I must either write ten lines or twenty pages, and you will easily
judge which I shall prefer. The various sets of company with whom
I pass my time are so completely strangers to you, that before I
mentioned any person of my acquaintance I must introduce them with
a very tedious yet imperfect account of their birth, parentage,
education and character. After all, what would principally interest
the curiosity of friendship may be dispatched in two words--_I am
well and happy_. Mr. Necker has not yet discovered any signs of
jealousy, and I supped last night between two Arch-bishops who, I am
persuaded, have not the least intention of solliciting a _lettre de
cachet_ to send me to the Bastille. I only regret that it was not
possible to choose another season of the Year for my Expedition.
In summer Paris is very far from being a desert like London, and I
have the daily pleasure of living in a very numerous and agreeable
Society, yet as there is always a considerable emigration into
the provinces I am sensible that many valuable acquisitions have
escaped me. In the first or second week of October the Court goes to
Fontainebleau, and as it is never so full and splendid as in that
place, I propose passing a few days there. I must afterwards allow
myself a little space to thank and embrace my Paris friends: and
shall return by the first of November to a very different scene of
things in London.
You will not be sorry to hear that, though I love the French from
inclination and gratitude, I have by no means lost my relish for my
native country. I have spent so much time in gay dissipation, that
I must set myself in good earnest to work; but you may depend on
my desire to steal a few days of the Christmas recess for a Bath
expedition. I fancy we shall have a busy Session of Parliament, and
unless Howe has very decisive success we shall be less unanimous
for the design of conquering America. I will not trouble you with
politics, but will only venture to assure you, that, in the present
moment, the French Counsels are seriously inclined for peace. My
friend Necker (for I now esteem and love him on his own account) is
declared principal minister of the finances, and though he has great
obstacles to contend with, his knowledge, his firmness, and the
purity of his intentions ought to make us wish for his disgrace.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. GIBBON.
[Sidenote: A MARTYR TO GOUT.]
322.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Bentinck Street, Nov. 4th, 1777.
I arrived last night, laid up with the gout in both my feet. I
suffer like one of the first Martyrs, and possibly have provoked my
punishment as much. If you wish to see me, come to town before the
meeting. I hope my Lady will not laugh.
323.
_To his Stepmother._
Bentinck Street, November 4th, 1777.