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[page 5]

I envy you the pleasure you have had in comforting yr wounded Traveller - I perceive it made you happy in spite of your own cruel accident which I sincerely lament — Indeed the great Secret of Happiness consists in cherishing & calling forth all the kind affections of our Nature, & suppressing all such as are of a malevolent cast – The chief reason I apprehend why angels are happier than devils must be because the former are so much more benevolent – a beautiful Woman is sometimes very diabolical, & a kind one, however plain, is almost always angelic - I do not mean in those Moments, when the transient illusions of Sense \may/ convert the dunnest [?] Fiend into a cœlestial Creature.

appropros of cœlestial Creatures you are perfectly right concerning your Epitaph on Lady M. & Sr John is I had almost said a Blockhead for the request He has made to you. How few People have a just Idea of the proper Tones for different kinds of Composition! – once more adieu — write soon & direct to me at Longinus'^s – for He will forward yr Letter – I shall remain in Surry at different Houses about 3 weeks —& I shall be much vexed if I miss Giovanni as I fear I shall —God bless you – remember me kindly to yr Father & be sure in spirit [illeg] to reach Eartham this Summer