[312] To Mrs. David Lane.
ST. DAVID'S, Dec. 20, 1870.
DEAR FRIEND,--I think I must take you into council,--not to sit upon
the case, nor to get up a procession, nor to have the bells rung, if we
win; but just to sympathize, so far as mid-life vigor can, with an aged
couple, who have lived together half a century, and would much rather
live it over again than not to have lived it at all; who have lived in
that wonderful connection, which binds and blends two wills into one;
who do not say that no differences or difficulties have disturbed them,
an attainment beyond human reach,--but who have grown in the esteem
and love of each other to this day (at least one of them has); one of
whom finds his mate more beautiful than when he married her, though the
other's condition, in that respect, does n't admit of more or less,
being a condition of obstinate mediocrity; and who, both of them, look
with mingled wonder and gratitude to their approaching Golden Wedding
Day.
So you can look upon us with pleasure, on the day after Christmas,
and think of us as surrounded by all our children and grandchildren.
And that is all we shall make, except in our thoughts, of our great
anniversary.
Adieu. I shall not descend in this letter to meaner themes, but with
our love to you all, am ever,
Your friend,