After a pretty troublesome passage of Mount Cenis we are at last
arrived here. I say at last, for it is at least a fortnight later
than we expected, occasioned by several inevitable hinderances. Upon
casting up as well as I could my accounts of time and money, I soon
found how impossible it would be for me to execute my tour of the
south of France within the limitations of both which I had proposed.
I mean to execute it with any degree of pleasure or profit, to stay
long enough in any place to be acquainted with the inhabitants, and
not to hurt my health perhaps by travelling too quick in a very hot
season and country. Perhaps, Dear Sir, if I had had time to have
consulted you, you might have indulged me a little longer; but it was
an indulgence I was determined not to grant myself at the expence of
the promise I had made you of being in England by the end of June or
beginning of July. The only way I have of keeping my word is going
from hence to England by the way of Paris, where I shall stay a few
days. I have drawn from hence £100 at eight days' sight (which term
was forced upon me). When I consider that my last draught from Rome
was about the middle of March, I cannot think I have been extravagant
in spending about £150 in ten weeks and a journey of above 700 miles.
I own that when I consider I have only seen Paris and Italy in two
years and a half, I am displeased with myself for having staid so
long at Lausanne. Had I set out for Italy the autumn before, I might
have passed last winter in the south of France, and yet been at
home in the spring; but it is easier to condemn than to repair past
faults. Perhaps one day you may spare me, Dear Sir, some months to
compleat what I have left unfinished at present--But my duty is now
to set down contented at Beriton with you and Mrs. Gibbon, and I can
assure you that never was duty more agreable to inclination.
At Suze at the very foot of the Alps I met Sir Thomas Worsley and
family. We supped together and talked over national, provincial, and
regimental affairs. He is just the same as he was; only not so great
a courtier. He seems much pleased with his intended scheme. I think
it a very bad one. Naples has no advantage, but those of climate and
situation; and in point of expence and education for his children is
the very last place in Italy I should have advised. Indeed I should
have thought that the south of France would have suited him much
better.