(This is Spiers and Pond the bard continues)
To take down a party—and 'mongst others me—
To open their famous new Hall by the Sea.
(This is the Haul by the Sea Again the bard urges on his wild careen)
So I'm forced—though I'd much like to come if I could—
To decline your kind offer.
Yours truly
Tom Hood
E. Dalziel Esq
All our transactions with Hood, which continued for close upon ten years, were of the most friendly and agreeable character, leaving behind delightful remembrances of his truly social and sympathetic nature. The letter which we give in facsimile was received in reply to an invitation to join us at an "up-the-river" dinner party, where we promised he should meet a few kindred spirits and spend a very enjoyable day.
Unhappily, Tom Hood died too soon, after an illness of some short duration, against which he fought with great courage. He worked with the assistance of his friend Henry Sampson, to the last—taking part in preparing the number of Fun that was published the day after his death, which took place at his house, in Peckham Rye, on November 26th, 1874.
Subsequently his widow handed us the following letter, with the remark that they were the last lines he ever wrote: