re,
nevertheless, numbers of excellent books that are but indifferently
printed, this finikin (sic) and foppish taste makes many disagreeable
chasms in this collection. The books are pompously bound in Turkey
leather; and two of the most famous book-binders of Paris were
expressly sent for to do this work. Bonneval pleasantly told me,
that there were several quartos, on the art of war, that were bound
with the skins of _spahis_ and _janizaries_: and this jest, which was
indeed elegant, raised a smile of pleasure on the grave countenance
of the famous warrior. The prince, who is a connoisseur in the fine
arts, shewed me, with particular pleasure, the famous collection of
portraits that formerly belonged to Fouquet, and which he purchased
at an excessive price. He has augmented it with a considerable
number of new acquisitions; so that he has now in his possession such
a collection in that kind, as you will scarcely find in any ten
cabinets in Europe. If I told you the number, you will say that I
make an indiscreet use of the permission to lie, which is more or
less given to travellers, by the indulgence of the candid.

COUNT TARRACCO is just come in.--He is the only person I have
accepted, this morning, in my general order to receive no company.--I
think I see you smile;--but I am not so far gone as to stand in need
of absolution; though as the human heart is deceitful, and the count
very agreeable, you may think, that even though I should not want an
absolution, I would, nevertheless, be glad to have an indulgence.--No
such thing.--However, as I am a heretic, and you no confessor, I
shall make no declarations on this head.--The design of the count's
visit is a ball;--more pleasure.--I shall be surfeited.
Adieu, &c.

LET. LV.

TO MR P----.

_Sept_. 1. 1717.

WHEN I wrote to you last, Belgrade was in the hands of the Turks;
but, at this present moment, it has changed masters, and is in the
hands of the Imperialists. A janizary, who, in nine days, and yet
without any wings but what a panic terror seems to have furnished,
arrived at Constantinople from the army of the Turks before Belgrade,
brought Mr W---- the news of a complete victory obtained by the
Imperialists, commanded by prince Eugene, over the Ottoman troops.
It is said, the prince has discovered great conduct and valour in
this action; and I am particularly glad that the voice of glory and
d