our's all came safe; but the numbering of them will point out,
directly, if one is missing. I do not think, that any thing very
particular was in that letter which is lost.

Believe me, my dear friend, that Lady A. is as damned a w---- as ever
lived, and Mrs. W---- is a bawd! Mrs. U---- a foolish pimp; eat up
with pride, that a P---- will condescend to put her to expence. Only
do as I do; and all will be well, and you will be every thing I wish.

I thank you for your kindness to poor dear Mrs. Thomson. I send her a
note; as desired by her dear good friend, who doats on her.

I send you a few Lines, wrote in the late gale; which, I think, you
will not disapprove.

How interesting your letters are! You cannot write too much, or be too
particular.

* * * * *

Though ----'s polish'd verse superior shine,
Though sensibility grace every line;
Though her soft Muse be far above all praise.
And female tenderness inspire her lays:

Deign to receive, though unadorn'd
By the poetic art,
The rude expressions which bespeak
A Sailor's untaught heart!

A heart _susceptible_, sincere, and true;
A heart, by fate, and nature, torn in two:
One half, to duty and his country due;
The other, _better half_, to love and you!

Sooner shall Britain's sons resign
The empire of the sea;
Than Henry shall renounce his faith,
AND PLIGHTED VOWS, TO THEE!

And waves on wares shall cease to roll,
And tides forget to flow;
Ere thy true Henry's constant love,
Or ebb, or change, shall know.

The weather, thank God, is moderating.

I have just got a letter from the new Earl at the Admiralty, full of
compliments. But nothing shall stop my law-suit, and I hope to cast
him.

I trust, when I get to Spithead, there will be no difficulty in
getting leave of absence.

The letters on service are so numerous, from three days interruption
of the post, that I must conclude with assuring you, that I am, for
ever, your attached, and unalterably your's,

NELSON & BRONTE.

I shall begin a letter at night.

LETTER XI.

[March 1801.]

You say, my Dearest Friend, why don't I put my Chief forward? He has
put me in the front of the battle, and Nelson will be first. I could
say more; but will not make you uneasy, knowing the firm friendship
you have for me.

The St. George will stamp an additional ray of