should, for a moment, lose the very peculiar distinction of having the honours of the country done to visiters by the person at the head of our literature. Above all, I am sorry that a fortune earned by genius and expended so generously, should be for the shortest time shaken by the general calamities.
“Those dispositions of yours which most quicken the fellow-feelings of others will best console you. I have heard with delight that your composure and cheerfulness have already comforted those who are most affectionately interested in you. What I heard of your happy temper in this way reminded me of Warburton’s fine character of Bayle—‘He had a soul superior to the attacks of fortune, and a heart practised to the best philosophy.’ You have expended your fortune too well not to be consoled for a temporary suspension of its produce; you have your genius, your fame, and, what is better than either, your kind and cheerful nature.
“I trust so much to your good-natured indulgence, that I hope, you will pardon me for joining my sincere but very humble voice to the admiration and sympathy of Europe I am, my dear Sir, yours most truly,
