treated with an Oration in the _ancient style_, which I have often so
_pathetically_ described to you, unequalled by any thing of _modern_
or _antique_ date; nay the _Philippics_ against Lord Melville [1] were
nothing to it; one would really Imagine, to have heard the _Good
Lady_, that I was a most _treasonable culprit_, but thank St. Peter,
after undergoing this _Purgatory_ for the last hour, it is at length
blown over, and I have sat down under these _pleasing impressions_ to
address you, so that I am afraid my epistle will not be the most
entertaining. I assure you upon my _honour_, jesting apart, I have
never been so _scurrilously_, and _violently_ abused by any person, as
by that woman, whom I think I am to call mother, by that being who
gave me birth, to whom I ought to look up with veneration and respect,
but whom I am sorry I cannot love or admire. Within one little hour, I
have not only heard myself, but have heard my _whole family_, by the
father's side, _stigmatized_ in terms that the _blackest malevolence_
would perhaps shrink from, and that too in words you would be shocked
to hear. Such, Augusta, such is my mother; _my mother!_ I disclaim her
from this time, and although I cannot help treating her with respect,
I cannot reverence, as I ought to do, that parent who by her
outrageous conduct forfeits all title to filial affection. To you,
Augusta, I must look up, as my nearest relation, to you I must confide
what I cannot mention to others, and I am sure you will pity me; but I
entreat you to keep this a secret, nor expose that unhappy failing of
this woman, which I must bear with patience. I would be very sorry to
have it discovered, as I have only one week more, for the present. In
the mean time you may write to me with the greatest safety, as she
would not open any of my letters, even from you. I entreat then that
you will favour me with an answer to this. I hope however to have the
pleasure of seeing you on the day appointed, but If you could contrive
any way that I may avoid being asked to dinner by L'd C. I would be