I thank God, that you cannot want; (although that is no good reason for its being taken from you:) whilst I have sixpence, you shall not want for fivepence of it!  But, you have bought your experience, that there is no friendship in money concerns; and, your good sense will make you profit of it.

I hope, the minister has done something for you.  But, never mind, we can live upon bread and cheese.

Independence is a blessing; and, although I have not yet found out the way to get prize money—­what has been taken, has run into our mouths—­however, it must turn out very hard, if I cannot get enough to pay off my debts, and that will be no small comfort.

I have not mentioned my Bronte affairs to Acton, as yet; but, if Naples remains much longer, I shall ask the question.  But, I expect nothing from them.  I believe, even Acton wishes himself well, and safely removed.

I think, from what I hear, that the King’s spirits are so much depressed, that he will give up the reins of Naples, at least, to his son, and retire to Sicily.  Sir William, you know, always thought, that he would end his life so.  Certainly, his situation must be heart-breaking!

Gaetano returned in the frigate.  I believe, he saw enough of Naples.  He carried his family money; and Mr. Falconet (Gibbs being absent) will pay Mr. Greville’s pension to Gaetano’s family.  I have now [sent] Gaetano to the post:  and he desires, to present his duty; and to tell you, that Mr. Ragland, from Sir William’s death, will not pay any more pensions, without orders from Mr. Greville.

Vincenzo has had none paid.  He is very poor; keeps a shop.  His son wanted, I find, to come in the frigate to me.  I cannot afford to maintain him; therefore, I shall give no encouragement.

Old Antonio was allowed a carline a day; that is, now, not paid.

Sabatello lives with Mr. Elliot.

Nicolo, and Mary Antonio, have left Mr. Gibbs, for some cause; Gaetano says, he believes, for amore.

Francesca has two children living, and another coming.  She lives the best amongst them, like gallant homme.

Pasqual lives with the Duke Montelione; and Joseph, with the old Russian.

Your house is a hotel; the upper parts are kept for the Marquis, the owner.

Mr. Elliot has taken the house of the Baille Franconi, on the Chaia.

Doctor Nudi inquired kindly after us; and all the women at Santa Lucia expected, when they saw Gaetano, that you was arrived.

Bread never was so dear; every thing else in plenty.  The wages not being raised, Gaetano says, the poor of England are a million times better off.

So much for Gaetano’s news.  He desires his duty to Signora Madre; and remembrances to Mary Ann, Fatima, &c.

  [July 8th.

We joined, this morning, the fleet.  The men in the ships are good; but the ships themselves are a little the worse for wear, and very short of their complements of men.  We shall never be better:  therefore, let them come; the sooner, the better.