[Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, 6 January 1760, following illness:] 'Now I am well [...] as my mornings are engaged by exercise, I am glad enough in the evening of two or three solitary hours to read and write. Indeed I have seldom so much, for we are only admitted into the study between eight and nine [...] I was sadly reduced too for want of books -- I supplied that want by reading Epictetus. A thousand thanks to you for the treasure! Though the good old man continually vexed me with his half right notions, and I longed to talk with him and set him right on a thousand points. The sweet Ode I read with a higher admiration than ever, and to do it true justice cried over it very heartily, and yet on the whole found my mind relieved and my spirits the better for it.'