begin upon. Thirty years ago I thought I could
make out these Latins and Greeks sufficiently well for my own purpose; I
do not think so now; and want good help of other men's Scholarship, and
also of better Eyes than my own.

I am not sure if you were ever at this place: I fancy you once were. It
is duller even than it used to be: because of even the Fishing having
almost died away. But the Sea and the Shore remain the same; as to Nero,
in that famous passage {165} I remember you pointed out to me: not quite
so sad to me as to him, but not very lively. I have brought a volume or
two of Walpole's Letters by way of amusement. I wish you were here; and
I will wait here if you care to come. Might not the Sea Air do you good?

_To T. Carlyle_.

WOODBRIDGE, _Septr._ 8/73.

MY DEAR CARLYLE,

Enclosed is the Naseby Lawyer's answer on behalf of the Naseby Trustees.
I think it will seem marvellous in your Eyes, as it does in mine.

You will see that I had suggested whether moving the _Obelisk_, the
'foolish Obelisk,' might not be accomplished in case The Stone were
rejected. You see also that my Lawyer offers his mediation in the matter
if wished. I cannot believe the Trustees would listen to this Scheme any
more than to the other. Nor do I suppose you would be satisfied with the
foolish Obelisk's Inscription, which warns Kings not to exceed their just
Prerogative, nor Subjects [to swerve from] their lawful Obedience, etc.,
but does not say that it stands on the very spot where the Ashes of the
Dead told of the final Struggle.

I say, I do not suppose any good will come of this second Application.
The Trouble is nothing to me; but I will not trouble this Lawyer, Agent,
etc., till I hear from you that you wish me to do so. I suppose you are
now away from Chelsea; I hope among your own old places in the North. For
I think, and I find, that as one grows old one returns to one's old
haunts. However, my letter will reach you sooner or later, I dare say:
and, if one may judge from what has passed, there will be no hurry in any
future Decision of the 'Three Incomprehensibles.'

I have nothing to tell of myself; having been nowhere but to that Naseby.
I am among my old haunts: so have not to travel. But I shall be very
glad to hear that you are the better for having done so; and remain your
ancient Bedesman,

E. F. G.

_From T. Carlyle_.

THE HILL, DUMFRIES, N.B.
13 _Sep._, 1873.

DEAR FITZGERALD,

There is