hat spirits departed are wondrous kind
To friends and relations left behind:
Which nobody can deny_.

Of which solemn truth, I am a _dead_ instance. I think Virgil is of
the same opinion, that in human souls there will still be some
remains of human passions:

--_Curae non ipsae in morte relinquunt_.

And 'tis very necessary, to make a perfect elysium (sic), that there
should be a river Lethe, which I am not so happy as to find. To say
truth, I am sometimes very weary of the singing, and dancing, and
sunshine, and wish for the smoke and impertinencies in which you
toil; though I endeavour to persuade myself, that I live in a more
agreeable variety than you do; and that Monday, setting of
partridges; Tuesday, reading English; Wednesday, studying in the
Turkish language, (in which, by the way, I am already very learned;)
Thursday, classical authors; Friday, spent in writing; Saturday, at
my needle; and Sunday, admitting of visits, and hearing of music, is
a better way of disposing of the week; than, Monday, at the drawing
room; Tuesday, lady Mohun's; Wednesday, at the opera; Thursday, the
play; Friday, Mrs Chetwynd's, &c. a perpetual round of hearing the
same scandal, and seeing the same follies acted over and over, which
here affect me no more than they do other dead people. I can now
hear of displeasing things with pity, and without indignation. The
reflection on the great gulph (sic) between you and me, cools all
news that come hither. I can neither be sensibly touched with joy or
grief, when I consider, that possibly the cause of either is removed,
before the letter comes to my hands. But (as I said before) this
indolence does not extend to my few friendships; I am still warmly
sensible of yours and Mr Congreve's, and desire to live in your
remembrance, though dead to all the world beside. I am, &c. &c.

LET. XXXVII.

TO THE LADY ----.

_Belgrade Village, June_ 17 O. S.

I HEARTILY beg your ladyship's pardon; but I really could not forbear
laughing heartily at your letter, and the commissions you are pleased
to honour me with. You desire me to buy you a Greek slave, who is to
be mistress of a thousand good qualities. The Greeks are subjects,
and not slaves. Those who are to be bought in that manner, are
either such as are taken in war, or stolen by the Tartars from
Russia, Circassia, or Georgia, and are such miserable, awkward, poor
wretches, you w