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170
CORRESPONDANCE.

174. — À M. THIERIOT[1].

Near London, 27 may (n. s.), 1727.

Mon cher Thieriot, j’ai reçu bien tard, à la campagne où je suis retiré, votre aimable lettre du 1er avril. You cannot imagine with what sense of sorrow I have read the account you gave me of your sickness. I have carried my concern for you further than an ordinary friendship could allow. Remember the time when I was used to write to you, that I believed you had a fever upon you whenever I had an ague. That time is come again. I was very ill in England while you suffered so much in France. An year absence added a new bitterness to my sufferings. Now I hope you are better, since I begin to revive.

I hear that M. Gulliver is now translated and takes pretty much. I wish the translation could be your’s : but I am afraid the abbot has outrun you, and reaped the benefit which such a book should have procured to you.

You must have received the two books addressed to Mme de Bernières, from Calais, and conveyed by the stage-coach. If you intend seriously to make a translation of some valuable book, I advise you to sit still for a month or two, to take care of your health, and to improve your English till the book of Mr Pemberton comes out. This book is an easy, clear and regular explanation of sir Isaac Newton’s philosophy, which he undertakes to make palatable to the most unthinking man. It seems the man intends to Write chiefly for your nation.

If I am in England when the book shall be published, I will not fail of sending it to you with the utmost speed. If I am abroad, as I will be in all likelihood, I will order my bookseller to send you the book by the first opportunity. I fancy it will be an easy task to translate it, the language being very plain, and all the terms of philosophy being just the same in French and in English. Take care only not to be outvied for the future by any priest : be cautious in the choice of those you will consult about your translation. I fancy the bishop of Rochester is more amiable an acquaintance and a less dangerous one than the priest you speak of. But I believe you are now in Normandy, mending your health, loitering with Mme de Bernières, and talking of physic with des Alleurs. I must acquaint you, my dear, that there is an

  1. Pièces inédites, 1820.