I feel as I ought to do your constant hereditary kindness to me and mine.  What you have heard of my illness is far from exaggerated.  I am, thank God, alive, and that is all.  Hastening to my dissolution, I have to bless Providence that I do not suffer a great deal of pain....  Mrs. Burke has a tolerable share of health—­in every respect except much use of her limbs.  She remembers your mother’s most good-natured attentions, as I am sure I do with much gratitude.  I have ever been an admirer of your talents and virtues, and shall ever wish most cordially for everything which can tend to your credit and satisfaction.  I therefore congratulate you very heartily on the birth of your son; and pray remember me to the representative of your family, who I hope still keeps up the school of which I have so tender a remembrance; though after so long an absence, and so many unpleasant events of every kind that have distracted my thoughts, I hardly dare ask for any one, not knowing whether they are living or dead, lest I should be the means of awakening unpleasant recollections.  Believe me to be, with the most respectful and affectionate regards, my dear Mrs. Leadbeater,

Your faithful friend, and very humble servant.

PS.  Pray remember me to Mr. Leadbeater.  I have been at Bath these four months to no purpose, and am therefore to be removed to my own house at Beaconsfield to-morrow, to be nearer to a habitation more permanent, humbly and fearfully hoping that my better part may find a better mansion.

[Footnote 1:  Cp. p. 281.]

EDWARD GIBBON

1737-1794

To MRS. PORTEN

His daily life

Lausanne, 27 Dec. 1783.

...  In speaking of the happiness which I enjoy, you will agree with me in giving the preference to a sincere and sensible friend; and though you cannot discern the full extent of his merit, you will easily believe that Deyverdun is the man.  Perhaps two persons so perfectly fitted to live together were never formed by nature and education.  We have both read and seen a great variety of objects; the lights and shades of our different characters are happily blended, and a friendship of thirty years has taught us to enjoy our mutual advantages, and to support our unavoidable imperfections.  In love and marriage, some harsh sounds will sometimes interrupt the harmony, and in the course of time, like our neighbours, we must expect some disagreeable moments; but confidence and freedom are the two pillars of our union, and I am much mistaken, if the building be not solid and comfortable....