LETTER 72
CHARLES LAMB TO WILLIAM GODWIN
[Dec. 4, 1800.]
Dear Sir,—I send this speedily after the heels of Cooper (O! the dainty expression) to say that Mary is obliged to stay at home on Sunday to receive a female friend, from whom I am equally glad to escape. So that we shall be by ourselves. I write, because it may make some difference in your marketting, &c.
C. L.
Thursday Morning.
I am sorry to put you to the expense of twopence postage. But I calculate thus: if Mary comes she will
eat Beef 2 plates, 4d.
Batter Pudding 1 do. 2d.
Beer, a pint, 2d.
Wine, 3 glasses, 11d. I drink no wine!
Chesnuts, after dinner, 2d.
Tea and supper at moderate
calculation, 9d.
————-
2s. 6d.
From which deduct 2d. postage
—————
2s. 4d.
You are a clear gainer by her not coming.
[If the date be correct this becomes the first extant letter proper which Lamb sent to the author of Political Justice. Godwin was then forty-four years old, and had long been busy upon his tragedy "Antonio," in which Lamb had been assisting with suggestions. In this connection I place here the following document, which belongs, however, naturally to an earlier date, but is not harmed by its present position.]