“I hope, my dear Murray, your stomach disorders do not proceed from harassing business, or any other cause of vexations from that source. Should they do so, in that case look well into the causes, and try whether they are not, by calmness and management, to be subdued and conducted by tolerable means. We may lose our balance in a moment, but sometimes a slight effort replaces us; yet if this slight effort be not made, our motion is all against us. I am only writing suggestions in the air, and request you will attribute them to the true motive. I flatter myself that, on the contrary, your success and industry in trade will serve to animate you with prospects of realized hopes. Forgive then my anxiety; but, as I know, when things do not go on smoothly, as they never can at all times, you are apt to be feelingly alive to them; and I attribute your complaints, in many respects, to the worry and cares of business. Now I conclude with a wise ancient saw of Lord Burleigh’s steward (I think) to his young master: ‘Be a good while in getting a little money, and you will then get a great deal afterwards in a short time. Lay the foundation safe and broad, and don’t hurry up the superstructure.’
“I know, dear Murray, I am writing in the dead stillness of a parlour, and in an easy chair—and the truest wisdom consists in action! However, lame persons have written some good dissertations on dancing. I thought it was now rather a dead season with you; and should have been glad to have had you and Mrs. M. for a little change down with us.
“I took the Q. R. with me. I like it well; and I do think
it is far better than what you imagined it to be.
| 180 | MEMOIRS OF JOHN MURRAY |
