October 18.—­Sophia had a small but lively party last night, as indeed she has had every night since we were here—­Ladies—­[Lady Stafford,] Lady Louisa Stuart, Lady Montagu, Miss Montagu, Lady [Davy], [Mrs.] Macleod, and two or three others; Gentlemen—­Lord Montagu, Macleod, Lord Dudley, Rogers [Mackintosh].  A good deal of singing.  If Sophia keeps to early hours she may beat London for small parties as poor Miss White did, and without much expense.  A little address is all that is necessary.  Sir John[475] insists on my meeting this Rammohun Roy;[476] I am no believer in his wandering knight, so far.  The time is gone of sages who travelled to collect wisdom as well as heroes to reap honour.  Men think and fight for money.  I won’t see the man if I can help it.  Flatterers are difficult enough to keep at a distance though they be no renegades.  I hate a fellow who begins with throwing away his own religion, and then affects a prodigious respect for another.

October 19.—­Captain H. Duncan called with Captain Pigot, a smart-looking gentlemanlike man, and announces his purpose of sailing on Monday.  I have made my preparations for being on board on Sunday, which is the day appointed.  Captain Duncan told me jocularly never to take a naval captain’s word on shore, and quoted Sir William Scott, who used to say, waggishly, that there was nothing so accommodating as a naval captain on shore; but when on board he became a peremptory lion.  Henry Duncan has behaved very kindly, and says he only discharges the wishes of his service in making me as easy as possible, which is very handsome.  No danger of feud, except about politics, which would be impolite on my part, and though it bars out one great subject of discourse, it leaves enough besides.  That I might have nothing doubtful, Walter arrives with his wife, ready to sail, so what little remains must be done without loss of time.  This is our last morning, so I have money to draw for and pay away.  To see our dear Lord Montagu too.  The Duchess came yesterday.  I suppose L50 will clear me, with some balance for Gibraltar.

I leave this country uncertain if it has got a total pardon or only a reprieve.  I won’t think of it, as I can do no good.  It seems to be in one of those crises by which Providence reduces nations to their original elements.[477] If I had my health, I should take no worldly fee, not to be in the bustle; but I am as weak as water, and I shall be glad when I have put the Mediterranean between the island and me.

October 21 and 22.—­Spent in taking of farewell and adieus, which had been put off till now.  A melancholy ceremonial, with some a useless one; yet there are friends whom it sincerely touches one to part with.  It is the cement of life giving way in a moment.  Another unpleasant circumstance is—­one is called upon to recollect those whom death or estrangement has severed, after starting merrily together in the voyage of life.