The Auto-Biography of Edward Gibbon, Esq; Illustrated from His Letters, with Occasional Notes and Narratives

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846 edition. Excerpt: ... LETTERS FROM EDWARD GIBBON, ESQ. TO LORD SHEFFIELD AND OTHERS. EDWARD GIBBON, KSCl. TO THE HON. MISS HOLROYD. Lausanne, Nov. 9th, 1791. Gulliver is made to say, in presenting his interpreter, " My tongue is in the mouth of my friend." Allow me to say, with proper expressions and excuses, " My pen is in the hand of my friend;" and the aforesaid friend begs leave thus to continue.* I remember to have read somewhere in Rousseau, of a lover quitting very often his mistress, to have the pleasure of corresponding with her. Though not absolutely your lover, I am very much your admirer, and should be extremely tempted to follow the same example. The spirit and reason which prevail in your conversation, appear to great advantage in your letters. The three which I have received from Berne, Coblentz, and Brussels have given me much real pleasure: first, as a proof that you are often thinking of me; secondly, as an evidence that you are capable of keeping a resolution; and thirdly, from their own intrinsic merit and entertainment. The style, without any allowance for haste or hurry, is perfectly correct; the manner is neither too light nor too grave; the dimensions neither too long nor too short; they are such, in a word, as I should like to receive from the daughter of my best friend. I attend your lively journal, through bad roads and worse inns. Your description of men and manners conveys very satisfactory information; and I am particularly delighted with your remark concerning the irregular behaviour of the Rhine. But the Rhine, alas ! after some temporary wanderings, will be content to flow in his old channel, while man-- man is the greatest fool of the whole creation. * The remainder of the letter was dictated by Mr. Gibbon, and written bj M....