by reading your “Cecilia.”  They certainly will, letheir experience in life and manners be what it may.  The arrogance of age must submit to be taught by youth.  You have crowded into a few small volumes an incredible variety of characters; most of them well planned, well supported, and well contrasted with each other.  If there be any fault in this respect, It is one in which you are in no great danger of being imitated. justly as your characters are drawn, perhaps they are too numerous.  But I beg pardon; I fear it is quite in vain to preach economy to those who are come young to excessive and sudden opulence.

I might trespass on your delicacy if I should fill my letter to u with what I fill my conversation to others.  I should be troublesome to you alone If I should tell you all I feel and think on the natural vein of humour, the tender pathetic, the comprehensive and noble moral, and the sagacious observance, that appear quite throughout that extraordinary performance.

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In an age distinguished by producing extraordinary women, I hardly dare to tell you where my opinion would place you amongst them.  I respect your modesty, that will not endure the commendations which your merit forces from everybody.

I have the honour to be, with great gratitude, respect, and esteem, madam, your most obedient and most humble servant, EDM.  Burke.

My best compliments and congratulations to Dr. Burney on the great honour acquired to his family.

Miss Burney sits for her portrait.

Chesington, Monday, Aug. 12-I Set Out for this ever dear place, accompanied by Edward,(151) who was sent for to paint Mr. Crisp for my father.  I am sure you will rejoice in this.  I was a little dumpish in the journey, for I seemed leaving my Susan again.  However, I read a “Rambler” or two, and “composed the harmony of my temper,” as well as I could, for the sake of Edward, who was not only faultless of this, but who is, I almost think, faultless of all things.  I have thought him more amiable and deserving, than ever, since this last sojourn under the same roof with him; and, as it happened, I have owed to him almost all the comfort I have this time met with here.

We came in a chaise, which was well loaded with canvasses, .pencils, and painting materials ; for Mr. Crisp was to be three times painted, and Mrs. Gast once.  My sweet father came down Gascoign-lane to meet us, in very pood spirits and very good health.  Next came dear daddy Crisp, looking vastly well, and, as usual, high in glee and kindness at the meeting.  Then the affectionate Kitty, the good Mrs. Hamilton, the gentle Miss Young, and the enthusiastic Mrs. Gast.

The instant dinner was over, to my utter surprise and consternation, I was called into the room appropriated for Edward and his pictures, and informed I was to sit to him for Mr. Crisp!  Remonstrances were unavailing, and declarations of aversion to the design were only ridiculed; both daddies interfered, and, when I ran off, brought me back between them, and compelled my obedience;—­and from that time to this, nothing has gone forward but picture-sitting.