friends. You will believe you are not forgot then. They tell me I must
take this ugly drink a fortnight, and then begin another as bad; but
unless you say so too, I do not think I shall. 'Tis worse than dying by
the half.

I am glad your father is so kind to you. I shall not dispute it with
him, because it is much more in his power than in mine, but I shall
never yield that 'tis more in his desire, since he was much pleased with
that which was a truth when you told it him, but would have been none if
he had asked the question sooner. He thought there was no danger of you
since you were more ignorant and less concerned in my being in town than
he. If I were Mrs. Chambers, he would be more my friend; but, however, I
am much his servant as he is your father. I have sent you your book. And
since you are at leisure to consider the moon, you may be enough to read
_Cléopâtre_, therefore I have sent you three tomes; when you have done
with these you shall have the rest, and I believe they will please.
There is a story of Artemise that I will recommend to you; her
disposition I like extremely, it has a great deal of practical wit; and
if you meet with one Brittomart, pray send me word how you like him. I
am not displeased that my Lord [Lisle] makes no more haste, for though I
am very willing you should go the journey for many reasons, yet two or
three months hence, sure, will be soon enough to visit so cold a
country, and I would not have you endure two winters in one year.
Besides, I look for my eldest brother and cousin Molle here shortly, and
I should be glad to have nobody to entertain but you, whilst you are
here. Lord! that you had the invisible ring, or Fortunatus his wishing
hat; now, at this instant, you should be here.

My brother has gone to wait upon the widow homewards,--she that was born
to persecute you and I, I think. She has so tired me with being here but