At present his journal, as he tells me, begins with getting up
at eight, taking his breakfast and going to school, where he
remains to eleven. Then to the High School Yard to play at
Englishman and Scotsman, or the hare and the dogs; of which I
take the merit, as I saved him from the writing-school at that
hour. He returns to school at twelve, and continues till two:
goes to writing between three and four; and spends his
evenings, as he tells me, in getting his school tasks, or in
reading amusing books,--such as his uncle's history. In short,
he is a very amiable boy, with quick parts, in my opinion as
well as yours; and there is no doubt but he will do well. I am
very glad of every thing that gives you pleasure,--even of
some things that give you pain. From all accounts, both before
and since you went to Paris, it might be foreseen that your
reception, even from sincere as well as affected admirers,
would amount to a degree of teasing. But all for the best, as
my fellow philosopher, Pangloss, says. I don't care if you are
"chassé de France à coups de complimens, et accablé en
Angleterre à coups de richesse," so as not to find any rest to
the soles of your feet out of Scotland. I would fain consider
every accession to your fortune as so many dishes added to the
future dinners in James's Court; and your eclat in France, as
the forerunner of much variety of chosen and excellent wines
from every quarter of that great kingdom. Meantime, though I
like to lounge at firesides in practice, I have not, in
speculation, that opinion you mention. I know nothing that is
necessary to happiness but cordiality and the talent of
finding diversion in all places. I remember, somewhere, a
man's being told that he was too nice, because he could not
dine on a ragout, and must have cold mutton. But I should not,
perhaps, contradict you so flatly, nor rub so hard,
considering how tender your sensibility will be grown after so
many lenient applications.[176:1]
HUME _to_ DR. ROBERTSON.
_Paris, Dec. 1, 1763._