Ten or twelve days!
My thoughts are so concerned in that point – I must not feel it now, or I shall be unable to write.
I have never been covetous of praise, and except when uttered by some loved voice, I have scarcely heard it. Now I have a new pleasure in my good name – those dear words, for your sake.
So much more of true kindness has been proved towards me that I knew to exist, that – I can only think it is a very kind world.
You will find it so too, and then I may be in danger of growing too fond of it…
Rest every anxious thought on me – I could only not forgive you for keeping from me those cares which to soften, if not to remove, will be the work – never the task – of affection.
I must to silence – there are feelings which cannot flow in words.
With yours I received a letter from Mrs. Siddons, who since I was twelve years old has loved me with maternal anxiety.
She is perfectly sincere, and when her expressions exceed just bounds, it is from the spirit of poetry – in this case, also of partiality.
I will enclose the letter.
With all my perfections on my head, wishing very much to share the burden, let me be
Most affectionately yours…
Seaham Hall (October 16 1814)
Sources Used:
The Life and Letters of Anne Isabella Lady Noel Byron Ethel Colburn Mayne (London: Constable & Co Ltd 1929)
