. . . You would rave at this climate which is wetter far than that of
England. There are the Wicklow hills (mountains we call them) in the
offing--quite high enough. In spite of my prejudice for a level, I find
myself every day unconsciously verging towards any eminence that gives me
the freest view of their blue ranges. One's thoughts take wing to the
distance. I fancy that moderately high hills (like these) are the
ticket--not to be domineered over by Mont Blancs, etc. But this may be
only a passing prejudice.
We hear much less of Repeal here than in London: and people seem amused
at the troops and waggons of gunpowder that are to be met now and then
upon the roads. . .
_To Bernard Barton_.
BALLYSAX, {142a} KILCULLEN,
_August_, 17/43