Letter CLIII

Summary

From the same.

Describing Bethlehem Hospital.

Honoured Madam,

You tell me, in your last, that my Descriptions and Observations are very superficial, and that both my Uncle and yourself expect from me much better Accounts, than I have yet given you; for I must deliver my Opinion, it seems, on what I see, as well as tell you what I have been shewn. ‘Tis well I left my bettermost Subjects to the last; such, I mean, as will best bear Reflection; and I must try what I can do, to regain that Reputation which your Indulgence, rather than my Merit, had formed for me in your kind Thoughts—Yet, I doubt, I shan't please you, after all. But ‘tis my Duty to try for it, and it will be yours, I had almost said, to forgive Imperfections which I should have concealed, but for your undeserved good Opinions of me, which draw them into Light.

I have this Afternoon been with my Cousins, to gratify the odd Curiosity most People have to see Bethlehem, or Bedlam Hospital.

A more affecting Scene my Eyes never beheld; and surely, Madam, any one inclined to be proud of human Nature, and to value themselves above others, cannot go to a Place that will more effectually convince them of their Folly: For there we see man destitute of every Mark of Reason and Wisdom, and levelled to the Brute Creation, if not beneath it; and all the Remains of good Sense or Education, serve only to make the unhappy Person appear more deplorable!

I had the Shock of seeing the late polite and ingenious Mr. ----- in one of these woful Chambers: We had heard, you know, of his being somewhat disordered; but I did not expect to find him here: No sooner did I put my Face to the Grate, but he leap’d from his Bed, and called me, with frightful Fervency, to come into his Room. The Surprize affected me pretty much; and my Confusion being observed by a Croud of Strangers, I heard it presently whisper’d, That I was his Sweetheart, and the Cause of his Misfortune. My Cousin assured me such Fancies were frequent upon these Occasions: But this Accident drew so many Eyes upon me, as obliged me soon to quit the Place.