 I was obliged to retire,
not by fear arising from his minatory reproaches, which, as I said above, I
value not of a rush; but from the sudden effect produced by a barbel's row,
which I had eaten at dinner, not knowing, that the said row is at certain
seasons violently cathartic, as Galen observeth in his chapter peri ixtys.
    Fourthly, and lastly, with reference to the manner in which I got possession
of these Letters, it is a circumstance that concerns my own conscience only;
sufficeth it to say, I have fully satisfied the parties in whose custody they
were; and, by this time, I hope I have also satisfied you in such ways, that the
last hand may be put to our agreement, and the work proceed with all conve nient
expedition; in which hope I rest,
respected sir,
your very humble servant,
                                                               JONATHAN DUSTWICH
 
P.S. I propose, Deo volente, to have the pleasure of seeing you in the great
city, towards All-hallowtide, when I shall be glad to treat with you concerning
a parcel of MS. sermons, of a certain clergyman deceased; a cake of the right
leaven, for the present taste of the public. Verbum sapienti, etc.
                                                                           J. D.
 

                   To the Revd. Mr. Jonathan Dustwich, at --

Sir,
    I received yours in course of post, and shall be glad to treat with you for
the MS. which I have delivered to your friend Mr. Behn; but can by no means
comply with the terms proposed. Those things are so uncertain - Writing is all a
lottery - I have been a loser by the works of the greatest men of the age - I
could mention particulars, and name names; but don't chuse it - The taste of the
town is so changeable. Then there have been so many letters upon travels lately
published - What between Smollett's, Sharp's, Derrick's, Thickness's,
Baltimore's and Baretti's, together with Shandy's Sentimental Travels, the
public seems to be cloyed with that kind of entertainment - Nevertheless, I
will, if you please, run the risque of printing and publishing, and you shall
have half the profits of the impression - You need not take the trouble to bring
up your sermons on my account - No body reads sermons but Methodists and
Dissenters - Besides, for my own part, I am quite a stranger to that sort of
reading; and the two persons, whose judgment I depended upon in these matters,
are out
