you. If I have, I will moſt willingly aſk your pardon; for nobody can be more than I am,
Your affectionate and faithful
Friend and Servant,
LETTER IX.
Anſwer to the foregoing Letter.
Dear Sir,
You have not, cannot diſoblige me; but I have greatly diſobliged myſelf, in my own faultry remiſſneſs: I cannot account for it as I ought. To ſay I had buſineſs one time, company another, was diſtant from home a third, will be but poor excuſes, for not anſwering one of your kind letters in four long months. I therefore ingenuouſly take ſhame to myſelf, and promiſe future amendment; and that nothing ſhall ever, while I am able to hold a pen, make me guilty of the like neglect to a friend I love.— Forgive me then, my good, my kind, my generous friend, and believe me to be ever
