第176章 LETTER CXIX(1)

LONDON,October 22,O.S.1750

MY DEAR FRIEND:This letter will,I am persuaded,find you,and I hope safely,arrived at Montpelier;from whence I trust that Mr.Harte's indisposition will,by being totally removed,allow you to get to Paris before Christmas.You will there find two people who,though both English,I recommend in the strongest manner possible to your attention;and advise you to form the most intimate connections with them both,in their,different ways.The one is a man whom you already know something of,but not near enough:it is the Earl of Huntingdon;who,next to you,is the truest object of my affection and esteem;and who (I am proud to say it)calls me,and considers me as his adopted father.His parts are as quick as his knowledge is extensive;and if quality were worth putting into an account,where every other item is so much more valuable,he is the first almost in this country:the figure he will make in it,soon after he returns to it,will,if I am not more mistaken than ever I was in my life,equal his birth and my hopes.Such a connection will be of infinite advantage to you;and,I can assure you,that he is extremely disposed to form it upon my account;and will,I hope and believe,desire to improve and cement it upon your own.

In our parliamentary government,connections are absolutely necessary;and,if prudently formed and ably maintained,the success of them is infallible.There are two sorts of connections,which I would always advise you to have in view.The first I will call equal ones;by which Imean those,where the two connecting parties reciprocally find their account,from pretty near an equal degree of parts and abilities.In those,there must be a freer communication;each must see that the other is able,and be convinced that he is willing to be of use to him.Honor must be the principle of such connections;and there must be a mutual dependence,that present and separate interest shall not be able to break them.There must be a joint system of action;and,in case of different opinions,each must recede a little,in order at last to form an unanimous one.Such,I hope,will be your connection with Lord Huntingdon.You will both come into parliament at the same time;and if you have an equal share of abilities and application,you and he,with other young people,with whom you will naturally associate,may form a band which will be respected by any administration,and make a figure in the public.The other sort of connections I call unequal ones;that is,where the parts are all on one side,and the rank and fortune on the other.Here,the advantage is all on one side;but that advantage must be ably and artfully concealed.Complaisance,an engaging manner,and a patient toleration of certain airs of superiority,must cement them.

The weaker party must be taken by the heart,his head giving no hold;and he must be governed by being made to believe that he governs.

These people,skillfully led,give great weight to their leader.

I have formerly pointed out to you a couple that I take to be proper objects for your skill;and you will meet with twenty more,for they are very rife.