With regard to the Emperor of Brazil, I think any application made to him would come best from those officially connected with the celebration.  At any rate, I fear it would be obtrusive on my part to mix in it, as I have no special relation with him, though he has made a most pleasing impression on me.

I now expect to go to Balmoral in the middle of September, and should much wish to know whether I might visit you on my way north or south.—­Always affectionately yours, W.E.  GLADSTONE.

     10 Downing Street, Whitehall, August 8, 1871.

My dear Dean Ramsay—­Do what you like with the inclosed.  It is written at the last moment, and because you asked for it, by a man who was nine hours in the House yesterday, and has to be there nine to-day, besides a fair share of a day’s work outside it to boot.

     I hope you received a subscription from Royal Bounty which I
     sent for Archibald’s family.  I can give five pounds myself
     also.—­Ever your affectionate friend,

     W.E.  GLADSTONE.

     11 Carlton House Terrace, S.W., August 8, 1871.

My dear Dean Ramsay—–­I wish I could convey to you adequately the regret with which I find myself cut off from any possibility of joining in the tribute to be paid to-morrow to the memory of the first among the sons of Scotland.  He was the idol of my boyhood, and though I well know that my admiration is worth little, it has never varied.

     In his case the feeling is towards the man as much as towards
     his works.  Did we not possess a line from his pen, his life
     would stand as a true epic.

I will not say I think him as strong in his modern politics as in some other points, but I find my general estimate of the great and heroic whole affected only in the slightest degree by this point of qualified misgiving.

     If he is out of fashion with some parts of some classes, it
     is their misfortune, not his.  He is above fluctuations of
     time, for his place is in the Band of the Immortals.

The end of my letter shall be better worth your having than the beginning.  A fortnight ago I visited Tennyson, and found him possessed with all the sentiments about Scott which your celebration is meant to foster.—­I remain in haste, affectionately yours.  W.E.  GLADSTONE.

     Hawarden Castle, Chester, January 12, 1872.

My dear Dean Ramsay—­I was at once obliged, gratified, and comforted by your letter.  This has been a great storm, but it has not rooted you up, and He whom you live to serve, evidently has yet more service for you to do.  Those remaining in the world cannot be wife or brother to you, but how many there are who would if they could, and who will be all they can!

     The testimonies you send me are full of touching interest.