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Nov: 3 1782

My dear Sister

Let the celerity, with which I reply to yr affectionate Pacquet, atone, for all the imperfections of my answer.–

your extended Elegy arrived at Eartham last night, & I have devoted the first Hours of this morning to the perusal of it - I have ventured to scratch on the inclosed paper Variations on the few Passages, which I do not admire –

But pray wherever you find these Variations illeg \heavy/ & inharmonious adhere to the original Tune or improve it yrself - I have scribbled as you will perceive in extreme Haste - I am anxious to give you my trifling Remarks by the returning Post, because I would not a moment retard this transcribing Business, which you tell me must preceed [sic] the Birth of the Black Prince: an Event! that I languish for with as much Eager Anxiety as the whimsical M^r Shandy did for the Birth of the dear Tristram -