ebrated "Lieder ohne
Worte":

"DEAR MISS MARIA,--I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your kind
note with the inclosure for which I return my best thanks. I need
scarcely say how glad I was to know that the volumes secured your
approval, and that the announcement of the improvement in the
condition of your Sister's legs afforded me infinite pleasure. The
gratifying news encouraged me in the hope that now the nature of the
disorder is comprehended her legs will--notwithstanding the process
may be gradual--ultimately get quite well. The pretty Robin Redbreast
which lay ensconced in your epistle, conveyed to me, in terms more
eloquent than words, how much you desired me those Compliments which
the little missive he bore in his bill expressed; the emblem is
sweetly pretty, and now that we are again allowed to felicitate each
other on another recurrence of the season of the Christian's
rejoicing, permit me to tender to yourself, and by you to your Sister,
mine and my Wife's heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes with
respect to the coming year. It is a common belief that if we take a
retrospective view of each departing year, as it behoves us annually
to do, we shall find the blessings which we have received to
immeasurably outnumber our causes of sorrow. Speaking for myself I
can fully subscribe to that sentiment, and doubtless neither Miss ---
nor yourself are exceptions. Miss ---'s illness and consequent
confinement to the house has been a severe trial, but in that trouble
an opportunity was afforded you to prove a Sister's devotion and she
has been enabled to realise a larger (if possible) display of sisterly
affection.

"A happy Christmas to you both, and may the new year prove a
Cornucopia from which still greater blessings than even those we have
hitherto received, shall issue, to benefit us all by contributing to
our temporal happiness and, what is of higher importance, conducing to
our felicity hereafter.

"I was sorry to hear that you were so annoyed with mice and rats, and
if I should have an opportunity to obtain a nice cat I will do so and
send my boy to your house with it.

"I remain,
"Yours truly."

How little what is commonly called education can do after all towards the
formation of a good style, and what a delightful volume might not be
entitled "Half Hours with the Worst Authors."