I know nobody that has hitherto repented the operation; though it has been very troublesome to some fools, who had rather be sick by the doctor's prescriptions, than in health in rebellion to the college." Among those who supported Lady Mary's campaign was Steele, who congratulated her upon her "godlike delight" of saving "many thousand British lives every year." He wrote on the subject in the _Plain Dealer_ (July 3, 1724), in an article that attracted much attention: "It is the Observation of some Historian; but I forget where I met with it: that _England has ow'd to Women the greatest Blessings she has been distinguish'd by_.

In the Case, we are now upon, this Reflection will stand justified .-- "We are indebted to the Reason and Courage of a _Lady_, for the Introduction of this Art; which gives such Strength in its Progress, that the Memory of its Illustrious Foundress will be render'd Sacred by it, to future Ages.
"This Ornament of her Sex, and Country, who ennobles her own _Nobility_, by her Learning, Wit, and Vertues, accompanying her Consort into _Turkey_, observ'd the Benefit of this Practice, with its Frequency, even among those obstinate _Proedestinarians_; and brought it over, for the Service, and the Safety, of her Native _England_; where she consecrated its first effects on the Persons of her own fine Children! And has, already, receiv'd this Glory from it, 'That the Influence of her example has reach'd as high as the Blood Royal.' And our noblest, and most ancient Families, in Confirmation of her happy Judgment, add the daily Experience of those, who are most dear to them.
"I Have seen a short Poetical Essay, on the Occasion we are now treating of.

I wou'd say, if I meant the Verses an _Encomium_ they shou'd be envied for,' That their _Subject_ need not blush at them!' _On Lady_ Mary Wortley Montagu's _bringing with her, out of _ Turkey, _the Art of Inoculating the_ Small-Pox.
_When_ Greece, _reviving into short Delight, Felt Pride, and Comfort, at_ Our _Muse's Sight: The Rival'd_ Nine _no sooner saw her Face, But ev'n their_ Envy _gave their_ Wonder _Place! Charm'd into_ Love, _of what eclips'd their Fame! They mak'd_ Apollo, _with her pow'rful Name.
See!--God of_ Grecian _Wit!_ Urania _cries, How sweet a_ Muse, _the Western World supplies! Say, shou'd she ask some Favour, from your throne, What could you_ bid _her_ take, _that's not_ her own?
_Sparkling in Charms, the heav'nly Stranger view So_ grac'd! _she scarce can owe a_ Beam _to_ You! Beauty, _with Love_, her _Pow'r to_ Yours _prefers: And_ Wit, _and_ Learning, _are already_, Hers! _Rous'd, at her_ name,--_receding from her Eyes, The gazing God rose slow, in soft Surprise! Fair_ Miracle, _he said,--and paus'd a while: Then, thus_,--Sweet Glory, _of your envied Isle! Charm'd, and oblig'd, lest, we ungrateful seem, Bear hence, at least_, one Mark _of our Esteem._ One, _Of my three great Claims_, your _Wish may fit; Whose Voice is_ Musick: _and whose Thoughts are_ Wit! Physick, _alone, remains, to grant you, here-- A _Skill! your godlike_ Pity _will_ endear.
_Form'd to give_ Wounds, _which must no Ease procure, _ Atone _your Influ'nce, by new Arts, to_ cure, _Beauty's chief Foe, a fear'd, and fierce_ Disease! _Bows, at my Beck; and knows its_ God's _Decrees.
Breath'd, in this_ Kiss, _take Pow'r to tame its Rage: And, from its Rancour_, free _the rescu'd Age.
High, o'er each Sex, in_ Double _Empire, fit: Protecting_ Beauty, _and inspiring Wit_.
When Lady Mary had been abroad for a year, she became homesick and began to long for England.

It was really very dull for her in Turkey, even though she could pass the time of day in the language of the country.
Supervising the nurses of her child did not take a large share of her tune; and she found only a mild excitement in going into the bazaar in native woman's attire to collect Oriental rugs and whatnot.
"To say truth, I am sometimes very weary of this singing, and dancing, and sunshine, and wish for the smoke and impertinencies in which you toil, though I endeavour to persuade myself that I live in a more agreeable variety than you do; and that Monday, setting of partridges-- Tuesday, reading English--Wednesday, studying the Turkish language (in which, by the way, I am already very learned)--Thursday, classical authors--Friday, spent in writing--Saturday, at my needle--and Sunday, admitting of visits, and hearing music, is a better way of disposing the week, than Monday, at the drawing-room--Tuesday, Lady Mohun's-- Wednesday, the opera--Thursday, the play--Friday, Mrs.Chetwynd's, &c., a perpetual round of hearing the same scandal, and seeing the same follies acted over and over, which here affect me no more than they do other dead people.

I can now hear of displeasing things with pity, and without indignation.