give you her
directions. . . .

I am very deep in my Aristophanes, and find the Edition I bought quite
sufficient for my wants. One requires a translation of him less than of
any of the Greeks I have read, because his construction is so clear and
beautiful. Only his long words, and local allusions, make him difficult,
so far as I have seen. He has made me laugh heartily, and wonder: but as
to your calling him greater than Aeschylus or Sophocles, I do not agree
with you. I have read nothing else. What a nice quiet speech Charles
Kemble made on quitting the stage: almost the best I can remember on such
an occasion. Did Spedding hear him? My dear Allen, I should often wish
to see you and him of an evening as heretofore at this season in London:
but I don't see any likelihood of my coming till February at nearest. We
live here the usual quiet country life: and now that the snow is so deep
we are rather at a loss for exercise. It is very hard work toiling along
the roads, and besides so blinding to the eyes. I take a spade, and
scuppet {44} away the snow from the footpaths. . . .

Write to me at Boulge Hall, Woodbridge; for I think that the snows will
be passable, and my sisters arrived there, before you write. There's an
insinuation for you. Make my remembrances to Mrs. Allen: and believe me

Yours ever most affectionately,

E. FITZGERALD.

[BOULGE HALL],
_Tuesday_, _January_ 10, 1837.

MY DEAR ALLEN,

Another letter in so short a time will surprise you. My old Lady will be
glad of a new edition of Jeremy Taylor, beside the old one. I remember
you once gave me a very nice large duodecimo one: are these to be had,
and cheap? It must have a good type, to suit old eyes. When you are
possessed of these and the other books I begged you to ask for (except
the Bacon which is for myself) do me one favour more: which is to book
them per Coach at the White Horse, Piccadilly, directed to Mrs. Schutz,
Gillingham Hall, Beccles. I should not have troubled you again, but that
she, poor lady, is anxious to possess the books soon, as she never looks
forward to living through a year: and she finds that Jeremy Taylor sounds
a good note of preparation for that last hour which she looks upon as
drawing nigh. I myself think she will live much longer: as she is
wonderfully healthy for her time of life--seventy-six. {45} Sometimes I
talk to her about you: and she loves you by report. You never grudge any
trouble for yo