ends have forsaken him;
pray, in what state is he in London? Henry has delayed his London
journey; you cannot easily conceive how exceedingly he is
humbled.[97]

"I wish I could transport myself to London to review him for the
Monthly. A fire there, and in the Critical, would perfectly
annihilate him. Could you do nothing in the latter? To the former
I suppose David Hume has transcribed the criticism he intended for
us. It is precious, and would divert you. I keep a proof of it in
my cabinet for the amusement of friends. This great philosopher
begins to dote."[98]

Stuart prepares to assail Henry, on his arrival in London, from
various quarters--to lower the value of his history in the estimation
of the purchasers.

"_21 March, 1774._

"To-morrow morning Henry sets off for London, with immense hopes
of selling his history. I wish he had delayed till our last review
of him had reached your city. But I really suppose that he has
little probability of getting any gratuity. The trade are too
sharp to give precious gold for perfect nonsense. I wish sincerely
that I could enter Holborn the same hour with him. He should have
a repeated fire to combat with. I entreat that you may be so kind
as to let him feel some of your thunder. I shall never forget the
favour. If Whitaker is in London, he could give a blow. Paterson
will give him a knock. Strike by all means. The wretch will
tremble, grow pale, and return with a consciousness of his
debility. I entreat I may hear from you a day or two after you
have seen him. He will complain grievously of me to Strahan and
Rose. I shall send you a paper about him--an advertisement from
Parnassus, in the manner of Boccalini."

"_March, 1774._

"Dr. Henry has by this time reached you. I think you ought to pay
your respects to him in the _Morning Chronicle_. If you would only
transcribe his jests, it would make him perfectly ridiculous. See,
for example, what he says of St. Dunstan. A word to the wise."

"_March 27, 1774._

"I have a thousand thanks to give you for your insertion of the
paper in the London _Chronicle_, and for the part you propose to
act in regard to Henry. I could wish that you knew for certain his
being in London before you strike the first blow. An inquiry at
Cadell's will give this. When you have an enemy to attack, I shall
in return give my best assistance, and aim at him a mortal