The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

THE EXPEDITION OF HUMPHRY CLINKER 339
are so many saints in haven. Dear Molly, I recommend myself to
your prayers, being, with my sarvice to Saul,
your ever loving,
and discounselled friend,
Octr. 14. WIN. JENKINS
To Dr. LEWIS
DEAR DICK,
YOU cannot imagine what pleasure I have in seeing your
hand-writing, after such a long cessation on your side of our cor-
respondence—Yet, Heaven knows, I have often seen your hand-
writing with disgust—I mean, when it appeared in abbreviations
of apothecary’s Latin—I like your hint of making interest for the
reversion of the collector’s place, for Mr. Lismahago, who is much
pleased with the scheme, and presents you with his compliments
and best thanks for thinking so kind of his concerns—The man
seems to mend, upon further acquaintance. That harsh reserve,
which formed a disagreeable husk about his character, begins to
peel off in the course of our communication—I have great hopes
that he and Tabby will be as happily paired as any two draught
animals in the kingdom; and I make no doubt but that he will prove
a valuable acquisition to our little society, in the article of con-
versation, by the fire-side in winter.
Your objection to my passing this season of the year at such a
distance from home, would have more weight if I did not find
myself perfectly at my ease where I am; and my health so much
improved, that I am disposed to bid defiance to gout and rheu-
matism.—I begin to think I have put myself on the superannuated
list too soon, and absurdly sought for health in the retreats of
laziness—I am persuaded that all valetudinarians are too sedentary,
too regular, and too cautious—We should sometimes increase the
motion of the machine, to unclog the wheels of life; and now and
then take a plunge amidst the waves of excess, in order to case-
harden the constitution. I have even found a change of company
as necessary as a change of air, to promote a vigorous circulation of
the spirits, which is the very essence and criterion of good health.
Since my last, I have been performing the duties of friendship,