A few words to the verbal information thou sentest me last night
concerning thy poor old man; and then I rise from my seat, shake
myself, refresh, new-dress, and so to my charmer, whom, notwithstanding
her reserves, I hope to prevail upon to walk out with me on the Heath
this warm and fine morning.
The birds must have awakened her before now. They are in full song. She
always gloried in accustoming herself to behold the sun rise—one of
God’s natural wonders, as once she called it.
Her window salutes the east. The valleys must be gilded by his rays, by
the time I am with her; for already have they made the up-lands smile,
and the face of nature cheerful.
How unsuitable will thou find this gay preface to a subject so gloomy
as that I am now turning to!