perceive whether they are ill timed or ill placed. [Same date.]
Idleness.—But indeed I do not suspect you of
one single moment's idleness in the whole day.
Idleness is only the refuge of weak minds, and the
holiday of fools. I do not call good company and
liberal pleasures idleness; far from it; I recommend
to you a good share of both. [Same date.]
Bathing.—I am very glad that my letter, with
Dr. Shaw's opinion, has lessened your bathing; for,
since I was born, I never heard of bathing four
hours a day, which would surely be too much, even
in Medea's kettle, if you wanted (as you do not
yet) new boiling. [July 30, 1749.]
Architecture—A Simile.—To carry on the
metaphor of building, I would wish you to be a
Corinthian edifice, upon a Tuscan foundation; the
latter having the utmost strength and solidity to
support, and the former all possible ornaments to
decorate. The Tuscan column is coarse, clumsy,
and unpleasant; nobody looks at it twice: the Corinthian
fluted column is beautiful and attractive;
but without a solid foundation, can hardly be seen
twice, because it must soon tumble down. Yours
affectionately. [Same date.]
Earn your Pleasures.—No man tastes pleas-
