August 19.  ’Having had since our separation, little to say that could please you or myself by saying, I have not been lavish of useless letters; but I flatter myself that you will partake of the pleasure with which I can now tell you that about a week ago, I felt suddenly a sensible remission of my asthma, and consequently a greater lightness of action and motion.  Of this grateful alleviation I know not the cause, nor dare depend upon its continuance, but while it lasts I endeavour to enjoy it, and am desirous of communicating, while it lasts, my pleasure to my friends.  Hitherto, dear Sir, I had written before the post, which stays in this town but a little while, brought me your letter.  Mr. Davies seems to have represented my little tendency to recovery in terms too splendid.  I am still restless, still weak, still watery, but the asthma is less oppressive.  Poor Ramsay[1129]!  On which side soever I turn, mortality presents its formidable frown.  I left three old friends at Lichfield when I was last there, and now found them all dead.  I no sooner lose sight of dear Allen, than I am told that I shall see him no more.  That we must all die, we always knew; I wish I had sooner remembered it.  Do not think me intrusive or importunate, if I now call, dear Sir, on you to remember it.’

Sept. 2.  ’I am glad that a little favour from the court has intercepted your furious purposes[1130].  I could not in any case have approved such publick violence of resentment, and should have considered any who encouraged it, as rather seeking sport for themselves, than honour for you.  Resentment gratifies him who intended an injury, and pains him unjustly who did not intend it.  But all this is now superfluous.  I still continue by GOD’S mercy to mend.  My breath is easier, my nights are quieter, and my legs are less in bulk, and stronger in use.  I have, however, yet a great deal to overcome, before I can yet attain even an old man’s health.  Write, do write to me now and then; we are now old acquaintance, and perhaps few people have lived so much and so long together, with less cause of complaint on either side.  The retrospection of this is very pleasant, and I hope we shall never think on each other with less kindness.’

Sept. 9.  ’I could not answer your letter[1131] before this day, because I went on the sixth to Chatsworth, and did not come back till the post was gone.  Many words, I hope, are not necessary between you and me, to convince you what gratitude is excited in my heart, by the Chancellor’s liberality and your kind offices.  I did not indeed expect that what was asked by the Chancellor would have been refused[1132], but since it has, we will not tell that any thing has been asked.  I have enclosed a letter to the Chancellor which, when you have read it, you will be pleased to seal with a head, or other general seal, and convey it to him; had I sent it directly to him, I should have seemed to overlook the favour of your