The last time the King was at Drury-lane, the play given out for the next night was “All in the Wrong:”  the galleries clapped, and then cried out, “Let us be all in the right!  Wilkes and Liberty!” When the King comes to a theatre, or goes out, or goes to the House, there is not a single applause; to the Queen there is a little:  in short, Louis le bien aime[1] is not French at present for King George.

[Footnote 1:  “Le Bien aime” was a designation conferred on Louis XV. by the people in their joy at his recovery from an illness which had threatened his life at Metz in 1744.  Louis himself was surprised, and asked what he had done to deserve such a title; and, in truth, it was a question hard to answer; but it was an expression of praise for his leaving the capital to accompany his army in the campaign.]

I read, last night, your new French play, “Le Comte de Warwic,"[1] which we hear has succeeded much.  I must say, it does but confirm the cheap idea I have of you French:  not to mention the preposterous perversion of history in so known a story, the Queen’s ridiculous preference of old Warwick to a young King; the omission of the only thing she ever said or did in her whole life worth recording, which was thinking herself too low for his wife, and too high for his mistress; the romantic honour bestowed on two such savages as Edward and Warwick:  besides these, and forty such glaring absurdities, there is but one scene that has any merit, that between Edward and Warwick in the third act.  Indeed, indeed, I don’t honour the modern French:  it is making your son but a slender compliment, with his knowledge, for them to say it is extraordinary.  The best proof I think they give of their taste, is liking you all three.  I rejoice that your little boy is recovered.  Your brother has been at Park-place this week, and stays a week longer:  his hill is too high to be drowned.

[Footnote 1:  “Le Comte de Warwic” was by La Harpe, who was only twenty-three years of age.  The answer here attributed to Elizabeth Woodville has been attributed to others also; and especially to Mdlle. de Montmorency, afterwards Princesse de Conde, when pursued by the solicitations of Henry IV.]

Thank you for your kindness to Mr. Selwyn:  if he had too much impatience, I am sure it proceeded only from his great esteem for you.

I will endeavour to learn what you desire; and will answer, in another letter, that and some other passages in your last.  Dr. Hunter is very good, and calls on me sometimes.  You may guess whether we talk you over or not.  Adieu!

A NEW YEAR’S PARTY AT LADY SUFFOLK’S—­LADY TEMPLE POETESS LAUREATE TO THE MUSES

TO GEORGE MONTAGU, ESQ.

ARLINGTON STREET, Jan. 11, 1764.