92 GILBEET WHITE OF SELBORNE 1783 



The God of seasons, whose pervading power 

 Controls the sun or sheds the fleecy shower ; 

 He bids each hast'ning flower his word obey, 

 Or to each lingering bud enjoins delay * 



I am with all due esteem, 



Your most humble servant, 



Gil. White. 



Neighbours are all well. Mrs. J. White joins in the good 

 wishes of the season. If you know any gentlemen in or 

 round Salisbury pray mention my nephew John White 

 the surgeon to them, who he is and what he is. D"^ 

 Chandler has been very kind that way. All beginners in 

 any calling stand much in need of such good offices. 



To Mary Barker. Selborne, Jan. 22, 1783. 



Dear Mary, — It is full time that I should acknowledge 

 your late obliging letter ; and return you and your Mother 

 and sister my best thanks for the agreeable visit that you 

 made me in the autumn. I have only to regret that you 

 could not consistently with the respect that was due to 

 other relations extend it out to a much greater length. 



As to music, your lessons, and those of your sister gave 

 me wonderful delight. I retain still a smattering of many 

 passages on my memory, which I sing to myself when I am 

 in spirits. Indeed I am often too much affected with 

 musical harmony, especially of late years. The following 

 curious Quotation strikes me much by so well representing 

 my own case ; and by describing what I have so often felt, 

 but never could so well express i*. . . . 



When I hear fine music, I am haunted with passages 



* *0n the Early and Late Blowing of the Vernal and Autumnal Crocus.' 

 The verses given above were sent to John Mulso, who had been the recipient 

 of so many of his friend's compositions, under the signature of "Nobody." 



t Here follows the passage from Gassendi, sent him by Miss White, and 

 quoted in the letter to Mr. Churton of January 4th, 1783. 



