were
detained. Experience teaches us how better to guard against similar
misfortunes; and, in future, I shall be cautious to whom I give my
letters.

So that I know the Hero of heroes is well, I care the less about
letters; knowing that writing, delivering, or receiving them, will
not, either in him or me, make the least alteration, or lessen our
attachment or affection.

I am pleased to see how happy you are in Norfolk. I wish you may not
find it so fascinating, that the arrival of "Lord Nelson" at Merton
would not induce you to [quit] the county!!!

I beg you will make my best respects acceptable to _every_ friend
(real) of that invaluable man, Lord Nelson.

Your's, most truly,
ALEX. DAVISON.

Letter

from

Lady Hamilton

TO

ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.

INCLOSING

_Her Ladyship's Verses on Lord Nelson_.

Letter OF Lady Hamilton, &c.

Clarges Street,
[_26th January 1805._]

I have been very ill, my Dear Sir; and am in bed with a cold, very bad
cold indeed! But, the moment I am better, I will call on you.

I am invited to dine with Mr. Haslewood to-morrow, but fear I shall
not be able to go.

I am very anxious about letters; but Admiral Campbell has told me, he
thinks my dear Lord will soon be at home. God grant! for, I think, he
might remove that stumbling-block, Sir John O! Devil take him!

That _Polyphemus_ should have been Nelson's: but, he is rich in great
and _noble deeds_; which t'other, poor devil! is not. So, let dirty
wretches get pelf, to comfort them; victory belongs to Nelson. Not,
but what I think money necessary for comforts; and, I hope, _our_,
_your's_, and _my_ Nelson, will get a little, for all Master O.

I write from bed; and you will see I do, by my scrawl.

I send you some of my bad Verses on my soul's Idol.

God bless you! Remember, you will soon be free; and let that cheer
you, that you will come out with even more friends than ever. I can
only say, I am your ever obliged, and grateful,

EMMA HAMILTON.

I long to see and know Nepean! Why will you not ask me to dine with,
him _en famille?_

{Yes.}
{_A.D._}

* * * * *

EMMA TO NELSON.

I think, I have not lost my heart;
Since I, with truth, can swear,
At every moment of my life,
I feel my Nelson there!

If, from thine Emma's breast, her heart
Were stolen or flown away;
Where! wher