Translation.—I am informed, sir, that you are about to travel, and that you will start with Holland. Therefore I have thought it my duty to wish you a pleasant journey and favorable winds. You will, I am sure, be so good as to acquaint me with your arrival at The Hague; and afterward, if in your travels you should observe anything curious, will you let me know?
Holland, where you are going, is by far the finest and richest of the seven united provinces, which together form the Republic. The other provinces are Guelderland, Zealand, Friesland, Utrecht, Groningen, and Overyssel; these seven provinces form what is called the States-General of the United Provinces, etc.[1]
True Decency.—One of the most important
points of life is decency; which is to do what is
proper, and where it is proper; for many things are
proper at one time, and in one place, that are extremely
improper in another; for example, it is very
proper and decent that you should play some part of
the day; but you must feel that it would be very
improper and indecent if you were to fly your kite,
or play at nine-pins while you are with Mr. Mait-*
- ↑ Lord Chesterfield was, as will he afterwards seen, particularly anxious that his son should imbibe political, geographical, and historical knowledge, hence these details to a child of five.
