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to be looked for? It reminds me of a gentleman whose servant asked him for a holiday" Where are you going, John?" "I am going," he replied, "to see a friend." "Are you indeed, John? Egad, I should like to go along with you, for I never yet saw one!"

You are now at an age, Richard, to judge with some discrimination. I say some, because I know by experience how incapable I was, at a much maturer period of life, to form a correct opinion of mankind; and every day tells me how inefficient my judgment is, even at this moment. If then I am doubtful, from the observations I have made, do not think I lower you in my estimation when I say, that at your years I cannot expect it but this I do expect, that you think and know me to be your friend, and that you will always be attentive to the disinterested advice of

Your affectionate Father,

B. O.

I understand your sisters made up a little parcel for you yesterday, and spared you a trifle from their pocket-money. I did not know of their intention, or I should not have forgotten you. However, if it should not escape your recollection when you return, I will give you a crown.

TO THE REV. T. F. DIBDIN, KENSINGTON.
MY DEAR SIR,

Tavistock Place, November 26, 1822. On my return from the city, I broke the seal of your epistle, and believe what you say to be gospel; but I have more cause for regret than yourself. You, no doubt, joined a pleasant party, while I remained at home with my wife and daughters (horrible!) filling up the dull hours your absence occasioned. Entre nous,

I can tell you, my dear sir, that your "kind remembrances are acceptable at my fireside;" and although we have not had the pleasure of a seven years' acquaintance with you, you are at liberty to stir the fire as often as you please.

Yours very sincerely,

B. O.

To MR. R. R. OAKLEY, HARROW.

MY DEAR RICHARD,

Royal Exchange, December 2, 1822. You tell Jane you have been doing your "Latin trial:" but you do not say whether or no you have gained the trial. There is a wonderful difference in the verdict of a jury, when they say guilty, or not guilty. You should be more explicit, as I am uncertain of the issue of your examination. I shall pronounce you guilty of great negligence in leaving us in doubt.

Now I understand there can be no doubt of your leaving school to-morrow week; but I very much doubt the propriety of your ordering a chaise to bring you home; and also doubt whether Mr. Kent will send one unless I order it. You have done it, you say, to save us trouble: you need not have troubled yourself about it; for had you simply told Jane you wanted a conveyance, I should not have thought it any trouble to have provided, in some way or other, a proper conveyance for you; and if you leave it to me, you shall not be disappointed.

I expect your decisions now, Richard, to be formed upon due consideration. You manifest, certainly, and I am glad to see it, a proper consideration to expense, when you say, by sending Mr. Cubitt's chaise, it will save eight or ten shillings. This is a proper feeling;

and if I do not obtrude too much upon his good nature, probably you may have the accommodation you prefer: it is yet time enough, and when I have made an arrangement you shall know; but in future I wish you not to act so prematurely. Be assured I shall be glad to see you: indeed, I begin to value your company, and I hope you appreciate me as an acquaintance worthy your associating with. I have been very low-spirited for some time. November is a gloomy month with most persons, but particularly so with me: it creates and calls to mind recollections of so acute a nature-it excoriates a wound which seven long years have been ineffectual to heal. But I must change the subject, or it will bleed afresh.

You have not given me any account of your dining with Mr. Hamilton. If you find an opportunity of calling upon him, which I would have you do, pray thank him, in my name, for his attention to you; and say, I shall feel proud should he honour me with a call when he comes to town.

Do not have any reserve in writing to me. I shall always be glad to hear from you: there will be no reserve on my part; for I shall consider that I am corresponding with a friend - one in whom I do, and shall, most probably, place my best confidence in. If I do not find a friend in you, where shall I look for

one?

Nay do not think I flatter:

For what advancement may I hope from thee
That no revenue hast, but thy good spirits,
To feed and clothe thee ?"

"Give me that man

That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him
In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of hearts,
As I do thee!"

Avoid, Richard, being a slave to passion. In your temper "use all gentleness;" in your amusements, temperance; in all your little barterings with your schoolfellows, honesty and liberality; but, above all, never move from the pedestal of TRUTH. Then will " mercy, at your most need, help you."

grace and

Yours ever,

B. O.

TO THE REV. WILLIAM DRURY, HARROW.

MY DEAR SIR,

Royal Exchange, December 7, 1822.

I CONGRATULATE you upon the approximation to the holidays. I think you must enjoy it in anticipation as much as the boys who are under your command. During the ensuing vacation I hope I shall have the honour of seeing you in Tavistock Place; and should Mrs. Drury favour Mrs. Oakley with a call, she will proudly acknowledge it an act of kindness. I beg we may be most respectfully remembered to her.

My son writes to me in excellent spirits. I am pleased with the easy diction of his letters, and have every reason to be satisfied with his conduct, and the progress he has made under your judicious instruction.

He intimates to me a wish that he may be allowed to participate in the comforts of a snug room with Ravenhill, in the event of there being an opening-a broad hint, by the way, that I should take the responsibility of hinting as much to you.

Consider me, dear Sir, to be

Yours very truly,

B. O.

To S. W. SIEVIER, Esq. SOUTHAMPTON Row.
DEAR SIR,
Tavistock Place, December 27, 1822.

I THANK you for your splendid specimens of the graphic art. You have only to convert the graver into the chisel, (combined with the talent you have manifested), in order to arrive at excellence. May you rival the works of Phidias, and tread in the steps of the great Michael Angelo !

I have made inquiry to-day for the head of Dibdin, and have a faint hope it will be attended with success. If the rough features of my own phiz should not be likely to disturb the soft and beautiful repose of the dreamers, or disturb the order of your portfolio, lay me in silence by them.

Your obliged Servant,

B. O.

To MRS. PARROTT, TOOTING.

MY DEAR ADRIANA,

Tavistock Place, December 31, 1822.

THE close of the year naturally directs our thoughts to the occurrences which have passed within it; and I know of none that has given me more pleasure than the few opportunities I have had of witnessing, with heartfelt delight, the comforts which surround you.

Blessed as you are in your union with the amiable partner of your destinies, and enjoying the prattling society of your darling children, I cannot picture to myself a greater happiness, nor in this world of vicissitudes must you look beyond it.

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