第44章 LETTER XXXVI

LONDON,April 15,O.S.1748

DEAR BOY:Though I have no letters from you to acknowledge since my last to you,I will not let three posts go from hence without a letter from me.My affection always prompts me to write to you;and I am encouraged to do it,by the hopes that my letters are not quite useless.You will probably receive this in the midst of the diversions of Leipsig fair;at which,Mr.Harte tells me,that you are to shine in fine clothes,among fine folks.I am very glad of it,as it is time that you should begin to be formed to the manners of the world in higher life.Courts are the best schools for that sort of learning.You are beginning now with the outside of a court;and there is not a more gaudy one than that of Saxony.Attend to it,and make your observations upon the turn and manners of it,that you may hereafter compare it with other courts which you will see;And,though you are not yet able to be informed,or to judge of the political conduct and maxims of that court,yet you may remark the forms,the ceremonies,and the exterior state of it.At least see everything that you can see,and know everything that you can know of it,by asking questions.See likewise everything at the fair,from operas and plays,down to the Savoyard's raree-shows.

Everything is worth seeing once;and the more one sees,the less one either wonders or admires.

Make my compliments to Mr.Harte,and tell him that I have just now received his letter,for which I thank him.I am called away,and my letter is therefore very much shortened.Adieu.

I am impatient to receive your answers to the many questions that I have asked you.