ad
nearly began with a disagreeable accident; for the King's horse took
fright at the guard, and his Majesty and horse were as near down as
possible. However, all ended well; and he was as gay as possible,
yesterday.

Our first _chasse_ has not succeeded; though there were two wolves,
and many wild boars, in the _Mena_: but the king would direct how we
should beat the wood, and began at the wrong end; by which the wolves
and boars escaped, and we remained without shooting power. However,
ten or twelve boars have been killed, some how or other, and some
large ones.

The King's face is very long, at this moment; but, I dare say,
to-morrow's good sport will shorten it again.

I was sorry, my dear Em. to leave you in affliction: you must harden
yourself to such little misfortunes as a temporary parting; but, I
cannot blame you for having a good and tender heart. Believe me, you
are in thorough possession of all mine, though I will allow it to be
rather tough.

Let us study to make one another as comfortable as we can; and
"_banish sorrow, till to-morrow_:" and so on, every day.

You are wise enough to see the line it is proper for you to take; and
have, hitherto, followed it most rigorously: and I can assure you,
that I have not the least doubt of your continuing in it.

Amuse yourself as well as you can, as I am doing, whilst we are
separate; and the best news you can give me is, that you are well and
happy.

My cold is already better for having passed the whole day in the open
air, and without human _seccatura_.

Adieu! my dear, dear Emma. I am, with my love to your good mother,
your's ever, and faithfully,

W.H.

II.

Persano, Thursday,
[Jan. 5th, 1792.]

We got home early, and I have not yet received your Daily Advertiser.

No sport, again! In the midst of such a quantity of game, they have
contrived to carry him far off, where there is none. He has no other
comfort, to-day, than having killed a wild cat; and his face is a yard
long.

However, his Majesty has vowed vengeance on the boars to-morrow, and
will go according to his own fancy; and, I dare say, there will be a
terrible slaughter.

The last day, we are to keep all we kill; and, I suppose, it will be
night before we get home.

Yesterday, the courier brought the order of St. Stephano, from the
Emperor, for the Prince Ausberg, and the King was desired to invest
him with it. As soon as the King received it, he ran into the Pri