I am very glad that you use yourself to translations; and I do not care of what, provided you study the correctness and elegance of your style.  The “Life of Sextus Quintus” is the best book of the innumerable books written by Gregorio Leti, whom the Italians, very justly, call ’Leti caca libro’.  But I would rather that you chose some pieces of oratory for your translations, whether ancient or modern, Latin or French, which would give you a more oratorical train of thoughts and turn of expression.  In your letter to me you make use of two words, which though true and correct English, are, however, from long disuse, become inelegant, and seem now to be stiff, formal, and in some degree scriptural; the first is the word namely, which you introduce thus, you inform me of A very agreeable piece of news, namely, that my election is secured. Instead of namely, I would always use which is, or that is, that my-election is secured.  The other word is, mine own inclinations:  this is certainly correct before a subsequent word that begins with a vowel; but it is too correct, and is now disused as too formal, notwithstanding the hiatus occasioned by my own.  Every language has its peculiarities; they are established by usage, and whether right or wrong, they must be complied with.  I could instance many very absurd ones in different languages; but so authorized by the ‘jus et norma loquendi’, that they must be submitted to.  Namely, and to wit, are very good words in themselves, and contribute to clearness more than the relatives which we now substitute in their room; but, however, they cannot be used, except in a sermon or some very grave and formal compositions.  It is with language as with manners they are both established by the usage of people of fashion; it must be imitated, it must be complied with.  Singularity is only pardonable in old age and retirement; I may now be as singular as I please, but you may not.  We will, when we meet, discuss these and many other points, provided you will give me attention and credit; without both which it is to no purpose to advise either you or anybody else.

I want to know your determination, where you intend to (if I may use that expression) while away your time till the last week in June, when we are to meet at Spa; I continue rather in the opinion which I mentioned to you formerly, in favor of The Hague; but however, I have not the least objection to Dresden, or to any other place that you may like better.  If you prefer the Dutch scheme, you take Treves and Coblentz in your way, as also Dusseldorp:  all which places I think you have not yet seen.  At Manheim you may certainly get good letters of recommendation to the courts of the two Electors of Treves and Cologne, whom you are yet unacquainted with; and I should wish