m;
and this letter is, I think, as good as those sermons of Sir Charles to
Geronymo which Miss Byron hypocritically asked for, or as the greater
part of that stupid last volume.

We shall soon have more attractive matter. I shall walk out to breakfast
at Holland House; and I am to dine with Sir George Philips, and with
his son the member for Steyning, who have the best of company; and I
am going to the fancy ball of the Jew. He met me in the street, and
implored me to come. "You need not dress more than for an evening party.
You had better come. You will be delighted. It will be so very pretty."
I thought of Dr. Johnson and the herdsman with his "See, such pretty
goats." [See Boswell's Tour to the Hebrides, Sept. 1 1773. "The Doctor
was prevailed with to mount one of Vass's grays. As he rode upon it
downhill, it did not go well, and he grumbled. I walked on a little
before, but was excessively entertained with the method taken to keep
him in good humour. Hay led the horse's head, talking to Dr. Johnson
as much as he could and, (having heard him, in the forenoon, express a
pastoral pleasure on seeing the goats browsing,) just when the Doctor
was uttering his displeasure, the fellow cried, with a very Highland
accent, 'See, such pretty goats!' Then he whistled whu! and made them
jump."] However, I told my honest Hebrew that I would come. I may
perhaps, like the Benjamites, steal away some Israelite damsel in the
middle of her dancing.

But the noise all round me is becoming louder, and a baker in a white
coat is bellowing for the book to prove a debt of nine pounds fourteen
shillings and fourpence. So I must finish my letter and fall to
business.

Ever yours

T. B. M.

To Hannah M. Macaulay.

London June 1, 1831.

My dear Sister,--My last letter was a dull one. I mean this to be very
amusing. My last was about Basinghall Street, attorneys, and bankrupts.
But for this,--take it dramatically in the German style.

Fine morning. Scene, the great entrance of Holland House.

Enter MACAULAY and Two FOOTMEN in livery.

First Footman.--Sir, may I venture to demand your name?

Macaulay.--Macaulay, and thereto I add M.P.
And that addition, even in these proud halls,
May well ensure the bearer some respect.

Second Footman.--And art thou come to breakfast with our Lord?

Macaulay.--I am for so his hospitable will,
And hers--the peerless dame ye serve--hath bade.

First Footman.--Ascend the stair, and thou