. . . I came here a week ago, and am paying my usual visits at the
Brownes' and at Airy's. {196} I also purpose going to Naseby for two
days very soon; and after that I shall retire slowly homeward; not to
move, I suppose (except it be for some days to London) till next summer
comes again!
I am just now staying with W. B. and his wife. . . . The Father and
Mother of Mrs. W. Browne bought old Mrs. Piozzi's house at Streatham
thirty-five years ago; all the Sir Joshua portraits therein, which they
sold directly afterward for a song; and all the furniture, of which some
yet helps to fill the house I now stay in. In the bedroom I write in is
Dr. Johnson's own bookcase and secretaire; with looking glass in the
panels which often reflected his uncouth shape. His own bed is also in
the house; but I do not sleep in it.
I am reading Selwyn's Correspondence, a remarkable book, as all such
records of the mind of a whole generation must be. Carlyle writes me
word his Cromwell papers will be out in October; and that then we are all
to be convinced that Richard had no hump to his back. I am strong in
favour of the hump; I do not think the common sense of two centuries is
apt to be deceived in such a matter.
Now if your time is not wholly filled up, pray do give me one line to say
you have not wholly given me up as a turncoat. I would rather have sat
with you on the cliffs of St. David's than done anything I have done for
the last six months. Believe that, please. And now good bye, my dear
fellow. The harvest promises very well here about; but I expect to find
less prosperity at Naseby.
_To Bernard Barton_.
BEDFORD, _Septr_. 8/45.