Directeur du trésor_. In June, 1777, he succeeded Taboureau des
Réaux, but, because of his religion, only received the title of
_Directeur Général_.
[Sidenote: VISIT TO PARIS.]
308.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Saturday night, April 12th, 1777.
*Your dispatch is gone to R. Way, and I flatter myself that by your
assistance I shall be enabled to lose £1000 upon Lenbourough before
my return from Paris. The day of my departure is not absolutely
fixed; Sunday sen-night, the 27th instant, is talked of: but if any
India business should come on after the Civil list, it will occasion
some delay. Otherwise things are in great forwardness,* a livery
servant is provided, a Swiss who speaks French and English. I take my
own chaise, and begin to think of settling my credit. Pray if I can
save four pr. cent. by it, may I not decline Fleet Street, who are
very indifferent, I believe, about that sort of business? *Mrs. G. is
an enemy to the whole plan; and I must answer, in a long letter, two
very ingenious objections which she has started; 1st, that I shall be
confined, or put to death by the priests, and, 2ndly, That I shall
sully my _moral_ character, by making love to Necker's wife. Before I
go, I will consult Newton, about a power of Attorney for you. By the
bye, I wish you would remember a sort of promise, and give me one day
before I go. We talk chiefly of the Marquis de la Fayette,[357] who
was here a few weeks ago. He is about twenty, with 130,000 Livres a
year; the nephew of Noailles, who is Ambassador here. He has bought
the D. of Kingston's Yacht, and is gone to joyn the Americans. The
Court _appear_ to be angry with him. Adieu.*