to divert the family and neighbouring squires for five miles round? or venture so far on horseback, without apprehending a stumble at every step? can you set the footmen a-laughing as they wait at dinner? and do the duchess’s women admire your wit? in what esteem are you with the vicar of the parish? can you play with him at backgammon? have the farmers found out that you cannot distinguish rye from barley, or an oak from a crab-tree?  You are sensible that I know the full extent of your country skill is in fishing for roaches or gudgeons at the highest.

I love to do you good offices with your friends, and therefore desire you will show this letter to the duchess, to improve her grace’s good opinion of your qualifications, and convince her how useful you are likely to be in the family.  Her grace shall have the honour of my correspondence again when she goes to Amesbury.  Hear a piece of Irish news; I buried the famous General Meredyth’s father last night in my cathedral, he was ninety-six years old; so that Mrs. Pope may live seven years longer.  You saw Mr. Pope in health, pray is he generally more healthy than when I was among you?  I would know how your own health is, and how much wine you drink in a day?  My stint in company is a pint at noon, and half as much at night; but I often dine at home like a hermit, and then I drink little or none at all.  Yet I differ from you, for I would have society, if I could get what I like, people of middle understanding, and middle rank.

Adieu.

JOSEPH ADDISON

1672-1719

TO ALEXANDER POPE

Translation of Homer

26 Oct. 1713.

I was extremely glad to receive a letter from you, but more so upon reading the contents of it.  The work you mention will, I dare say, very sufficiently recommend itself when your name appears with the proposals:  and if you think I can any way contribute to the forwarding of them, you cannot lay a greater obligation upon me, than by employing me in such an office.  As I have an ambition of having it known that you are my friend, I shall be very proud of showing it by this or any other instance.  I question not but your translation will enrich our tongue, and do honour to our country; for I conclude of it already from those performances with which you have obliged the public.  I would only have you consider how it may most turn to your advantage.  Excuse my impertinence in this particular, which proceeds from my zeal for your ease and happiness.  The work would cost you a great deal of time, and, unless you undertake it, will, I am afraid, never be executed by any other; at least I know none of this age that is equal to it besides yourself.

I am at present wholly immersed in country business, and begin to take a delight in it.  I wish I might hope to see you here some time, and will not despair of it, when you engage in a work that will require solitude and retirement.