have not yet seen—­Kenelm Digby, author of the ‘Broadstone of Honor,’ a book of chivalry, which I think was put into your hands at Rydal Mount.  We have also a respectable show of blossom in poetry.  Two brothers of the name of Tennison, in particular, are not a little promising.  Of science I can give you no account; though perhaps I may pick up something for a future letter, which may be long in coming for reasons before mentioned.  Mrs. W. and my daughter, of whom you inquire, are both well; the latter rides as often as weather and regard for the age of her pony will allow.  She has resumed her German labours, and is not easily drawn from what she takes to.  Therefore I hope Miss Hamilton will not find fault if she does not write for some time, as she will readily conceive that with this passion upon her, and many engagements, she will be rather averse to writing.  In fact she owes a long letter to her brother in Germany, who, by the bye, tells us that he will not cease to look out for the Book of Kant you wished for.  Farewell, with a thousand kind remembrances to yourself and sister, and the rest of your amiable family, in which Mrs. W. and Dora join.

Believe me most faithfully yours,
WM. WORDSWORTH.[118]

[118] Here first printed.  G.

72. Verses:  ‘Reform Bill:’  Francis Edgeworth:  Eagles:  ’Yarrow Revisited.’

Rydal Mount, Oct. 27 [1831].

MY DEAR MR. HAMILTON,

A day or two before my return from Scotland arrived your letter and verses; for both of which I thank you, as they exhibit your mind under those varied phases which I have great pleasure in contemplating.  My reply is earlier than it would have been, but for the opportunity of a frank from one of the Members for the University of Oxford—­a friend of Mr. Southey’s and mine, who by way of recreating himself after the fatigues of the last Session, had taken a trip to see the Manchester railway, and kindly and most unexpectedly came on to give a day apiece to Southey and me.  He is, like myself, in poor heart at the aspect of public affairs.  In his opinion the Ministers when they brought in the Bill neither expected nor wished it to be carried.  All they wanted was an opportunity of saying to the people, ’Behold what great things we would have done for you had it been in our power:  we must now content ourselves with the best we can get.’  But, to return to your letter.  To speak frankly, you appear to be at least three-fourths gone in love; therefore, think about the last quarter in the journey.  The picture you give of the lady makes one wish to see her more familiarly than I had an opportunity of doing, were it only to ascertain whether, as you astronomers have in your observatories magnifying glasses for the stars, you do not carry about with you also, when you descend to common life, coloured glasses and Claude Loraine mirrors for throwing upon objects that interest you enough for the purpose, such lights