Letters of the Right Honourable Lady M-y W-y M-e | Page 3

it is not some celebrated fair; but I see it is every day the
same. 'Tis certain no town can be more advantageously situated for
commerce. Here are seven large canals, on which the merchants ships
come up to the very doors of their houses. The shops and warehouses
are of a surprising neatness and magnificence, filled with an incredible
quantity of fine merchandise, and so much cheaper than what we see in
England, that I have much ado to persuade myself I am still so near it.
Here is neither dirt nor beggary to be seen. One is not shocked with
those loathsome cripples, so common in London, nor teased with the
importunity of idle fellows and wenches, that chuse (sic) to be nasty
and lazy. The common servants, and little shop-women, here, are more
nicely clean than most of our ladies; and the great variety of neat
dresses (every woman dressing her head after her own fashion) is an
additional pleasure in seeing the town. You see, hitherto, I make no
complaints, dear sister; and if I continue to like travelling as I do at
present, I shall not repent my project. It will go a great way in making
me satisfied with it, if it affords me an opportunity of entertaining you.
But it is not from Holland that you may expect a disinterested offer. I

can write enough in the stile (sic) of Rotterdam, to tell you plainly, in
one word that I expect returns of all the London news. You see I have
already learnt to make a good bargain; and that it is not for nothing I
will so much as tell you, I am your affectionate sister.
LET. II
TO MRS. S----.
Hague, Aug. 5. O. S. 1716.
I MAKE haste to tell you, dear Madam, that, after all the dreadful
fatigues you threatened me with, I am hitherto very well pleased with
my journey. We take care to make such short stages every day, that I
rather fancy myself upon parties of pleasure, than upon the road; and
sure nothing can be more agreeable than travelling in Holland. The
whole country appears a large garden; the roads are well paved, shaded
on each side with rows of trees, and bordered with large canals, full of
boats, passing and repassing. Every twenty paces gives you the
prospect of some villa, and every four hours that of a large town, so
surprisingly neat, I am sure you would be charmed with them. The
place I am now at is certainly one of the finest villages in the world.
Here are several squares finely built, and (what I think a particular
beauty) the whole set with thick large trees. The Vour-hout is, at the
same time, the Hyde-Park and Mall of the people of quality; for they
take the air in it both on foot and in coaches. There are shops for wafers,
cool liquors, &c.--I have been to see several of the most celebrated
gardens, but I will not teaze (sic) you with their descriptions. I dare say
you think my letter already long enough. But I must not conclude
without begging your pardon, for not obeying your commands, in
sending the lace you ordered me. Upon my word, I can yet find none,
that is not dearer than you may buy it at London. If you want any India
goods, here are great variety of penny-worths; and I shall follow your
orders with great pleasure and exactness; being, Dear Madam, &c. &c.
LET. III
TO MRS. S. C.

Nimeguen, Aug.13. O. S. 1716.
I AM extremely sorry, my dear S. that your fears of disobliging your
relations, and their fears for your health and safety, have hindered me
from enjoying the happiness of your company, and you the pleasure of
a diverting journey. I receive some degree of mortification from every
agreeable novelty, or pleasing prospect, by the reflection of your
having so unluckily missed the delight which I know it would have
given you. If you were with me in this town, you would be ready to
expect to receive visits from your Nottingham friends. No two places
were ever more resembling; one has but to give the Maese the name of
the Trent, and there is no distinguishing the prospect. The houses, like
those of Nottingham, are built one above another, and are intermixed in
the same manner with trees and gardens. The tower they call Julius
Caesar's, has the same situation with Nottingham castle; and I cannot
help fancying, I see from it the Trentfield, Adboulton, places so well
known to us. 'Tis true, the fortifications make a considerable difference.
All the learned in the art of war bestow great commendations on them;
for my part, that know nothing of the matter,