I am resolved that you shall open a new scene of behaviour next winter and begin to pay in coin your debts of fair promises.

I have some thoughts of giving you a few loose hints for a satire, and if you manage it right, and not indulge that foolish good-nature of yours, I do not question but I shall see you in good employment before Christmas." JOHN GAY TO THE HON.MRS.

HOWARD.
Tunbridge Wells, August, 1723.
"I have long wished to be able to put in practice that valuable worldly qualification of being insincere.

One of my chief reasons is that I hate to be particular, and I think if a man cannot conform to the customs of the world, he is not fit to be encouraged or to live in it.

I know that, if one would be agreeable to men of dignity one must study to imitate them, and I know which way they get money and places.