But, to say the truth, I little regard the assertions of most ancient authors, especially in their accounts of other countries than their own; and even about their own, I do not give them implicit credit. They dealt little in the spirit of criticism, information was difficult to be obtained, nor did they pique themselves on accuracy, but set down whatever they heard, without examination. With many of the contrary advantages, how little historic truth is to be gleaned even now! I wish the report of the delivery of the King and Queen of France were not still unauthenticated. One did wish to believe it, not only for their sakes, but as some excuse for the otherwise inexplicable conduct of the King of Prussia.—He still wants a Xenophon; so do the Austrians too, who, with four times his numbers, do not make quite so sagacious a retreat. ... Vain-glory shall not be one of my last acts. Visions I have certainly had, but they have been amply dispelled. I have seen a noble seat built by a very wise man, who thought he had reason to expect it would remain to his posterity, as long as human foundations do in the ordinary course of things; alas! Sir, I have lived to be the last of that posterity, and to see the glorious collection of pictures, that were the principal ornaments of the house, gone to the North Pole, and to have the house remaining, half a ruin, on my hands. Forgive me, dear Sir, for dwelling so long on this article; not too long for my gratitude, which is perfect, but perhaps too full on my own sentiments. But how could I do otherwise than open my mind to so obliging a friend, from whom I cannot conceal weaknesses, to which both my nature and my age have made me liable? But they have not numbed my sensibility; and, while I do exist, I shall be, Dear Sir, Your most obliged, &c. ⸺. * * * * * Nov. 17, 1793. Dear Sir, I have been so much out of order for near four months, that quiet is absolutely necessary to me; and I have remained here, to avoid every thing that could agitate or disturb me, French politics especially, which are so shocking, that I avoid all discussion of them as much as possible, and have quite declined seeing any of the Emigrés in my neighbourhood, that I may not hear details. Some of the most criminal have, indeed, brought swift destruction on themselves; and, as they have exceeded all former ages in guilt, we may trust they will leave a lesson to mankind that will prevent their fury from being imitated. Pray excuse my saying more than that I am, Dear Sir, Yours most sincerely,