‘My dear Rogers,—Some time ago I heard from you in acknowledgment of
the receipt of my last edition. Its contents you appear to esteem in a way which cannot
but be highly flattering to me. I am now writing to
| 450 | ROGERS AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES |
‘My wife and
daughter are flown into Hampshire,
where they will remain till the first swallow returns, for the sake of a dryer
climate, which my daughter’s health requires. I hope your journey to
Italy will be deferred for one year, it would admit the possibility at least of my meeting you there. What a treat! How goes
on your poem? The papers spoke of a new edition being intended, with numerous
engravings, which, if executed under your presiding taste, cannot but be
invaluable. I was at Lowther a week lately. I missed you
and dear Sir George by the side of that
beautiful stream. The weather was exquisite, and one solitary ramble through
the Elysian fields and onwards I shall never forget. Could you believe that a
flock of geese, tame geese, could on land make an interesting appearance? Yet
that day so they did, reposing themselves under an umbrageous oak; thirty at
least, all carefully shaded from the bright and over-warm
| WORDSWORTH AND HIS SISTER | 451 |
‘My sister, sons, and Miss Hutchinson are here; all unite in kindest regards. I wish you would join us for a week or two.
The postscript is by another hand.
‘The Stafford Gallery complete in four volumes, folios, half bound, uncut, 12l. 12s. 0d., published at 35l. 14s. 0d., sold by Samuel Leigh, 18 Strand.
‘My brother has desired me to copy the above from the advertisement, and, with pen in hand and the blank page before me, I cannot help saying a word of friendly and affectionate remembrance to yourself and sister. The season is so far advanced that I fear there is no chance of your being moved hither by my brother’s hint of the pleasure it would give us to see you; yet I will add, if you do come, you must bring Miss Rogers along with you, or I should not be half satisfied. My brother, I see, says nothing of his intention of visiting Mrs. W. at Coleorton, nor of a still larger scheme that he has of visiting London. I was very sorry not to see you at Coleorton, the last week of my enjoyment of dear Sir George Beaumont’s society.
‘Adieu, dear Sir; believe me yours truly,
