266 The Duchess of Newcastle 



God, and their divine poems are their brood, which 

 are kept in the cage of memory, and sing their parents* 

 notes to after ages. But, Madam, perchance you will 

 think I am peremptory, to give my opinion of the 

 poet's work before I see it; but I give my opinion 

 only upon the ground of his work, which is the Scrip- 

 ture, saying, it ought not to be paraphrased. Besides, 

 I give it from my conscience, not from my conceited 

 brain, and perchance I may alter my opinion, upon 

 more rational arguments from those that are more 

 learned and knowing than my self, and if your opinion 

 differs from mine, pray send it me in your next letter; 

 for I would willingly be of your opinion believing 

 you cannot err, nor can I, in expressing my self. 

 Madam, 



Your very faithful friend and devoted servant. 



THE CONTAGION OF GOSSIPING 



Madam, — In your last letter you say, that the Lady 

 G. P. carried a letter she received from Mrs. O. B. 

 from company to company to jest at, because it was 

 not indited after the courtly phrase but after the old 

 manner and way, beginning thus. After my hearty 

 commendation, hoping you are in good health, as I am 

 at the writing hereof ; this is to let you understand, etc. 

 But I know not why any body should jest at it, for 

 'tis friendly to send commendations, and to wish them 

 good health, and certainly friendly and kind expres- 

 sions are to be preferred before courtly complements, 

 the first sounds hke real truth, the other may be 

 demonstrated to be feigning, for all complements 

 exceed the truth. 'Tis true, the style of letters alters 

 and changes as the fashion of clothes doth, but 



