“My dear Godwin,—I arrived here late on Sunday
evening, and how long I shall stay depends much on my health. If I were to
judge from my feelings of yesterday and to-day, it will be a very short time
indeed, for I am miserably uncomfortable. By your letter to Southey, I understand that you are
particularly anxious to see me. To-day I am engaged for two hours in the
morning with a person in the city, after which I shall be at Lamb’s till past seven at least. I had
assuredly planned a walk to Somerstown, but I saw so many people on Monday, and
walked to and fro so much, that I have ever since been like a Fish in air, who,
as perhaps you know, lies pantingly dying from excess of oxygen. A great change
from the society of W. and his sister—for though we were three persons, there
was but one God—whereas I have the excited feelings of a polytheist, meeting
Lords many and Gods many—some of them very Egyptian physiognomies, dog-faced
gentry, crocodiles, ibises, &c., though more odd fish than rare ones.
However, as to the business of seeing you, it is possible that you may meet me
this evening. If not, and if I am well enough, I will call on you; and if you
breakfast at ten, breakfast with you to-morrow morning. It will be hard indeed
if I cannot afford a half-crown coach fare to annihilate the sense at least of
| 84 | WILLIAM GODWIN |
