the present, that nothing has lessened either

the esteem or love with which I dismissed you at Harwich. Both have been increased by all that I have been told of you by your- self or others ; and when you return, you will return to an unaltered, and, I hope, unalter- able friend.

All that you have to fear from me is the vexation of disappointing me. No man loves to frustrate expectations which have been formed in his favour ; and the pleasure which I promise myself from your journals and re- marks is so great, that perhaps no degree of attention or discernment will be sufficient to afford it.

Come home, however, and take your chance. I long to see you, and to hear you ; and hope that we shall not be so long separated again. Come home, and expect such welcome as is due to him, whom a wise and noble curiosity has led where perhaps no native of his country ever was before.

I have no news to tell you that can deserve your notice ; nor would I lessen the pleasure that any novelty may give you at your return. I am afraid we shall find it difficult to keep among us a mind which has been so long feasted with variety. But let us try what esteem and kindness can effect.

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