abjure melancholy,
but puts a pleasant countenance upon it, and connects it with humanity.
It is very well, if the sensibility that makes us fearful of ourselves is
diverted to become a cause of sympathy and interest with Nature and
mankind: and this I think Wordsworth tends to do. I think I told you of
Shakespeare's sonnets before: I cannot tell you what sweetness I find in
them.

So by Shakespeare's Sonnets roasted, and Wordsworth's poems basted,
My heart will be well toasted, and excellently tasted.

This beautiful couplet must delight you, I think. I will also give you
the two last verses about Clora: though it is more complete and better
without them: strange to say. You must have the goodness to repeat those
you know over first, and then fall upon these: for there is a sort of
reasoning in them, which requires proper order, as much as a proposition
of Euclid. The first of them is not to my liking, but it is too much
trouble about a little thing to work it into a better. You have the two
first stanzas {19}--"ergo"

3.

Nothing can utterly die:
Music aloft upspringing
Turns to pure atoms of sky
Each golden note of thy singing:
And that to which morning did listen
At eve in a rainbow may glisten.

4.

Beauty, when laid in the grave,
Feedeth the lily beside her:
Therefore the soul cannot have
Station or honour denied her:
She will not better her essence,
But wear a crown in God's presence.

Q.E.D.

And I think there is quite enough of Clora and her music. I am hunting
about the town for an ancient drinking cup, which I may use when I am in
my house, in quality of housekeeper. Have the goodness to make my
remembrances to all at that most pleasant house Freestone: I am quite
serious in telling you how it is by far the pleasantest family I ever was
among.

My sister is far better. We walk very much and see such sights as the
town affords. To-day I have bought a little terrier to keep me company.
You will think this is from my reading of Wordsworth: but if that were my
cue, I should go no further than keeping a primrose in a pot for society.
Farewell, dear Allen. I am astonished to find myself writing a very long
letter once a week to you: but it is next to talking to you: and after
having seen you so much this summer, I cannot break off suddenly.

I am your most affectionate friend,

E. F. G.

Have you got this beginning