223. *_Sonnet_ XVIIII.  ‘Rotha! my spiritual child,’ &c.

Rotha, the daughter of my son-in-law Mr. Quillinan.

224. The Rotha.  ‘The peaceful mountain stream,’ &c.

The river Rotha, that flows into Windermere from the Lakes of Grasmere and Rydal.

225. *_Sonnet_ XIX.  ‘Miserrimus.’

Many conjectures have been formed as to the person who lies under this stone.  Nothing appears to be known for a certainty. ?The Rev. Mr. Morris, a Nonconformist, a sufferer for conscience’ sake; a worthy man, who having been deprived of his benefice after the accession of William III, lived to an old age in extreme destitution, on the alms of charitable Jacobites.

226. *_Sonnet_ XX.  ‘While poring,’ &c.

My attention to these antiquities was directed by Mr. Walker, son to the itinerant Eidouranian philosopher.  The beautiful pavement was discovered within a few yards of the front door of his parsonage, and appeared (from the site in full view of several hills upon which there had formerly been Roman encampments) as if it might have been the villa of the commander of the forces; at least such was Mrs. W.’s conjecture.

227. *_Sonnet_ XXI.

    ‘Chatsworth! thy stately mansion,’ &c.

I have reason to remember the day that gave rise to this Sonnet, the 6th of November 1830.  Having undertaken—­a great feat for me—­to ride my daughter’s pony from Westmoreland to Cambridge, that she might have the use of it while on a visit to her uncle at Trinity Lodge, on my way from Bakewell to Matlock I turned aside to Chatsworth, and had scarcely gratified my curiosity by the sight of that celebrated place before there came on a severe storm of wind and rain, which continued till I reached Derby, both man and pony in a pitiable plight.  For myself I went to bed at noon-day.  In the course of that journey I had to encounter a storm worse if possible, in which the pony could (or would) only make his way slantwise.  I mention this merely to add, that notwithstanding this battering, I composed on pony-back the lines to the memory of Sir George Beaumont, suggested during my recent visit to Coleorton.

228. *_Sonnet_ XXII.

    ‘Tis said that to the brow,’ &c.

This pleasing tradition was told me by the coachman at whose side I sate while he drove down the dale, he pointing to the trees on the hill as he related the story.

229. *_Sonnet_ XXIII.

    ‘Untouched through all severity of cold.’

This was also communicated to me by a coachman in the same way.  In the course of my many coach rambles and journeys, which, during the daytime always, and often in the night, were taken on the outside of the coach, I had good and frequent opportunities of learning the character of this class of men.  One remark I made, that is worth recording, that whenever I had occasion especially to notice their well-ordered, respectful, and kind behaviour to women, of whatever age, I found them, I may say almost always, to be married men.