Of all human beings whom I ever knew, he was the man of the most rational desires, the most sedate habits, and the most perfect self-command.

He was modest and gentle, and shy even to disease; but this was wearing off.

In every thing his judgments were sound and original; his taste in all the arts, music and poetry in particular (for these he, of course, had had the best opportunities of being familiar with), was exquisite; and his eye for the beauties of nature was as fine and delicate as ever poet or painter was gifted with, in some discriminations, owing to his education and way of life, far superior to any person's I ever knew.

But, alas! what avails it?
It was the will of God that he should be taken away.
* * * * * I trust in God that I shall not want fortitude; but my loss is great and irreparable.
[52] Due to Wordsworth's father from James, Earl of Lonsdale, at whose death, in 1802, it was paid by his Lordship's successor, and divided among the five children.
* * * * * Many thanks for the offer of your house; but I am not likely to be called to town.

Lady Beaumont gives us hope we may see you next summer: this would, indeed, be great joy to us all.