[To] G[eorge] Cumberland Esqr, Bishopsgate

near Egham, Surrey

Lambeth,6 Decembr 1795 [Postmark: 10 December]

Dear Sir

I congratulate you not on any atchievement. because I know. that the Genius that produces. these Designs can execute them in any manner. notwithstanding the pretended Philosophy which teaches that Execution is the power of One& Invention of Another--Locke says it i[s the] same faculty that Invents Judges, & I say he who can Invent can Execute.

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As to laying on the Wax it is as follows

Take a cake of Virgins wax <([if it can be found] [if such be]< I dont know what animal produces it>)> & stroke it regularly over the surface of a warm Plate. (the Plate must be warm enough to melt the Wax as it passes over) then immediately draw a feather over it & you will get all even surface which when cold will recieve any impression minutely

Note The danger is in not covering the Plate All over

Now You will I hope shew all the family of Antique Borers, that Peace& Plenty & Domestic Happiness is the Source of Sublime Art, & prove to the Abstract Philosophers--that Enjoyment & not Abstinence is the food of Intellect.

Yours sincerely

WILL BLAKE

Health to Mrs Cumberland & Family The pressure necessary to roll off the lines is the same as when you print, or not quite so great. I have not been able to send a proof of the bath tho I have done the corrections. my paper not being in order.