Thomas Gray to Norton Nicholls, 20 March 1770

I am sorry for your disappointments & my own. do not believe, that I am cold to Mr Cl:s translation: on the contrary I long to see it, & wonder you should hesitate for want of Franks (wch here I have no means of getting) do I care about postage, do you think?

On Wednesday next I go (for a few days) with Mons: de B: to London. his cursed F:r will have him home in the autumn, & he must pass thro France to improve his talents & morals. he goes for Dover on Friday. I have seen (I own) with pleasure the efforts you have made to recommend me to him, sed non ego credulus illis, nor I fear, he neither. he gives me too much pleasure, & at least an equal share of inquietude. you do not understand him so well as I do, but I leave my meaning imperfect, till we meet. I have never met with so extraordinary a Person. God bless him! I am unable to talk to you about any thing else, I think.

I wonder'd, you should think of Paris at the time of the Dauphin's marriage: it will be a frippery spectacle, & the expence of every thing triple. as to Wales, doubtless I should wish it this summer, but I can answer for nothing, my own employment so sticks in my stomach, & troubles my conscience. when I return hither, I will write to you better & more fully.