However, the difficulty and doubt
of obtaining money make both afraid to enter into war. The little
preparations for war, which we see, are the effect of distrust, rather
than of a design to commence hostilities. And in such a state of mind,
you know, small things may produce a rupture: so that though peace is
rather probable, war is very possible.
Your letter has kindled all the fond recollections of ancient times;
recollections much dearer to me than any thing I have known since. There
are minds which can be pleased by honors and preferments; but I see
nothing in them but envy and enmity. It is only necessary to possess
them, to know how little they contribute to happiness, or rather how
hostile they are to it. No attachments soothe the mind so much as those
contracted in early life; nor do I recollect any societies which have
given me more pleasure, than those of which you have partaken with me.
1 had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage, with my books, my
family, and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the
world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which
any human power can give.
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