2 28 The Duchess of Newcastle 



as not to dispraise, or detract from such persons as 

 they are pleased to take the pains to visit, or from such 

 as will not take it for a neglect, if I do not punctually 

 return their visit, or perhaps not visit them at any 

 time ; but will excuse or pardon my lazy humour and 

 not account it a disrespect, as truly it is none ; for I 

 do honour and admire all civil, worthy, and honour- 

 able persons, and would be ready at all times honestly 

 to serve them. But this retired life is so pleasing 

 to me, as I would not change it for all the pleasures 

 of the pubhck world, nay, not to be mistress of the 

 world, for I should not desire to be mistress of that 

 which is too big to be commanded, too self-willed to 

 be ruled, too factious to be governed, too turbulent 

 to live in peace ; and wars would fright, at least grieve 

 me that mankind should be so ill-natured and cruel 

 to destroy each other. To conclude, I am more 

 happy in my home-retirement, than I believe the 

 Lady S. P. is in her public frequentments, having a 

 noble and kind husband, who is witty and wise 

 company, a peaceable and quiet mind, and recreative 

 thoughts, that take harmless liberty; and all this I 

 have declared to you, that you may let the Lady S. P. 

 know that my retirement from the publick concourse 

 and army of the world, and regiments of acquaintance, 

 is neither through constraint, nor fantastick humour, 

 but through a love to peace, ease, and pleasure, all 

 which you enjoy; which is the fulfilling of your 

 Ladiship's faithful friend and servant's happiness. 



ON YOUTH AND TIME 



Madam, — I remember you told me, that formerly 

 you thought time troublesome, and every place 

 wearisome; as in the spring, you would wish for 



