m right; but she is, like Horatia, very angry, if she
cannot have her own way. Her Nelson is called upon, in the most
honourable manner, to defend his country! Absence, to us, is equally
painful: but, if I had either stayed at home, or neglected my duty
abroad, would not my Emma have blushed for me? She could never have
heard of my praises, and how the country looks up.

I am writing, my dear Emma, to reason the point with you; and, I am
sure, you will see it in its true light. But I have said my say, on
this subject, and will finish.

I have received your letter, with Lord William's and Mr. Kemble's,
about Mr. Palmer: he is also recommended by the Duke of Clarence;
and, he says, by desire of the Prince of Wales. I have, without him,
twenty-six to be made Captains, and list every day increasing. It is
not _one_ whole French fleet that can get through it.

I shall, probably, offend many more than I can oblige. Such is always
the case: like the tickets--those who get them, feel they have a right
to them; and those [who] do not get them, feel offended for ever.

But, I cannot help it: I shall endeavour to do what is right, in every
situation; and some ball may soon close all my accounts with this
world of care and vexation!

But, never mind, my own dear-beloved Emma: if you are true to me,
I care not--and approve of all my actions. However, as you say, I
approve of them, myself; therefore, probably, I am right.

Poor Reverend Mr. Scott is, I fear, in a very bad way. His head has
been turned by too much learning, and the stroke of lightning will
never let him be right again. The Secretary Scott is a treasure; and I
am very well mounted: Hardy is every thing I could wish or desire.

Our days pass so much alike that, having described one, you have
them all. We now breakfast by candlelight; and all retire, at eight
o'clock, to bed.

Naples, I fancy, is in a very bad way, in regard to money. They have
not, or pretend not to have, enough to pay their officers; and, I
verily believe, if Acton was to give up his place, that it would
become a province of France. Only think of Buonaparte's writing to
the Queen, to desire her influence to turn out Acton! She answered,
properly: at least, so says Mr. Elliot, who _knows more of Naples_
than any of us; God help him!--and General Acton has, I believe, more
power than ever.

By Gibbs's letter, I see, he has sent over about my accounts at
Bronte. He can have no interest in being