he did'nt want them I printed
some copies with Quaritch; and, keeping some for myself, gave him the
rest. Cowell, to whom I sent a Copy, was naturally alarmed at it; he
being a very religious Man: nor have I given any other Copy but to George
Borrow, to whom I had once lent the Persian, and to old Donne when he was
down here the other Day, to whom I was showing a Passage in another Book
which brought my old Omar up.

(end of letter lost.)

MARKET HILL, WOODBRIDGE.
_March_ 19/62.

MY DEAR THOMPSON,

Thanks for your Letter in the middle of graver occupations. It will give
me very great pleasure if you will come here: but not if you only do so
out of kindness; I mean, if you have no other call of Business or
Pleasure to yourself. For I don't deserve--

You should have sent me some Photograph. I hate them nearly all: but S.
Rice {30} was very good. I wonder you don't turn out well: I suppose,
too black, is it? It is generally florid people, I think, who fail: yet,
strange to say, my Brother Peter has come quite handsome in the Process.
. . .

I am all for a little Flattery in Portraits: that is, so far as, I think,
the Painter or Sculptor should try at something more agreeable than
anything he sees sitting to him: when People look either bored, or
smirking: he should give the best possible Aspect which the Features
before him _might_ wear, even if the Artist had not seen that Aspect.
Especially when he works for Friends or Kinsfolk: for even the plainest
face has looked handsome to them at some happy moment, and just such we
like to have perpetuated.

Now, I really do feel ashamed when you ask about my Persian Translations,
though they are all very well: only very little affairs. I really have
not the face to send to Milnes direct: but I send you four Copies which I
have found in a Drawer here to do as you will with. This will save
Milnes, or any one else, the bore of writing to me to acknowledge it.

My old Boat has been altered, I hope not spoiled; and I shall soon be
preparing for the Water--and Mud. I don't think one can reckon on warm
weather till after the Longest Day: but if you should come before, it
will surely be warm enough to walk, or drive, if not to sail; and Leaves
will be green, if the Tide should be out.

You would almost think I wanted to repay you in Compliment if I told you
I regarded even your hasty Letters as excellent in all respects. I do,
however: but I do not wish you to writ