As far as English politics are concerned, I lose, it is true, a few years.  But, if your kindness had not introduced me very early to Parliament,—­if I had been left to climb up the regular path of my profession, and to rise by my own efforts,—­I should have had very little chance of being in the House of Commons at forty.  If I have gained any distinction in the eyes of my countrymen,—­ if I have acquired any knowledge of Parliamentary and official business, and any habitude for the management of great affairs,—­ I ought to consider these things as clear gain.

Then, too, the years of my absence, though lost, as far as English politics are concerned, will not, I hope, be wholly lost, as respects either my own mind or the happiness of my fellow-creatures.  I can scarcely conceive a nobler field than that which our Indian Empire now presents to a statesman.  While some of my partial friends are blaming me for stooping to accept a share in the government of that Empire, I am afraid that I am aspiring too high for my qualifications.  I sometimes feel, I most unaffectedly declare, depressed and appalled by the immense responsibility which I have undertaken.  You are one of the very few public men of our time who have bestowed on Indian affairs the attention which they deserve; and you will therefore, I am sure, fully enter into my feelings.

And now, dear Lord Lansdowne, let me thank you most warmly for the kind feeling which has dictated your letter.  That letter is, indeed, but a very small part of what I ought to thank you for.  That at an early age I have gained some credit in public life; that I have done some little service to more than one good cause; that I now have it in my power to repair the ruined fortunes of my family, and to save those who are dearest to me from the misery and humiliation of dependence; that I am almost certain, if I live, of obtaining a competence by honourable means before I am past the full vigour of manhood,—­this I owe to your kindness.  I will say no more.  I will only entreat you to believe that neither now, nor on any former occasion, have I ever said one thousandth part of what I feel.

If it will not be inconvenient to you, I propose to go to Bowood on Wednesday next.  Labouchere will be my fellow-traveller.  On Saturday we must both return to town.  Short as my visit must be, I look forward to it with great pleasure.

Believe me, ever,

Yours most faithfully and affectionately

T. B. MACAULAY.

To Hannah M. Macaulay.

London:  December 5, 1833

My dear Sister,—­I am overwhelmed with business, clearing off my work here, and preparing for my new functions.  Plans of ships, and letters from captains, pour in without intermission.  I really am mobbed with gentlemen begging to have the honour of taking me to India at my own time.  The fact is that a Member of Council is a great catch, not merely on account of the high price which he directly pays for accommodation, but because other people are attracted by him.  Every father of a young writer, or a young cadet, likes to have his son on board the same vessel with the great man, to dine at the same table, and to have a chance of attracting his notice.  Everything in India is given by the Governor in Council; and, though I have no direct voice in the disposal of patronage, my indirect influence may be great.