rself
with such a stupid letter as this.

Your Ladyship's commands shall always be punctually obeyed by, dear
Madam, your Ladyship's most obedient and faithful servant,

W. HAMILTON.

VIII.

Persano, Wednesday,
11th Jan. [1792.]

I have just received your letter--and, as I always do--with infinite
pleasure.

I hope you received twelve wood-biddies, to-day; and, to-morrow, you
will have a wild boar: all left to your discretion.

No talk of returning, yet. We must complete sixteen days shooting, and
one day has been lost by bad weather.

We had a good day, and tolerable sport. I have killed two, and one the
largest boar I have seen yet here.

Vincenzo, they say, will be well in a day or two, as it is only a
cold; I fear, it is more serious.

The King has killed twenty-one boars to-day, and is quite happy.

The Germans all drink tea with me every evening. Lamberg is better.

Adieu, my ever dear Emma! We are always in a hurry; though we have,
absolutely, nothing to do, but kill, examine, and weigh, wild boars.

I assure you, that I shall rejoice when I can embrace you once more. A
picture would not content me; your image is more strongly represented
on my heart, than any that could be produced by human art.

Your most affectionate husband,

W.H.

IX.

Persano, Thursday Night,
[Jan. 12th, 1792.]

Never put yourself in a hurry, my dear Emma.

I have got your two kind letters. Send for Gasparo; and give your
orders, that the servants attend your call: and let him discharge
them, if they do not. You are my better half, and may command.
Translate this part of the letter to him.

We have had good sport to-day, though the bad weather came on at
eleven o'clock. Fifty-four wild boars have been killed, I had seven
shot; and killed five, three of which are enormous. Dispose of the
boar I send you to-day as you think proper.

I always thought Ruspoli a dirty fellow; but what has he done of late?

As to your mother's going with you to the English parties, very well;
but, believe me, it will be best for her, and more to her happiness,
to stay at home, than go with you to the Neapolitan parties.

The King is in good humour to-day, as I foretold. We continue to dine
at eight at night, and have nothing from breakfast to that hour. But
I give tea and bread and butter, of which Prince Ausberg and Lamberg
partake with pleasure. The Prince, having no opportunity of making
love, does n