XXV.

LOWESTOFT, _March_ 11/75.

DEAR MRS. KEMBLE,

I am really ashamed that you should apologize for asking me a Copy of
Calderon, etc. {64a} I had about a hundred Copies of all those things
printed _when_ printed: and have not had a hundred friends to give them
to--poor Souls!--and am very well pleased to give to any one who
likes--especially any Friend of yours. I think however that your reading
of them has gone most way to make your Lady ask. But, be that as it may,
I will send you a Copy directly I return to my own Chateau, which I mean
to do when the Daffodils have taken the winds of March. {64b}

We have had severe weather here: it has killed my Brother Peter (not
John, my eldest) who tried to winter at Bournemouth, after having
wintered for the last ten years at Cannes. Bronchitis:--which (_sotto
voce_) I have as yet kept Cold from coming to. But one knows one is not
'out of the Wood' yet; May, if not March, being, you know, one of our
worst Seasons.

I heard from our dear Donne a week ago; speaking with all his own blind
and beautiful Love for his lately lost son; and telling me that he
himself keeps his heart going by Brandy. But he speaks of this with no
Fear at all. He is going to leave Weymouth Street, but when, or for
where, he does not say. He spoke of a Letter he had received from you
some while ago.

Now about Crabbe, which also I am vext you should have trouble about. I
wrote to you the day after I had your two Letters, with Mr. Furness'
enclosed, and said that, seeing the uncertainty of any success in the
matter, I really would not bother you or him any more. You know it is
but a little thing; which, even if a Publisher tried piece-meal, would
very likely be scouted: I only meant 'piece-meal,' by instalments: so as
they could be discontinued if not liked. But I suppose I must keep my
Work--of paste, and scissors--for the benefit of the poor Friends who
have had the benefit of my other Works.

Well: as I say, I wrote and posted my Letter at once, asking you to thank
Mr. Furness for me. I think this must be a month ago--perhaps you had my
Letter the day after you posted this last of yours, dated February 21. Do
not trouble any more about it, pray: read Carlyle's 'Kings of Norway' in
Fraser and believe me ever yours

E. F.G.

I will send a little bound Copy of the Plays for yourself, dear Mrs.
Kemble, if you will take them; so you can give the Lady those you
have:--but, wh