LETTER XLVI,

TO MRS. F.

Montpellier, Feb. 1, 1764,

I AM preparing, my dear Mrs. F. to leave France, for I am heartily tired of it-That infipidity there is in French characters has difgufted your friend Yorick. I have been dangerously ill, and cannot think that the sharp air of Montpellier has been of fervice to me-and fo my physicians told me when they had me under their hands for above a month -if you stay any longer here, Sir, it will be fatal to you-And why, good people, were you not kind enough to tell me this fooner ?-After having difcharged them, I told Mrs. Sterne that I fhould fet out for England very foon; but as fhe chufes to remain in France for two or three years, I have no objection, except that I wish my girl in England. The states of Languedoc are met-'tis a fine raree-fhew, with the

pray

ufual accompaniments of fiddles, bears, and puppet-fhews. I believe I fhall step into my poft-chaife with more alacrity to fly from these fights, than a Frenchman would to fly to them—and except a tear at parting with my little flut, I fhall be in high spirits; and every step I take that brings me nearer England, will I think help to fet this poor frame to rights. Now write to me, directed to Mr. F. at Paris, and tell me what I am to bring you over.-How do I long to greet all my friends! few do I value more than yourfelf.-My wife chufes to go to Montauban, rather than ftay here, in which I am truly paffive. -If this fhould not find you at Bath, I hope it will be forwarded to you, as I wish to fulfil your commiffions-and fo adieu-Accept every warm wish for your health, and believe me ever yours,

L. STERNE.

P. S. My phyficians have almost poifoned me with what they call bouillons refraichifants-'tis a cock flayed alive and

boiled with poppy feeds, then pounded in a mortar, afterwards pafs'd thro' a fieve-There is to be one crawfish in it, and I was gravely told it must be a male one-a female would do me more hurt than good.

LETTER XLVII.

TO MISS STERNE.

MY DEAR LYDIA,

BY

Paris, May 15, 1764,

y this time I fuppofe your mother and felf are fixed at Montauban, and I therefore direct to your banker, to be delivered to you.-I acquiefced in your staying in France-likewife it was mother's wish-but I must tell you your both (that unless your health had not been a plea made ufe of) I fhould have wished you both to return with me.I have sent you the Spectators, and other books, particularly Metastasio; but I beg my girl to read the former, and only make the latter her amufement.-I hope you have not forgot my

faft request, to make no friendships with the French women-not that I think ill of them all, but fometimes women of the best principles are the most infinuating-nay I am fo jealous of you,

that I fhould be miferable were I to fee you had the leaft grain of coquettry in your compofition.-You have enough to do for I have alfo fent you a guittar -and as you have no genius for drawing (tho' you never could be made to believe it), pray wafte not your time about it-Remember to write to me as to a friend-in fhort, whatever comes into your little head, and then it will be natural. If your mother's rheumatism continues, and the chooses to go to Bagnieres-tell her not to be stopped for want of money, for my purse shall be as open as my heart. I have preached at the Ambaffador's chapel-Hezekiah* -(an odd fubject your mother will fay) There was a concourfe of all nations, and religions too. I fhall leave Paris in a

*See Vol. vii. Page 35

few days-I am lodged in the fame hos tel with Mr. T— they are good and generous fouls-Tell your mother that I hope she will write to me, and that when she does fo, I may also receive a letter from my Lydia.

Kifs your mother from me, and believe me

Your affectionate

L. STERNE.

LETTER XLVIII.

TO MR. FOLEY.

MY DEAR FOLEY, York, August 6, 1764.

TH HERE is a young lady with whom

I have fent a letter to you, who will arrive at Paris in her way to Italy -her name is Mifs Tuting; a lady known and loved by the whole kingdom -if you can be of any aid to her in your advice, &c. &c. as to her journey, &c. your good nature and politeness, I am fure, need no fpur from me to do it. I