Part 30 (1/2)

Did not Mrs. A. sport her Carriage and one? They really surprised me with super civility--how did Mrs. A. manage it? How is the old tadpole gardener and little Master next door? it is to be hop'd they will both die some of these days. Not having been to Town I have not heard whether Mr. A.

purposes to retire from business. Do let me know if you have heard anything more about it. If he should not I shall be very disappointed. If any one deserves to be put to his s.h.i.+fts it is that Hodgkinson--as for the other he would live a long time upon his fat and be none the worse for a good long lent. How came miledi to give one Lisbon wine--had she drained the Gooseberry? Truly I cannot delay making another visit--asked to take Lunch, whether I will have ale, wine, take sugar,--objection to green--like cream--thin bread and b.u.t.ter--another cup--agreeable--enough sugar--little more cream--too weak--12 s.h.i.+llin etc. etc. etc.--Lord I must come again. We are just going to Dinner I must must[101] with this to the Post----

Your affectionate Brother

JOHN ----.

CIII.--TO JAMES ELMES.

Wentworth Place, Hampstead [June 12, 1819].

Sir--I did not see your Note till this Sat.u.r.day evening, or I should have answered it sooner--However as it happens I have but just received the Book which contains the only copy of the verses in question.[102] I have asked for it repeatedly ever since I promised Mr. Haydon and could not help the delay; which I regret. The verses can be struck out in no time, and will I hope be quite in time. If you think it at all necessary a proof may be forwarded; but as I shall transcribe it fairly perhaps there may be no need.

I am, Sir, your obed{t} Serv{t}

JOHN KEATS.

CIV.--TO f.a.n.n.y KEATS.

Wentworth Place, [June 14, 1819].

My dear f.a.n.n.y--I cannot be with you to-day for two reasons--1{ly} I have my sore-throat coming again to prevent my walking. 2{ly} I do not happen just at present to be flush of silver so that I might ride. To-morrow I am engaged--but the day after you shall see me. Mr. Brown is waiting for me as we are going to Town together, so good-bye.

Your affectionate Brother

JOHN.

CV.--TO f.a.n.n.y KEATS.

Wentworth Place [June 16, 1819].

My dear f.a.n.n.y--Still I cannot afford to spend money by Coachhire and still my throat is not well enough to warrant my walking. I went yesterday to ask Mr. Abbey for some money; but I could not on account of a Letter he showed me from my Aunt's solicitor. You do not understand the business. I trust it will not in the end be detrimental to you. I am going to try the Press once more, and to that end shall retire to live cheaply in the country and compose myself and verses as well as I can. I have very good friends ready to help me--and I am the more bound to be careful of the money they lend me. It will all be well in the course of a year I hope. I am confident of it, so do not let it trouble you at all. Mr. Abbey showed me a Letter he had received from George containing the news of the birth of a Niece for us--and all doing well--he said he would take it to you--so I suppose to-day you will see it. I was preparing to enquire for a situation with an apothecary, but Mr. Brown persuades me to try the press once more; so I will with all my industry and ability. Mr. Rice a friend of mine in ill health has proposed retiring to the back of the Isle of Wight--which I hope will be cheap in the summer--I am sure it will in the winter. Thence you shall frequently hear from me and in the Letters I will copy those lines I may write which will be most pleasing to you in the confidence you will show them to no one. I have not run quite aground yet I hope, having written this morning to several people to whom I have lent money requesting repayment. I shall henceforth shake off my indolent fits, and among other reformation be more diligent in writing to you, and mind you always answer me. I shall be obliged to go out of town on Sat.u.r.day and shall have no money till to-morrow, so I am very sorry to think I shall not be able to come to Walthamstow. The Head Mr. Severn did of me is now too dear, but here inclosed is a very capital Profile done by Mr. Brown. I will write again on Monday or Tuesday--Mr. and Mrs. Dilke are well.

Your affectionate Brother

JOHN ----.