I received the Glorvina this morning, which I do not very
much admire, and as I do know you do not mind
| 412 | LADY MORGAN'S MEMOIR. |
My harp will be beautiful, and of course I chose Hawk head, and should also like the threefold honours as ornaments; it is a pity we cannot introduce the crest and the garter, that it might be perfect. I believe, when the Garter was instituted, that the wives of the knights had a right to a bracelet with the motto; if so, I do not know why I should not introduce it on my harp, as it will, I hope, be a specimen of Irish ingenuity long after I am in another and a better world, and may be the cause of considerable curiosity (to some persons unacquainted with the history of the noble house of Hamilton) in future ages, which is an interesting consideration to me. I hope the groupe will not be preserved so long, unless you write a novel in which you introduce the modern Solyman and his sultanas, for I confess I should never lament that such a quiz had lived a generation before. Seriously, it is quite a monster; I hope you did not really see him as you drew him. Julia was quite angry that such a thing was intended for pretty brother.
Why do you tell me of Mademoiselle Espinasse’s letters if you cannot get them for me? perhaps you could get them at Archer’s—pray try. Alfieri has been long promised to me from England, but has never arrived.
I do congratulate you upon the conquest you have made of
the Duchess of Gordon. If she does not find
| THE MISSIONARY. | 413 |
You know I never felt much for any mortifications the Miss G—— might receive, so the present does not make me very unhappy. I dare say the Duchess of Gordon will be more kind to them.
We have had Captain Pakenham here some days; he has just gone to Lifford, but is to return on Wednesday. He is a very pleasant young man; I wish he had been here when you were, that your recollection of Baron’s Court might have been more lively.
I have got two cantos of the Lady of the Lake—as beautiful as possible. You cannot write too much or too often, so make no excuse for doing so; but do pray fold your letters as I do, and put a cover over them, as I lose half of your precious words by the way they are put up.
I am very glad your friend Mr. Atkinson will not give your money to the Granards; it would be too foolish to lose one’s all out of delicacy. When it is well disposed of, let me know, as I shall feel very anxious.
As I cannot, in any other way, copy Glorvina, I am trying to make my handwriting as unintelligible as possible, that at least in something there may be some similitude, and, therefore, scratch and blot at a great rate, and console myself, when I look at a horrid griffonnage, by the conviction that it is a proof of genius!!!
| 414 | LADY MORGAN'S MEMOIR. |
Remember, I am only joking about the garter and crest.
Lord Abercorn thinks you very foolish not to send your novel to London immediately, as the season is passing over. So mind you do.
