VIII.
Persano, Wednesday,
11th Jan. [1792.]
I have just received your letter—and, as I always do—with infinite pleasure.
I hope you received twelve wood-biddies, to-day; and, to-morrow, you will have a wild boar: all left to your discretion.
No talk of returning, yet. We must complete sixteen days shooting, and one day has been lost by bad weather.
We had a good day, and tolerable sport. I have killed two, and one the largest boar I have seen yet here.
Vincenzo, they say, will be well in a day or two, as it is only a cold; I fear, it is more serious.
The King has killed twenty-one boars to-day, and is quite happy.
The Germans all drink tea with me every evening. Lamberg is better.
Adieu, my ever dear Emma! We are always in a hurry; though we have, absolutely, nothing to do, but kill, examine, and weigh, wild boars.
I assure you, that I shall rejoice when I can embrace you once more. A picture would not content me; your image is more strongly represented on my heart, than any that could be produced by human art.
Your most affectionate husband,