XCIX.—TO FANNY KEATS.
Reading edition
Wentworth Place, Saturday. [April 17, 1819?]
My dear Fanny—If it were but six o’Clock in the morning I would set off to see you to-day: if I should do so now I could not stop long enough for a how d’ye do—it is so long a walk through Hornsey and Tottenham—and as for Stage Coaching it besides that it is very expensive it is like going into the Boxes by way of the pit. I cannot go out on Sunday—but if on Monday it should promise as fair as to-day I will put on a pair of loose easy palatable boots and me rendre chez vous. I continue increasing my letter to George to send it by one of Birkbeck’s sons who is going out soon—so if you will let me have a few more lines, they will be in time. I am glad you got on so well with Monsr. le Curé. Is he a nice clergyman?—a great deal depends upon a cock’d hat and powder—not gunpowder, lord love us, but lady-meal, violet-smooth, dainty-scented, lilly-white, feather-soft, wigsby-dressing, coat-collar-spoiling, whisker-reaching, pig-tail-loving, swans-down-puffing, parson-sweetening powder. I shall call in passing at the Tottenham nursery and see if I can find some seasonable plants for you. That is the nearest place—or by our la’kin or lady kin, that is by the virgin Mary’s kindred, is there not a twig-manufacturer in Walthamstow? Mr. and Mrs. Dilke are coming to dine with us to-day. They will enjoy the country after Westminster. O there is nothing like fine weather, and health, and Books, and a fine country, and a contented Mind, and diligent habit of reading and thinking, and an amulet against the ennui—and, please heaven, a little claret wine cool out of a cellar a mile deep—with a few or a good many ratafia cakes—a rocky basin to bathe in, a strawberry bed to say your prayers to Flora in, a pad nag to go you ten miles or so; two or three sensible people to chat with; two or three spiteful folks to spar with; two or three odd fishes to laugh at and two or three numskulls to argue with—instead of using dumb bells on a rainy day—
Two or three Posies With two or three simples— Two or three Noses With two or three pimples— Two or three wise men And two or three ninny’s— Two or three purses And two or three guineas— Two or three raps At two or three doors— Two or three naps Of two or three hours— Two or three Cats And two or three mice— Two or three sprats At a very great price— Two or three sandies And two or three tabbies— Two or three dandies And two Mrs.—— mum Two or three Smiles And two or three frowns— Two or three Miles To two or three towns— Two or three pegs For two or three bonnets— Two or three dove eggs To hatch into sonnets— Good-bye I’ve an appointment—can’t stop pon word—good-bye—now don’t get up—open the door my- self—good-bye—see ye Monday.
J. K.