Lord Pembroke’s neck was very short, and his father died of an apoplexy.

My study of antiquities, has kept me in constant thought of the perpetual fluctuation of every thing.  The whole art is, really, to live all the days of our life; and not, with anxious care, disturb the sweetest hour that life affords—­which is, the present!  Admire the Creator, and all his works, to us incomprehensible:  and do all the good you can upon earth; and take the chance of eternity, without dismay.

You must tell the Archbishop, that he will have the Leyden gazettes a week later; as I cannot read them time enough to send by this messenger.

The weather is delightful; and, I believe, we shall have done all our business, so as to return on Thursday.

Pray, find out if the Queen goes to Caserta.  Here, all is a profound secret.

I must work hard, myself, at translating, when I return; for I believe the language-master totally incapable of it.

I dined, this morning, at nine o’clock; and, I think, it agreed better with me than tea.  I found myself growing weak, for want of a good meal, not daring to eat much at supper.

Adieu, my sweet love! adieu.  Divert yourself—­I shall soon be at you again.  Your’s, ever,

  W.H.

XVII.

  Burford, Eighty Miles from London. 
  Saturday Night, [July 27th, 1801.]

Here we are, my Dear Emma, after a pleasant day’s journey!  No extraordinary occurrence.  Our chaise is good, and would have held the famous “Tria juncta in Uno,” very well:  but, we must submit to the circumstances of the times.

Sir Joseph Bankes we found in bed with the gout:  and, last night, his hot-house was robbed of its choicest fruit—­peaches and nectarines.

Amuse yourself as well as you can; and you may be assured, that I shall return as soon as possible, and you shall hear from me often.

Ever your’s, my dear Emma, with the truest affection,

  Wm. HAMILTON.

My kindest love to my Lord, if he is not gone.

P.S. Corn, at this market, fell fifteen pounds a load to-day.

Letters

FROM

SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

TO

LORD NELSON.

Letters OF SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. &c.

I.

[Written before LORD NELSON’S Elevation to the Peerage.]

  Naples, March 26th, 1796.

  MY DEAR SIR,