II.
Madam,
Your polite congratulation upon the entrance of a new year, I return seven-fold to you, and the whole of the party now under the hospitable roof of Merton Place. Time is a sacred deposit committed to our trust; and, hereafter, we must account for the use we have made of it. To me, a large portion of this treasure has already been granted, even seventy-nine years. The complaint my dear son has felt is, I know, very, very painful: and can be removed, only, with much care and caution; not venturing, without a thick covering, both head and feet, even to admire your parterres of snow-drops, which now appear in all their splendour. The white robe which January wears, bespangled with ice, is handsome to look at; but we must not approach too near her.
I shall be very glad to know the Lord of Merton is recovered.
I am, Madam, your most humble servant,
EDM. NELSON.
Bath, January 7th, 1802.
Letters
From The
REV. DR. NELSON,
NOW
EARL NELSON,
TO
LADY HAMILTON.
Letters OF EARL NELSON, &c.