“P.S.  I have got Lord Glenbervie’s book, which is very amusing and
     able upon the topics which he touches upon, and part of the preface
     pathetic.  Write soon.”

* * * * *

LETTER 489.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Pisa, April 22. 1822.

“You will regret to hear that I have received intelligence of the death of my daughter Allegra of a fever in the convent of Bagna Cavallo, where she was placed for the last year, to commence her education.  It is a heavy blow for many reasons, but must be borne, with time.

“It is my present intention to send her remains to England for sepulture in Harrow church (where I once hoped to have laid my own), and this is my reason for troubling you with this notice.  I wish the funeral to be very private.  The body is embalmed, and in lead.  It will be embarked from Leghorn.  Would you have any objection to give the proper directions on its arrival?

     “I am yours, &c.  N.B.

     “P.S.  You are aware that Protestants are not allowed holy ground in
     Catholic countries.”

* * * * *

LETTER 490.  TO MR. SHELLEY.

     “April 23. 1822.

“The blow was stunning and unexpected; for I thought the danger over, by the long interval between her stated amelioration and the arrival of the express.  But I have borne up against it as I best can, and so far successfully, that I can go about the usual business of life with the same appearance of composure, and even greater.  There is nothing to prevent your coming to-morrow; but, perhaps, to-day, and yester-evening, it was better not to have met.  I do not know that I have any thing to reproach in my conduct, and certainly nothing in my feelings and intentions towards the dead.  But it is a moment when we are apt to think that, if this or that had been done, such event might have been prevented,—­though every day and hour shows us that they are the most natural and inevitable.  I suppose that Time will do his usual work—­Death has done his.

     “Yours ever, N.B.”

* * * * *

LETTER 491.  TO SIR WALTER SCOTT.

     “Pisa, May 4. 1822.

     “My dear Sir Walter,

“Your account of your family is very pleasing:  would that I ’could answer this comfort with the like!’ but I have just lost my natural daughter, Allegra, by a fever.  The only consolation, save time, is the reflection, that she is either at rest or happy; for her few years (only five) prevented her from having incurred any sin, except what we inherit from Adam.

     “‘Whom the gods love, die young.’”

     “I need not say that your letters are particularly welcome, when
     they do not tax your time and patience; and now that our
     correspondence is resumed, I trust it will continue.