tfg2. Thomsoti's last letter to Paterson. 327 



resist the contagion, as I hope your body will that 

 «f their natural ones) there are few men so ca- 

 pable of that unperifliable happinefs, that peace and 

 satisfaction of mind at least, that proceed from being 

 reasonable and moderate in our desires, as you are. 

 These are the treasures dug from an inexhaustible 

 mine in our own breasts, which, like those in the 

 kingdom of heaven, the rust of time cannot corrupt, 

 nor thieves break through and steal. I must learn 

 to work at this mine a little more, being struck off 

 from a certain hundred pounds a-year which you 

 know I had. 



West, Mallet, and I, were all routed in one day. If 

 you would know why, — out of resentment to our 

 ffiend in Argyll-street. Yet I have hopes given 

 me of having it restored with interest some time or 

 other. — Ah I that some time or other is a great decei- 

 ver. 



Coriolanus has not yet appeared upon the stage, from 

 the little dirty jealousy of TuUus* towards him who 

 alone can act Coriolanus f. Indeed the first has entire- 

 ly jockeyed the last «fF the stage for this season ; but 

 I believe he will return on him next season, like a 

 giant in his wrath. Let us have a little more pati- 

 ence, Paterson ; nay, let us be chearful. At last, all 

 will be well ; at least, all will be over, — here I 

 mean : <jod forbid it fliould be hereafter ! But 

 as sure as there is a God that will not be so. 



Now that I am prating of myself, know that, after 

 fourteen or fifteen yeai:s, the Castle of Indolence comes 

 abroad in a fortnight. It will certainly travel as far 



* Carrick, t ^"^- 



