To Doctor Oliver Goldsmith

Dear Doctor

My Wife and Daughters thank you for your kind Invitation, but they have already seen your play twice and laughed so immoderately both times that they dare not venture upon a third, for fear of the Hystericks.

What you tell me of Burke Surprises me for I imagined him upon the whole rather averse to my System, not indeed from anything he had said, but from what he had not Said. if you take his advice, the Publick will gain by the acquisition of another good poem, and I shall be honoured by having so eminent a defender, but for my book I shall not quarel about it myself, nor do I wish any friend of mine should take that trouble. the poem you mention as written by Ansty! though I have heard it father’d on H Walpole, has a great deal of humour, and will no doubt carry the laugh against me; but it is a kind of humour that cannot last, being like that of some plays, when you must see the actors before you can find the jokes. for the rest; the author whoever he is, has put me in excellent Company; and though his poem is addressed to me, yet he has, like a man of true breeding, taken most notice of my betters; the K___, Lord Talbot, Lord Sandwich, and several other worthy Lords and learned Doctors figure much more in the piece than Sir William. the thing is written by a Masterly hand; and so artfully seasoned with politicks and abuse, that it cannot fail to have a great run; yet, in point of real criticism, it appears to me a Very trifle in short; not worth an answer; I shall give myself no trouble about it, nor would I have you.—employ your pen my dear Doctor on better subjects; and leave my little book to fall or stand by its own strength. I am ever yours most sincerely