1763 MULSO ON THE SHEPHEKDESSES 141 



for we, my friend, begin to grow into a more serious age, 

 and to mean a little more what we profess. I beg you 

 to get as much this winter as possible into the gay world ; 

 for it will be of prejudice to your health and spirits to 

 employ a winter in putting on wood in a country village. 

 At all events, and wherever, write to me often, for when 

 even the mind alone expatiates, the body is something the 

 better for it." 



On December 7th, 1763, Mulso writes again to his 

 friend who was visiting in Kathbone Place : — 



"A little of the bustle, and talk, and variety of London 

 is absolutely necessary for you. And if you should have 

 any farther knowledge of the Miss B's, it might have rather 

 a salutary than a dangerous effect, for it is my notion that 

 they may be very safely taken either full or fasting. I hope 

 the town does not disagree with you after so long an absence 

 from it. I know you used to be sorely beset about bread 

 and beer in London. We sit at a distance and are but little 

 troubled here about things that wear a grave face with you ; 

 but perhaps a little of the wiser business of London may 

 not be disagreeable to you, after having been so far from it 

 as Arcadia. How very different ! and how many people did 

 you make happy last summer ! Some indeed bear some 

 scars; for even the sweet rosebush has its thorns. I en- 

 deavoured to laugh at some of them as mere scratches, 

 but alas poor King Lear* was mad in his last letter, the 

 paroxysm was upon him and he complained that he was 

 cut to the train. So I have not dared to say a word yet, 

 till the heated imagination is grown cool. I hope the poor 

 curates at Lurgeshallf are come to themselves again." 



* Qu. Ned Mulso, •'Corydon" ? 



t Basil Cane, "Colin," was curate of Ludgershall, Wilts, two miles distant 

 from Harry White's, "Strephon's," living of Tidworth. 



