CHAPTER VII.
1786—1789.
So obliging a correspondent as he proved was not left long unemployed by his Irish friends. Lord Charlemont assails him with the usual solicitations, apologizes for the trouble given, and increases it by further requests.
Not less importunate is Bishop Percy for books, transcripts from the British Museum, inquiries as to Ritson’s censures and criticisms upon portions of the Reliques, with such varieties, new or old, in literature as excited notice or promised interest. He likewise asks for “Baretti’s Tolondron, and whatever answer my friend Bowle published in reply; and favour me with a little insight into that curious controversy.”
Again the Bishop returns to the charge: “I thank you for the particulars of the last hours of my much honoured friend Tyrwhitt. A few more such losses would thoroughly wean me from all desire to visit my native country, especially if you and a few other friends would enliven this solitude by sending me now and then such a letter as your last, informing me what you are doing yourself, and what attracts the atten-
