Before this letter reaches you the newspapers will probably have told you that I have been recently put in nomination, unknown to myself, for the high office of Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow; and that there was a majority of twenty-one votes in my favour, in opposition to the premier, Lord John Russell.  The forms of the election, however, allowed Lord John Russell to be returned, through the single vote of the sub-rector voting for his superior.  To say the truth, I am glad of this result; being too advanced in life to undertake with comfort any considerable public duty, and it might have seemed ungracious to decline the office.

Men of rank, or of high station, with the exception of the poet Campbell, who was, I believe, educated at this university, have almost invariably been chosen for a rector of this ancient university; and that another exception was made in my favour by a considerable majority affords a proof that literature, independent of office, does not want due estimation.  I should not have dwelt so long upon this subject, had anything personal to myself occurred in which you could have taken interest.

As you do not mention your own health, or that of Lady Gomm, I infer with pleasure that the climate agrees with you both.  That this may continue to be so is my earnest and sincere wish, in which Mrs. Wordsworth cordially unites.

Believe me, dear Sir William,
Faithfully yours,
WILLIAM WORDSWORTH.[216]

148. Death of ’Dora.’

[Received July 10. 1847.]

MY DEAR C——­,

Last night (I ought to have said a quarter before one this morning), it pleased God to take to Himself the spirit of our beloved daughter, and your truly affectionate cousin.  She had latterly much bodily suffering, under which she supported herself by prayer, and gratitude to her heavenly Father, for granting her to the last so many of His blessings.

[216] Memoirs, ii. 432-3.

I need not write more.  Your aunt bears up under this affliction as becomes a Christian.

Kindest love to Susan, of whose sympathy we are fully assured.

Your affectionate uncle, and the more so for this affliction,

WM. WORDSWORTH.[217]

Pray for us!

149. Of the Same:  Sorrow.

We bear up under our affliction as well as God enables us to do.  But oh! my dear friend, our loss is immeasurable.  God bless you and yours.[218]

Our sorrow, I feel, is for life; but God’s will be done![219]

[217] Memoirs, ii. 434.

[218] To Mr. Moxon, Aug. 9, 1847.

[219] 29th Dec. 1847.

150.

TO JOHN PEACE, ESQ.

                   Brigham [Postmark, ’Cockermouth,
                         Nov. 18. 1848’].

MY DEAR FRIEND,