ses the work thus
acquired in their own eyes, and serves as a spur to make
them clear away every channel, by which they can discharge
their quires upon the public. So much for bookselling, the
most ticklish and unsafe and hazardous of all professions,
scarcely with the exception of horse-jockeyship.

You cannot doubt the sincere interest I take in Lady
Montagu's health. I was very glad to learn from the Duke,
that the late melancholy event had produced no permanent
effect on her constitution, as I know how {p.170} much her
heart must have suffered.[65] I saw our regretted friend for
the last time at the Theatre, and made many schemes to be at
Bothwell this next July. But thus the world glides from us,
and those we most love and honor are withdrawn from the
stage before us. I know not why it was that among the few
for whom I had so much respectful regard, I never had
associated the idea of early deprivation with Lady Douglas.
Her excellent sense, deep information, and the wit which she
wielded with so much good-humor, were allied apparently to a
healthy constitution, which might have permitted us to
enjoy, and be instructed by her society for many years. _Dis
aliter visum_, and the recollection dwelling on all the
delight which she afforded to society, and the good which
she did in private life, is what now remains to us of her
wit, wisdom, and benevolence. The Duke keeps his usual
health, with always just so much of the gout, however, as
would make me wish that he had more--a kind wish, for which
I do not observe that he is sufficiently grateful. I hope to
spend a few days at Drumlanrig Castle, when that ancient
mansion shall have so far limited its courtesy as to stand
covered in the presence of the wind and rain, which I
believe is not yet the case. I am no friend to ceremony, and
like a house as well when it does not carry its roof _en
chapeau bras_. I heartily wish your Lordship joy of the new
mansion at Ditton, and hope my good stars will permit me to
pay my respects there one day. The discovery of the niches
certainly bodes good luck to the house of Montagu, and as
there are three of them, I presume it is to come threefold.
From the care with which they were concealed, I presume they
had been closed in the days of Cromw