Another commission in so short a time is rather too bad: but I know not
to whom I can apply but to yourself: for our bookseller here could not
get me what I want, seeing that I don't exactly know myself. The book I
want is an Athenaeus, but the edition I know not: and therefore I apply
to you who know my taste. . . .
There is a small Cottage of my Father's close to the Lawn gates, where I
shall fit up a room most probably. The garden I have already begun to
work in. . . . Sometimes when I have sat dreaming about my own comforts
I have thought to myself 'If Allen ever would come and stay with me some
days at my Cottage if I live there'--but I think you would not: 'could
not' you will say, and perhaps truly. . . .
I am reading Plutarch's Lives, which is one of the most delightful books
I ever read. He must have been a Gentleman. My Aristophanes is nearly
drained: that is, for the present first reading: for he will never be
dry, apply as often as I may. My sisters are reading to me Lyell's
Geology of an Evening: there is an admirable chapter illustrative of
human error and prejudice retarding the truth, which will apply to all
sciences, I believe: and, if people would consider it, would be more
valuable than the geological knowledge, though that is very valuable, I
am sure. You see my reading is so small that I can soon enumerate all my
books: and here you have them. . . .
[BOULGE HALL, WOODBRIDGE,
21 _April_, 1837.]