I am a wretched correspondent, as this scrawl abundantly shows.  I know also, that you have far too much, both of receiving and writing letters, but I cannot conclude without expressing a wish, that from time to time you would let us hear from you and yours, and how you prosper.  All join with me in kindest remembrance to yourself and your boys, especially to Charles, of whom we know most.  Believe me, dear Mrs. Hemans, not the less for my long silence,

Faithfully and affectionately yours,

WM. WORDSWORTH.[129]

82. Tuition at the University.

LETTER TO A NEPHEW.

Rydal Mount, June 17. 1833.

MY DEAR C——­,

You are welcome to England after your long ramble.  I know not what to say in answer to your wish for my opinion upon the offer of the lectureship.

* * * * *

I have only one observation to make, to which I should attach importance if I thought it called for in your case, which I do not.  I mean the moral duty of avoiding to encumber yourself with private pupils in any number.  You are at an age when the blossoms of the mind are setting, to make fruit; and the practice of pupil-mongering is an absolute blight for this process.  Whatever determination you come to, may God grant that it proves for your benefit:  this prayer I utter with earnestness, being deeply interested, my dear C——­, in all that concerns you.  I have said nothing of the uncertainty hanging over all the establishments, especially the religious and literary ones of the country, because if they are to be overturned, the calamity would be so widely spread, that every mode of life would be involved in it, and nothing survive for hopeful calculation.

[129] Memoirs, ii. 261-2.

We are always delighted to hear of any or all of you.  God bless you, my dear C——.

Most faithfully, your affectionate,
W. WORDSWORTH.[130]

83. On the Admission of Dissenters to graduate in the University of Cambridge.

May 15. 1834.

MY DEAR C——­,

You will wonder what is become of us, and I am afraid you will think me very unworthy the trouble you took in writing to us and sending your pamphlet.  A thousand little things have occurred to prevent my calling upon Mrs. Wordsworth, who is ever ready to write for me, in respect to the question that you have so ably handled.  Since the night when the Reform Bill was first introduced, I have been convinced that the institutions of the country cannot be preserved....  It is a mere question of time.  A great majority of the present parliament, I believe, are in the main favourable to the preservation of the Church, but among these many are ignorant how that is to be done.  Add to the portion of those who with good intentions are in the dark, the number who will be driven or tempted to vote against their consciences