Most remarkable, perhaps, is the almost condescending description by this young man who is only just out of University of the most powerful intellect of the age, David Hume, who had by this time written all his most famous philosophical and moral works and most of his highly controversial history of England. We also see perhaps the first public outing of the phrase 'cultivate an acquaintance', which became such a familiar one in later years.
Extract from a letter to William Temple of 29 July 1758(taken from Volume 6 of the Yale Research Edition of the Correspondence) "Some days ago I was introduced to Your friend Mr. Hume; He is a most discreet, affable man as ever I met with, and has realy a great deal of learning, and a choice collection of books: He is indeed an extraordinary man, few such people are to be met with now adays. We talk a great deal of genius, fine language, improving our style &c., but I am afraid sollid learning is much wore out. Mr. Hume, I think, is a very proper person for a Young Man to cultivate an acquaintance with; though he has not, perhaps, the most delicate taste, yet he has apply'd himself with great attention to the study of the ancients, and is likewise a great Historian, so that You are not only entertained in his company, but may reap a great deal of usefull instruction. I own myself much obliged to You, Dear Sir, for procuring me the pleasure of his acquaintance." ____________________ Extract from a letter to John Johnston of 26 September 1759 (taken from Volume 1 of the Yale Research Edition of the Correspondence) "Auchinleck is a most sweet, romantic Place. There is a vast deal of Wood and Water, fine retired shady walks, and every thing that can render the Countrey agreable to contemplative Minds. I can here indulge those pleasing dispositions which must have inspired the breast of my favourite Poet Horace, when in his Ode to Maecaenas he breaks out into this elegant and beautifull Exclamation Me doctoram ederae praemia frontium Dis miscent superis; me gelidum nemus Nympharumque leves cum Satyris chorae Secernent Populo, si neque tibias Euterpe cohibet, nec Polyphymnia Lesboum refugit tendere Barbiton* I beg you may not think me pedantic for inserting this quotation, for it is realy so delicate, so picturesque, that I could not resist the pleasure of transcribing it at full length." [*But me the crown of ivy, sign Of poets' brows, denotes divine; Me the light troop, in the cool glen, Of nymphs and satyrs screens from men- While Euterpe still lets me use Her twin pipes, and her sister Muse Consents to tune the Lesbian lyre. (translated by James Michie)]
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