THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



Richard. We are all well here. I have heard of your success 

 at Bibury, but know not whether to congratulate you, being no 

 friend to the dangerous pursuit of racing. Out of five of my 

 fellow collegians who have pursued it, three ruined themselves 

 past recovery. Reflect upon this, and let me have your innne- 

 diate decision respecting Riply. 



' In haste, your affectionate father, 



' Andrew Raby. 



' Anistead Abbey, June 25th, 1809.' 



The following reply to the foregoing epistle was dispatched 

 b}^ return of the post : — 



' My dear Father, — 



' It would ill become me to refuse complying, in any respect, 

 with the " earnest desire " of either my late uncle or yourself. 

 I have only to say, then, that, although I have not the slightest 

 wish to be in Parliament, nor the slightest idea that I shall be 

 of any use when I am there, beyond a silent vote, nevertheless, 

 I am willing to take the step that seems so near to yovir heart. 

 I will proceed to Riply to-morrow, or next day, and of course 

 you will write to Sir Richard, and arrange all things necessary 

 with him. The on dit here is, that I am to be opposed by a 

 rich sugar-baker from the city — if so, money will be wanted 

 beyond the mere usual expenses of the return ; and I honestly 

 tell you that, after having gained a victory over the second 

 best gentleman jockey at Bibury, I should not relish being 

 beaten by a city sugar-baker over another course — still less to 

 spend my own money in the contest. To use your own words, 

 then, touching racing, "reflect on this." Suppose, when we 

 come to the post, it should be 6 to 9 on the sugar-baker, and 

 I hear he is not only very rich, but a very sharp fellow, and 

 can make use of his tongue. All things considered, I had, 

 perhaps, better await the answer to this letter before I set 

 forward to Riply. 



' Now then for a word on another subject. You need not 

 longer hesitate as to your offer of congratulation on my success 

 at Bibury. It would have been greater, had I used my own 

 judgment in opposition to that of my trainer, and I should 

 have won the great prize of the meeting, in the room of the 

 Prince of Wales. To show you, however, that I am not vain 



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