Wentworth Place, Saturday.

April 17, 1819?

My dear Fanny--If it were but six o'Clock in the morning I would set off to see you to-day: if I should do so now I could not stop long enough for a how d'ye do--it is so long a walk through Hornsey and Tottenham--and as for Stage Coaching it besides that it is very expensive it is like going into the Boxes by way of the pit. I cannot go out on Sunday--but if on Monday it should promise as fair as to-day I will put on a pair of loose easy palatable boots and me rendre chez vous. I continue increasing my letter to George to send it by one of Birkbeck's sons who is going out soon--so if you will let me have a few more lines, they will be in time. I am glad you got on so well with Mons le Cure. Is he a nice clergyman?--a great deal depends upon a cock'd hat and powder--not gunpowder, lord love us, but lady-meal, violet-smooth, dainty-scented, lilly-white, feather-soft, wigsby-dressing, coat-collar-spoiling, whisker-reaching, pig-tail-loving, swans-down-puffing, parson-sweetening powder. I shall call in passing at the Tottenham nursery and see if I can find some seasonable plants for you. That is the nearest place--or by our la'kin or lady kin, that is by the virgin Mary's kindred, is there not a twig-manufacturer in Walthamstow? Mr. and Mrs. Dilke are coming to dine with us to-day. They will enjoy the country after Westminster. O there is nothing like fine weather, and health, and Books, and a fine country, and a contented Mind, and diligent habit of reading and thinking, and an amulet against the ennui--and, please heaven, a little claret wine cool out of a cellar a mile deep--with a few or a good many ratafia cakes--a rocky basin to bathe in, a strawberry bed to say your prayers to Flora in, a pad nag to go you ten miles or so; two or three sensible people to chat with; two or three spiteful folks to spar with; two or three odd fishes to laugh at and two or three numskulls to argue with--instead of using dumb bells on a rainy day--

Two or three Posies With two or three simples-- Two or three Noses With two or three pimples-- Two or three wise men And two or three ninny's-- Two or three purses And two or three guineas-- Two or three raps At two or three doors-- Two or three naps Of two or three hours-- Two or three Cats And two or three mice-- Two or three sprats At a very great price-- Two or three sandies And two or three tabbies-- Two or three dandies And two Mrs.---- mum Two or three Smiles And two or three frowns-- Two or three Miles To two or three towns-- Two or three pegs For two or three bonnets-- Two or three dove eggs To hatch into sonnets-- Good-bye I've an appointment--can't stop pon word--good-bye--now don't get up--open the door my- self--good-bye--see ye Monday.

J. K.