Colley Cibber to Richardson

Tuesday 16 January 1750

MS: New York Public Library, Berg 211090B A 288. Autograph letter sent.

First printing: Barbauld, Correspondence, II, 171–2 (1804).

Address: To Mr. Richardson (in Cibber's hand).

Endorsement: Mr. Cibber Jan. 16. 1749/50 (in SR's hand).

Jan 6. 1749/50.

Sir,

Yesterday I saw our equal delight, Miss Muse, who has not only open’d her leaves to a full Blow of her Rose, but has taken Boileau to task for regretting his inclination to the Nine Ladies, who had so lavishly bestow’d their favours on him. In a word she has translated, improv’d, and swaddled him for his ungratefull Error. Her Mama was a witness of the new profession I made of my growing regard for her. I therefore Challenge you, before the whole family to put in your Claim, to the least smile of her, Eye, any day, or hour you chuse to appoint. I am rouz’d to this Defiance By your not having yet perform’d your promise of the transcript, I so long for. Pray when doe you intend to make my Patience amends, for being so long without it? After my salutations to the long string of your whole family, I tye myself of a fast knot to it, as Your sincere friend and humble Servant,

CCibber.

Tues Jan: 16th. 1749–50.

John Read to Richardson

Friday 2 February 1750

MS: FM XV, 2, f. 80. In copyist's hand.

Endorsement: Mr. Reade (in SR's hand).

Febry. 2, 1749–50

Dear Sir,

I can no longer resist the Importunity of my young Friend, who came to Town with the Expectation of seeing the Author of Clarissa, and is determined not to return disappointed: A Curiosity which has so much Merit in it, shou’d be gratified.

He is not one who will force himself into your good Opinion, or bind himself all at once by a firm Knot to you and your Family; but I am sure he has Qualities which by degrees must recommend him to your Friendship. Most Affectionately

Your’s,

John Reade.