have been _trifling_ designedly with you or others. If you
think so, in the name of St. Hubert (the patron of antlers and
hunters) let me be married out of hand--I don't care to whom, so it
amuses any body else, and don't interfere with me much in the
daytime. Ever," &c.

* * * * *

LETTER 184. TO MR. MOORE.

"June 14. 1814.

"I _could_ be very sentimental now, but I won't. The truth is, that
I have been all my life trying to harden my heart, and have not yet
quite succeeded--though there are great hopes--and you do not know
how it sunk with your departure. What adds to my regret is having
seen so little of you during your stay in this crowded desert,
where one ought to be able to bear thirst like a camel,--the
springs are so few, and most of them so muddy.

"The newspapers will tell you all that is to be told of emperors,
&c.[34] They have dined, and supped, and shown their flat faces in
all thoroughfares, and several saloons. Their uniforms are very
becoming, but rather short in the skirts; and their conversation
is a catechism, for which and the answers I refer you to those who
have heard it.

"I think of leaving town for Newstead soon. If so, I shall not be
remote from your recess, and (unless Mrs. M. detains you at home
over the caudle-cup and a new cradle,) we will meet. You shall come
to me, or I to you, as you like it;--but _meet_ we will. An
invitation from Aston has reached me, but I do not think I shall
go. I have also heard of * * *--I should like to see her again, for
I have not met her for years; and though 'the light that ne'er can
shine again' is set, I do not know that 'one dear smile like those
of old' might not make me for a moment forget the 'dulness' of
'life's stream.'

"I am going to R * *'s to-night--to one of those suppers which
'_ought_ to be dinners.' I have hardly seen her, and never _him_,
since you set out. I told you, you were the last link of that
chain. As for * *, we have not syllabled one another's names since.
The post will not permit me to continue my scrawl. More anon.

"Ever, dear Moore, &c.

"P.S. Keep the Journal[35]; I care not what becomes of it; and if
it has amused you I am glad that I kept it. 'Lara' is finished, and
I am copying him for my third vol.,