But this part of my
scheme, as well as the whole of it, I submit entirely to
you.
"Permit me, dear sir, to add that I do not know whether the
complete compliance with my wishes could increase my love
and gratitude, but that I am very sure no refusal could
diminish those sentiments with which I shall always remain,
dear sir, your most dutiful and obedient son and servant.
"E. GIBBON, JUN."
Instead of going to Italy in the autumn of 1760, as he fondly hoped
when he wrote this letter, Gibbon was marching about the south of
England at the head of his grenadiers. But the scheme sketched in the
above letter was only postponed, and ultimately realised in every
particular. The question of a seat in Parliament never came up again
during his father's life, and no doubt the money it would have cost
was, according to his wise suggestion, devoted to defray the expenses
of his foreign tour, which he is now about to begin.
CHAPTER IV.
THE ITALIAN JOURNEY.
Gibbon reached Paris on the 28th January, 1763; thirty-six days, as he
tells us, after the disbanding of the militia.
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