see me and Emma on board the St. George: but I am now totally
occupied in preparing for the sale of my pictures, and what I have
saved of my vases.

To my great satisfaction, I have found some of the most capital
vases; and which I thought, surely, lost on board the Colossus. It has
comforted me much.

We remain in the same cruel state with respect to the King's recovery.
There can be no doubt, but that his Majesty is better. However, if my
conjectures are true, the Regency must soon take place: as it may be
long before his Majesty could be troubled with business, supposing
even his _fever_ to have totally subsided; and, the times admit of no
delays.

We see, now, the certainty of the French squadron's being in the
Mediterranean. God knows, how all this will end! But I hope it will be
your Lordship's lot to bring Paul to his senses.

God send you every success; and send you home, safe and well, crowned
with additional laurels! And then, I hope, you will repose your
shattered frame; and make your friends happy, by staying with them.

Emma

Emma is certainly much better, but not quite free from bile.

Ever, my dear Lord, your Lordship's most attached, and eternally
obliged, humble servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

X.

Piccadilly, April 16th, 1801.

What can I say, my Dear Lord! that would convey the smallest idea of
what we felt yesterday, on receiving the authentic letters confirming
your late most glorious victory: and read, in your own hand, that God
had not only granted you complete success against the enemies of our
country; but, in the midst of such perils, prevented your receiving
the smallest scratch!

We can only repeat what we knew well, and often said, before--that
Nelson _was_, _is_, and to the _last_ will ever be, _the first_.

However, we all agree that, when we get you safe home once more--that
you should never more risk your shattered frame.

You have done enough, and are well entitled to the motto of Virgil--

"_Hic Victor caestus artemque repono_."

The famous Broughton, after he had beaten every opponent, that dared
to measure hard blows with him, set up an ale-house--the Broughton's
Head--in London, with the above verse of Virgil under it. Some years
after, he was persuaded to accept the challenge of a coachman, and was
beaten.

Not that I mean to convey, that any such thing could happen to your
Lordship; but, you have done enough. Let others follow your examples;
they wi