第14章 LETTER XI

LONDON,July 20,O.S.1747

DEAR BOY:In your Mamma's letter,which goes here inclosed,you will find one from my sister,to thank you for the Arquebusade water which you sent her;and which she takes very kindly.She would not show me her letter to you;but told me that it contained good wishes and good advice;and,as I know she will show your letter in answer to hers,I send you here inclosed the draught of the letter which I would have you write to her.I hope you will not be offended at my offering you my assistance upon this occasion;because,I presume,that as yet,you are not much used to write to ladies.'A propos'of letter-writing,the best models that you can form yourself upon are,Cicero,Cardinal d'Ossat,Madame Sevigne,and Comte Bussy Rebutin.Cicero's Epistles to Atticus,and to his familiar friends,are the best examples that you can imitate,in the friendly and the familiar style.The simplicity and the clearness of Cardinal d'Ossat's letters show how letters of business ought to be written;no affected turns,no attempts at wit,obscure or perplex his matter;which is always plainly and clearly stated,as business always should be.For gay and amusing letters,for 'enjouement and badinage,'

there are none that equal Comte Bussy's and Madame Sevigne's.They are so natural,that they seem to be the extempore conversations of two people of wit,rather,than letters which are commonly studied,though they ought not to be so.I would advise you to let that book be one in your itinerant library;it will both amuse and inform you.

I have not time to add any more now;so good night.