My dearest Uncle,—Albert made a really beautiful speech the other day, and it has given the greatest satisfaction and done great good. He is indeed looked up to and beloved, as I could wish he should be; and the more his rare qualities of mind and heart are known, the more he will be understood and appreciated. People are much struck at his great powers and energy; his great self-denial, and constant wish to work for others, is so striking in his character; but it is the happiest life; pining for what one cannot have, and trying to run after what is pleasantest, invariably ends in disappointment.
I must now conclude. Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
Windsor Castle, 29th March 1850.
My dearest Uncle,—I write only a few lines to-day, begging you to give the accompanying drawing of her little namesake to dearest Louise on her birthday.
I shall duly answer your dear letter of the 25th on Tuesday, but am anxious to correct the impression that Albert read his fine speech. He never has done so with any of his fine speeches, but speaks them, having first prepared them and written them down,—and does so so well, that no one believes that he is ever nervous, which he is. This last he is said to have spoken in so particularly English a way.
We have still sadly cold winds. Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.