. . . I have been loitering out in the garden here this golden day of
Spring. The woodpigeons coo in the covert; the frogs croak in the pond;
the bees hum about some thyme, and some of my smaller nieces have been
busy gathering primroses, 'all to make posies suitable to this present
month.' I cannot but think with a sort of horror of being in London now:
but I doubt I must be ere long. . . . I have abjured all Authorship,
contented at present with the divine Poem which Great Nature is now
composing about us. These primroses seem more wonderful and delicious
Annuals than Ackerman ever put forth. I suppose no man ever grew so old
as not to feel younger in Spring. Yet, poor old Mrs. Bodham {190} lifted
up her eyes to the windows, and asked if it were a clear or a dull day!
39 NORTON ST., FITZROY SQR.
[? _May_ 1845.]