was drowned in the Lake of Zurich, by the upsetting of a boat in a storm, two or three days after he parted with us; and two others, near the summit of Mount Jura, and in the middle of a tempestuous night, were precipitated, they scarcely knew how far, along with one of those frightful and ponderous vehicles, a continental diligence.  We have been in Paris since Sunday last, and think of staying about a fortnight longer, as scarcely less will suffice for even a hasty view of the town and neighbourhood.  We took Fontainebleau in our way, and intend giving a day to Versailles.  The day we entered Paris we passed a well-drest young man and woman, dragging a harrow through a field, like cattle; nevertheless, working in the fields on the sabbath day does not appear to be general in France.  On the same day a wretched-looking person begged of us, as the carriage was climbing a hill.  Nothing could exceed his transport in receiving a pair of old pantaloons which were handed out of the carriage.  This poor mendicant, the postilion told us, was an ancien Cure.  The churches seem generally falling into decay in the country.  We passed one which had been recently repaired.  I have noticed, however, several young persons, men as well as women, earnestly employed in their devotions, in different churches, both in Paris and elsewhere.  Nothing which I have seen in this city has interested me at all like the Jardin des Plantes, with the living animals, and the Museum of Natural History which it includes.  Scarcely could I refrain from tears of admiration at the sight of this apparently boundless exhibition of the wonders of the creation.  The statues and pictures of the Louvre affect me feebly in comparison.  The exterior of Paris is much changed since I last visited it in 1792.  I miss many ancient buildings, particularly the Temple, where the poor king and his family were so long confined.  That memorable spot, where the Jacobin Club was held, has also disappeared.  Nor are the additional buildings always improvements; the Pont des Arts, in particular, injures the view from the Pont Neuf greatly; but in these things public convenience is the main point.

I say nothing of public affairs, for I have little opportunity of knowing anything about them.  In respect to the business of our Queen, we deem ourselves truly fortunate in having been out of the country at a time when an inquiry, at which all Europe seems scandalised, was going on.

I have purposely deferred congratulating your Lordship on the marriage of Lady Mary with Lord Frederick Bentinck, which I hear has been celebrated.  My wishes for her happiness are most earnest.

With respectful compliments and congratulations to Lady Lonsdale, in which Mrs. Wordsworth begs leave to join,

I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s
Obliged and faithful friend and servant,
WM. WORDSWORTH.[85]

[85] Memoirs, ii. 90-104.