BC_1768_EMONTAGU_MB

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<Q A 1768? TC MB EMONTAGU>
<X ELIZABETH MONTAGU>
 [}ELIZABETH MONTAGU TO THE DUCHESS OF PORTLAND. 1768 MAY 8. SANDLEFORD. MO 435. INCOMPLETE}]
<P1>
[\FIRST PORTION MISSING\]
and firmness could get through such hardships. From his behaviour on many occasions tho he does not set [\it/] off with any ostentation he seems very humane. I have been greatly amused with M=r= Dows account of Hindustan. I am astonishd at the Learning of the Bramins & the wealth of the Rajas but I had a greater idea of the last than the first many Travellers having [\thought/] the gold & gems worth their attention but not the philosophy I am not acquainted with M=r= Dow but I wish that like Solomon having first sought wisdom he may like Solomon also find wealth. I wish him a luck of Roupies for his translations he has given us from the Eastern philosophers. I intend to amuse M=r= Montagu with reading to him with S=r= James Porters account of the Turks [\TEAR\] A man of sense who has resided amongst them in a publick character must be best qualified to give the character & customs of the people. Voltaire who loves any people who are not Christians has been very partial to the Turks. If M=r= Montagu grows
<P2>
very well this Summer I shall hope for an opportunity to pay my devoirs to your Grace in the Paradisaical Regions of Bullstrode. Hitcham is so near that I may even [\some evening/] have the pleasure of hearing M=r= Achard like another S=r= Anthony preaching to the Fishes. I am sure he gave them very good doctrine not to quarrel & snatch ye bread out of each others mouths, I wish M=r= Wilkes may preach up peace in the same manner to his [\Fry\] . I saw the death of D=r= Delany in the papers I long to know how poor M=rs= Delanys spirits sustain the shock, but to write to her w=d= be improper & I understand M=rs= Sandford is in Ireland. I hope as she was prepared by the Doctors long declining state she will the better endure it, [\TEAR\] [\I have\] troubled your Grace with a very long dull letter, for which I should ask pardon, but you must permit me sometimes to take this liberty. My present situation will make me a bad correspondent my spirits are depressed by seeing M=r= Montagu
<P3>
in a constant state of suffering, & the hours I am not with him are much filled by writing dull letters of business. I have got my Brother Morris Robinson second son with me a little man of five years old, his little tricks amuse M=r= Montagu & he is mighty good humoured & lively & in such perfect order he is never troublesome. this is all the company we have in the House, & of Neighbours I have not many, so from my situation I am furnished with some excuse for being dull. The [\TEAR\] [{spirit of{] road making has operated very powerfully so [\TEAR\] that we have various turnpike roads for our airings which is very convenient at this time as we go out every day. M=r= Boyd who married Miss Chapone was here the other day, he is to dine with us on sunday, he looks much happier than before he married her, he is a very worthy man but naturally (\un peu triste\) , however 8000=L= a year may attone for some defects. She makes an excellent [\Wife/] & Mother in Law, & his Relations are much pleased with her. M=r= Montagu begs leave to present his comp=ts= to your Grace. I am Dear Madam
   your Graces most Obliged
   most Obed=t= H=ble= Serv=t= &c
   E Montagu
[\ADDRESS\] To / Her Grace the Dutchess of Portland / at
Whitehall / London
[\SEAL\]