Now to my distress.  You must have seen an advertisement perhaps the book itself, the villanous book itself, that has been published to defend me against the Critical Review.(1008) I have been childishly unhappy about it, and had drawn up a protestation or affidavit of my knowing nothing of it; but my friends would not let me publish it.  I sent to the printer, who would not discover the author—­nor could I guess.  They tell me nobody can suspect my being privy to It but there is an intimacy affected that I think will deceive many—­and yet I must be the most arrogant fool living, if I could know and suffer any body to speak of me in that style.  For God’s sake do all you can for me, and publish my abhorrence.  To-day I am told that it Is that puppy Dr. Hill, who has chosen to make war with the magazines through my sides.  I could pardon him any abuse, but I never can forgive this friendship.  Adieu!

(1006 He was master of Benet College, Cambridge.

(1007) See Murden’s State Papers, p. 558, for this curious letter.

(1008) It was called “Observations on the account given of the Catalogue of Royal and Noble Authors of England, etc. etc. in article v’- of the Critical review, No. xxv.  December, 1758, where the unwarrantable liberties taken with that work, and the honourable author of it, are examined and exposed.”

479 Letter 305 To The Right Hon. Lady hervey.  Feb. 20, 1759.

I met with this little book t’other day by chance, and it pleased me so much that I cannot help lending it to your ladyship, as I know it will amuse you from the same causes.  It contains many of those important truths which history is too proud to tell, and too dull from not telling.

Here Grignon’s soul the living canvass warms: 
Here fair Fontagno assumes unfading charms: 
Here Mignard’s pencil bows to female wit;
Louis rewards, but ratifies Fayette: 
The philosophic duke, and painter too,
Thought from her thoughts—­from her ideas drew.

479 Letter 306
To Sir David Dalrymple.(1009)
Strawberry Hill, Feb. 25, 1759.

I think, sir, I have perceived enough of the amiable benignity of your mind, to be sure that you will like to hear the praises of your friend.  Indeed, there is but one opinion about Mr. Robertson’s history.(1010) I don’t remember any other work that ever met universal approbation.  Since the Romans and the Greeks, who have now an exclusive charter for being the best writers in every kind, he is the historian that pleases me best; and though what he has been so indulgent as to say of me ought to shut my mouth, I own I have been unmeasured in my commendations.  I have forfeited my own modesty rather than not do justice to him.  I did send him my opinion some time ago, and hope he received it.  I can add, with the strictest truth, that he is regarded here as one of the greatest men that this island has produced.  I say island, but you know, Sir, that I am disposed