The academie of eloquence containing a compleat English rhetorique, exemplified with common-places and formes digested into an easie and methodical way to speak and write fluently according to the mode of the present times : together with letters both amorous and moral upon emergent occasions / by Tho. Blount, Gent.

XLIX. A further reply.

SIR,

MY hestern note answered yours, with a∣pology, that I wanted time to answer them; I promis'd also to be more respon∣sary, and now repent it. My leasure's as interru∣pted, and second revisings of your accurate lines disanimate. What is most delightfull to view, is as hard to paralell. Sir, the flote of your Elo∣quence runs high, and where (by the Art of self-annihilation,) you would seem to depress your sufficiency, there you most rise; And indeed skill cannot but by skill be hid, nor perspicuous abili∣ties better blazond, then when most curiously mantled by arted invelopings. You are no Cicero born, 'tis confessd, yet I think born to be an En∣glish Cicero; of this, nature has given ripe speci∣mens, and industry as fast polishes, judgement ma∣tures. In one letter I trace you flourishing in various figures; in the property and store of words choise, in c••mposure compt; in sense acute. Trust mee, I admire, yet cannot envy; For whilst an Achates in affection, your embellishments are mine. The Accessory (you know) in Law fol∣lows the Principall, and love makes all common.

If then by this inviolable tie we are one, your en∣dowments entitle me joinct owner; a riches, I pre∣pone to Monarchies. Sir, I were happy did I right∣ly own the least degree in the litterary attributes you please to give mee; those of endeared passion I doe; those of reality I cannot refuse. It is indis∣pensably your claime; what e're I am or shall be (that's commendable) is dedicated to your loyall friendship; honour me with belief till I faile. My breast (as long as the harbour of a heart) shall be a safe repository; I was never by ingenerate dispo∣sition futile and porous, and with so prudent and embosom'd a friend, I shall not sure begin. Upon secrets I do not wittingly encroach, yet if (by freedom of a friend) committed, the gastly terrours of death unlock them not; He that wants this guist has no challenge to Amities sacred interest. But I am now interturb'd, and my pen (dear friend) is snatch'd off, yet first take these votary wishes; Propitious be your guiding Stars; inspir∣ing the Muses; a safe journey; fortunately our expe∣ditions, and a speedy circuit to your City enter∣tainments and suspir'd retires; It is almost your peculiar felicity, that, where others are chiefly scattered, you can find or make an improving se∣cess; An evidence as you are studious; so you can be, in all places, the commander of your self and houres. Well! my loves, longings and prayers shall accompany this forcd vagary, and with as much joy welcome you home. Interstices locall may divide bodies & abodes; vinted minds know no separation. Hence wherever I, in my better part, am with you concommitant, and lastingly

Oxford 29 Sept.

Sir,

Yours, D.W.