LINNiEUS. 327 



one time a most excellent observer, attempted to 

 cut his way with authority through the armies of 

 Tournefort ; has he not met with his deserts ? and 

 would he not have risen much higher had he left 

 him unmolested ? 



" 11. I dread all controversies, as, whether con- 

 queror or conquered, I can never escape disgrace. 

 Who ever fought without some wound, or some in- 

 jurious consequence ? Time is too precious, and can 

 be far better employed by me as well as by you. I 

 am too young to take up arms, which, if once taken, 

 cannot be laid aside till the war is concluded, which 

 may last our lives. And, after all, the serious con- 

 tentions of our time may, fifty years hence, seem to 

 our successors no better than a puppet-show. I 

 should be less ashamed to receive admonition from 

 you than you must be to take it from me. 



" Behold, then, your enemy, submissively seek- 

 ing your friendship ; which, if you grant him, you 

 will be more certain of securing a friend than of 

 stirring up an adversary. I know you to be of a 

 more generous nature than to level your attacks at 

 one who has not offended, unless any enemies of 

 mine have raised doubts in your mind against me. 

 If, after all, I cannot obtain that peace which, by 

 every argument and supplication, I seek of you, I 

 hope you will at least be so generous as to send me 

 whatever you may print on the subject, and I will 

 take care to convey my answers to you. 



" If the news I have heard be without founda- 

 tion, I earnestly beg of you to forgive me for the 

 trouble I now give you." 



Linnaeus is here exhibited under the influence of 



