Hester Lynch Salusbury

M^r Thrale is making me a Cold Bath; I am very fond of Bathing, and think it an extremely beneficial Thing to general Health, though more fit for many Women than for me: the Lax fibred Ladies who are seized with a Purging whenever they are vex’d, or cry whenever they are contradicted, should certainly be often plunged in to the coldest Water,—and Women who are subject to miscarry would doubtless be greatly strengthened by its use; but I who am rather plethoric, am to blame sometimes for indulging myself too much in the Habit of it. there are however so many Temptations! tis such a Friend to Beauty & to Love! smoothing the Skin, illuminating the Complexion, exciting Ideas of such perfect Cleanliness, bracing up everything that frequent Pregnancy relaxes—I only wonder the Women use it so little, & that the Men can be pleased with those who never use it at all. one might write up these Lines over the Bath very properly.—

Thraliana dated 10 February 1779.