There is not a family in the
county nor a servant in his own house, nor a farmer in the
parish, but what knows the utmost farthing that his lands
produce, and all these behold him with scorn or compassion. I am
surprised that these reflections do not occur to persons in this
unhappy dilemma, and produce a salutary effect; but the truth is,
of all the passions incident to human nature, vanity is that
which most effectually perverts the faculties of the
understanding; nay, it sometimes becomes so incredibly depraved,
as to aspire at infamy, and find pleasure in bearing the stigmas
of reproach.
I have now given you a sketch of the character and situation of
Mr Dennison, when he came down to take possession of this estate;
but as the messenger, who carries the letters to the next town,
is just setting off, I shall reserve what further I have to say
on this subject, till the next post, when you shall certainly
hear from
Yours always,
MATT. BRAMBLE
Oct. 8.
To Dr LEWIS.
Once more, dear doctor, I resume the pen for your amusement. It
was on the morning after our arrival that, walking out with my
friend, Mr Dennison, I could not help breaking forth into the
warmest expressions of applause at the beauty of the scene, which
is really inchanting; and I signified, in particular, how much I
was pleased with the disposition of some detached groves, that
afforded at once shelter and ornament to his habitation.
Pages:
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589