but you must furnish me with answers to these obstacles, before I could hope to make any way even with any private person.  In truth, I am little versed in the subject; which I own, not to excuse myself from pursuing it if it can be made feasible, but to prompt you, Sir, to instruct me.  Except at this place, which cannot be called the country, I have scarce ever lived in the country, and am shamefully ignorant of the police and domestic laws of my own country.  Zeal to do any good, I have; but I want to be tutored when the operation is at all complicated.  Your knowledge, Sir, may supply my deficiencies; at least you are sure of a solicitor for your good intentions, in your, etc.

(303) Now first collected.

(304) See ant`e, p. 215, letter 154.-E.

Letter 164 To The Rev. Mr. Cole.

Strawberry Hill, July 1, 1763. (page 228)

Dear sir, As you have given me leave, I propose to pass a day with you, on my way to Mr. Montagu’s.  If you have no engagement, I will be with you on the 16th of this month, and if it is not inconvenient, and you will tell me truly whether it is or not, I shall bring my friend Mr. Chute with me, who is destined to the same place.  I will beg you too to let me know how far it is to Bleckley, and what road I must take:  that is, how far from London, or how far from Twickenham, and the road from each, as I am uncertain yet from which I shall set out.  If any part of this proposal does not suit You, I trust you will own it, and I will take some other opportunity of calling on you, being most truly, dear Sir, etc.

Letter 165 To The Rev. Mr. Cole.  Strawberry Hill, July 12, 1763. (page 228)

Dear sir, Upon consulting maps and the knowing, I find it will be my best way to call on Mr. Montagu first, before I come to you, or I must go the same road twice.  This will make it a few days later than I intended before I wait on you, and will leave you time to complete your hay-harvest, as I gladly embrace your offer of bearing me company on the tour I meditate to Burleigh, Drayton, Peterborough, Ely, and twenty other places, of all which you shall take as much or as little as you please.  It will, I think, be Wednesday or Thursday se’nnight, before I wait on you, that is the 20th or 21st, and I fear I shall come alone; for Mr. Chute is confined with the gout:  but you shall hear again before I set out.  Remember I am to see Sir Kenelm Digby’s.

I thank you much for your informations.  The Countess of Cumberland is an acquisition, and quite new to me.  With the Countess of Kent I am acquainted since my last edition.

Addison certainly changed sides in the epitaph to indicabit to avoid the jingle with dies:  though it is possible that the thought may have been borrowed elsewhere.  Adieu, Sir!

To The Rev. Mr. Cole.