“Though an entire stranger to you, I have ventured to transcribe part of a letter, which I have just received from Lord Orford, in answer to one I wrote when I presented his Lordship with a copy of my Memoirs of the Medici Family. Such praise from so great a judge must, I am certain, be highly gratifying.
“Had I not been in the habit of keeping my letters, and
this which I have received related to various other circumstances, I believe I
should have sent you the original. I am extremely mortified that the distance
precludes me waiting upon you, a small one would not. I should have been happy
in your acquaintance, still more so in your friendship; but I am keep-
| 162 | LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. |
“Extract of Lord Orford’s letter to me, dated from Berkeley Square, Jan. 12th, 1797:—
“‘I have received, Sir, your “History of the Medici,” and am much obliged to you for it; it is well, and judiciously, and impartially written, and a satisfactory supplement to Mr. Roscoe’s Lorenzo, who, I think, is by far the best of our historians, both for beauty and style, and for deep reflections; and his translations of poetry are equal to the originals.’”
