more than his.  I know I have not his virtues, but should delight in doing justice to them; and, perhaps, from a man of a different party the testimony would be more to his honour.  I do not call myself of different principles; because a man that thinks himself bound by his oath, can be a man of no principle if he violates it.  I do not mean to deny that many men might think King James’s breach of his oath a dispensation from theirs; but, if they did not think so, or did not think their duty to their country obliged them to renounce their King, I should never defend those who took the new oaths from interest.

(284) Thomas Baker, the learned author of “Reflections on Learning, wherein is shown the insufficiency thereof in its several particulars, in order to evince the usefulness and necessity Of Revelation;” a work which has gone through numerous editions, and was at one time one of the most popular books in the language, He was born at Durham in 1656, and died in the office of commoner master of st.  John’s College, Cambridge, in July 1740.-E.

Letter 128 To Robert Jephson, Esq.(285) Strawberry Hill, Oct. 1, 1777. (page 175)

To confer favours, Sir, is certainly not giving trouble:  and had I the most constant occupation, I should contrive to find moments for reading your works.  I have passed a most melancholy summer, from different distresses in my family; and though my nephew’s situation and other avocations prevent my having but very little time for literary amusements, I did not mean to debar myself of the pleasure of hearing from my friends.  Unfortunately, at present, it is impossible for me to profit of your kindness; not from my own business, but from the absence of Mr. Garrick.  He is gone into Staffirdshire to marry a nephew, and thence will pass into Wales to superintend a play that is to be acted at Sir Watkin Williams’s.  I am even afraid I shall not be the first apprised of his return, as I possibly may remove to town in expectation of the Duchess of Gloucester,’ before he is at home again.  I shall not neglect my own satisfaction; but mention this circumstance, that you may not suspect me of inattention, if I should not get sight of your tragedy so soon as I wish.  I am, Sir, with great regard.

(285) Now first printed.

Letter 129 To The Hon. H. S. Conway.  Oct. 5, 1777. (page 176)

You are so exceedingly good, I shall assuredly accept your proposal in the fullest sense, and to ensure Mrs. Damer, beg I may expect you on Saturday next the 11th.  If Lord and Lady william Campbell will do me the honour of accompanying you, I shall be most happy to see them, and expect Miss Caroline.(286) Let me know about them that the state bedchamber may be aired.