To the Rev. William Bull. [156]
Olney, Nov. 5, 1782.
Charissime Taurorum—
Quot sunt, vel fuerunt, vel posthac aliis erunt in annis,
We shall rejoice to see you, and I just write to tell you so. Whatever else I want, I have, at least, this quality in common with publicans and sinners, that I love those that love me, and for that reason, you in particular. Your warm and affectionate manner demands it of me. And, though I consider your love as growing out of a mistaken expectation that you shall see me a spiritual man hereafter, I do not love you much the less for it. I only regret that I did not know you intimately in those happier days, when the frame of my heart and mind was such as might have made a connexion with me not altogether unworthy of you.
I add only Mrs. Unwin's remembrances, and that I am glad you believe me to be, what I truly am,
Your faithful and affectionate
W. C.