, he asserted, that it was a cooling
sub-acid, balsamic and mucilaginous; insomuch, that in all inflammatory
distempers, recourse was had to water-gruel, and flummery made of oatmeal.
    »At least, (said I) give me leave to wish them such a degree of commerce as
may enable them to follow their own inclinations.« - »Heaven forbid! (cried this
philosopher) Woe be to that nation, where the multitude is at liberty to follow
their own inclinations! Commerce is undoubtedly a blessing, while restrained
within its proper channels; but a glut of wealth brings along with it a glut of
evils: it brings false taste, false appetite, false wants, profusion, venality,
contempt of order, engendering a spirit of licentiousness, insolence, and
faction, that keeps the community in continual ferment, and in time destroys all
the distinctions of civil society; so that universal anarchy and uproar must
ensue. Will any sensible man affirm, that the national advantages of opulence
are to be sought on these terms?« »No, sure; but I am one of those who think,
that, by proper regulations, commerce may produce every national benefit,
without the allay of such concomitant evils.«
    So much for the dogmata of my friend Lismahago, whom I describe the more
circumstantially, as I firmly believe he will set up his rest in Monmouthshire.
Yesterday, while I was alone with him, he asked, in some confusion, if I should
have any objection to the success of a gentleman and a soldier, provided he
should be so fortunate as to engage my sister's affection. I answered, without
hesitation, that my sister was old enough to judge for herself; and that I
should be very far from disapproving any resolution she might take in his
favour. - His eyes sparkled at this declaration. He declared, he should think
himself the happiest man on earth to be connected with my family; and that he
should never be weary of giving me proofs of his gratitude and attachment. I
suppose Tabby and he are already agreed; in which case, we shall have a wedding
at Brambleton-hall, and you shall give away the bride. - It is the least thing
you can do, by way of atonement for your former cruelty to that poor love-sick
maiden, who has been so long a thorn in the side of
Yours,
                                                                   MATT. BRAMBLE
    Sept. 20.
 
We have been at Buxton; but, as I did not much relish either the company or the
accommodations, and had no occasion for the water
