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Anecdotes of the life of Richard Watson, bishop of Landaff : written by himself at different intervals, and revised in 1814 / published by his son, Richard Watson
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About two months ago I wrote a letter to Lord Grenville ; ashort one, in truth, but comprehending my plain opinion on theCatholic question. I send you an extract, from which you willrightly infer, that though I am not afraid of Popery, I am afraidof Pope Buonaparte; and I heartily wish that Government wereas much afraid of him as I am.

I have left off riding: walking fatigues me; and I cannot yetsubmit to an airing in a carriage. Whether it is by Her or byHis Majesty that I am laid on the shelf, I do not at all repine atthe position ; for I can truly say with the philosopher,

Ici je trouve le bonheur,

Ici je vis sans speotateur;

Dans le silence literaire,

Loin de tout importun jaseur;

Loin des froids discours du vulgaire.Et des hauts tous de la grandeur.

But my literary retirement, though it improves my own mind,will not improve the world; for I shall never more attempt to dothat either in politics or religion. I have too much respect forpublic opinion to expose to public animadversion the dregsof life.

I am, &c.

R. Landaff.

This I believe was the last letter which I ever wrote to Mr.Harrison: he died in February, 1811. I have inserted it in theseanecdotes, because I consider it as a circumstance honourable tomyself, that I maintained for above half a century a warm friend-