Letter to Thomas Gray (1766) [ ]
… In short, though I like extremely to live, it must be in m y own way, as long as I can: it is not youth I court, but liberty; and I think making one's self tender, is issuing a general warrant against one's own person. I … the philosophers, and are rejoiced that they may still idolize royalty. At present too they are a little triumphant: the Court has shown a little spirit, and the parliaments much less: but as the Duc de Choiseul, who is very fluttering, … a favourable one. She exacts and preserves, spite of her birth5 and their nonsensical prejudices about nobility, great court and attention. This she acquires by a thousand little arts and offices of friendship; and by a freedom and severity …
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