e are at least as many foolish people I have ever observed to be
fullest of tricks, little ugly plots and designs, unnecessary disguises,
and mean cunnings, which are the basest qualities in the world, and
makes one the most contemptible, I think; when I once discover them they
lose their credit with me for ever. Some will say they are cunning only
in their own defence, and that there is no living in this world without
it; but I cannot understand how anything more is necessary to one's own
safety besides a prudent caution; that I now think is, though I can
remember when nobody could have persuaded me that anybody meant ill when
it did not appear by their words and actions. I remember my mother (who,
if it may be allowed me to say it) was counted as wise a woman as most
in England,--when she seemed to distrust anybody, and saw I took notice
on't, would ask if I did not think her too jealous and a little
ill-natured. "Come, I know you do," says she, "if you would confess it,
and I cannot blame you. When I was young as you are, I thought my
father-in-law (who was a wise man) the most unreasonably suspicious man
that ever was, and disliked him for it hugely; but I have lived to see
it is almost impossible to think people worse than they are, and so will
you." I did not believe her, and less, that I should have more to say to
you than this paper would hold. It shall never be said I began another
at this time of night, though I have spent this idly, that should have
told you with a little more circumstance how perfectly

I am yours.

_Letter 53._--Dorothy's brother seems to have got hold of a new weapon
of attack in Temple's religious opinions, which might have led to a
strategic success in more skilful hands. He only manages to exasperate
Dorothy with himself, not with Temple. As for Temple, he has not
altogether escaped the censure of the orthodox. Gossiping Bishop Burnet,
in one of his more ill-natured passages, tells us that Temple was an
Epicurean, thinking religion to be fit only for the mob, and a corrupter
of all that came near him. Unkind words these, with just, perhaps, those
dregs of truth in them which make gossip so hard to bear patiently. Was
it true, as Courtenay thinks, that jealousy of King William's attachment
to Temple disturbed the episcopal equipoise of soul, rendering his
Lordship slanderous, even a backbiter?

Robin C. is probably one of the Cheeke family.

Bagshawe is Edward Bagshawe the Elder, B.