you see what I am now writing[1], you will be convinced I would please but a few, and (if I could) make mankind less admirers, and greater reasoners. I study much more to render my own portion of being easy, and to keep this peevish frame of the human body in good humour. Infirmities have now quite unmanned me, and it will delight you to hear they are not increased, though not diminished. I thank God, I do not very much want people to attend me, though my mother now cannot. When I am sick, I lie down; when I am better, I rise up: I am used to the headach, &c. If greater pains arrive, (such as my late rheumatism) the servants bathe and plaster me, or the surgeon scarifies me, and I bear it, because I must. This is the evil of nature, not of fortune. I am just now as well as when you were here: I pray God you were no worse. I sincerely wish my life were passed near you, and such as it is, I would not repine at it.
All you mention remember you, and wish you here.
FROM LADY BETTY GERMAIN.
IT is well for Mr. Pope your letter came as it did, for else I had called for my coach, and was going to make a thorough search at his house; for that I was
- ↑ This was said whilst he was employed on the Essay on Man, not yet published, 1731.
