14 Nicholson, Hemans — Nicholson Corj^espondence. 



he has received a wound in so glorious a cause, and as a trophy of so 

 brilliant a victory ; it will ever be his pride that he has bled in the 

 service of his Country, and, like the Soldier described in the 

 ' Pleasures of Memory,' who ' counts o'er his scars, and tells what 

 deeds were done,' he will ever triumph in a recollection of the perils to 

 which he has been exposed. If, however, he had not written himself 

 to inform us of his convalescence, or if we had imagined he was in any 

 danger from his wound, how different would our feelings have been ! 

 I agree with you that my poetic visions of Spanish Freedom are not 

 likely at present to be realized ; and I regret that the ardent 

 enthusiasm the cause excited, led my fancy to paint the Spanish people, 

 in colours, which (except in a few instances), have proved only 

 rainbow illusions. I feel highly indebted to you, my dear Sir, for 

 suggesting to my Muse, a subject which might well exercise the highest 

 powers ; but I fear it requires more knowledge of the world than a 

 youthful, unsuspecting heart, can pretend to have acquired; indeed, if 

 Experience only serves to blight the visions of imagination, and display 

 the depravity of which human Nature is said to be capable, I should 

 prefer to remain in total ignorance of life, and the manners of the world. 

 For this reason, therefore, I must, at present, decline a theme, which 

 perhaps my Judgment, when more matured, may select, for its variety 

 and excellence. I hope I need not assure you, my dear Sir, what 

 delight we should have in seeing you at our new abode ; it certainly 

 has more resemblance to a Cottage than a Palace, but you know Poets 

 make Cottages the dwellings of peace and Content ; Hospitality would 

 give you a most cordial welcome, and Gratitude would certainly meet 

 you in the person of your unknown 



though affectionate young friend, 



Felicia D. Browne. 



Harriett unites with us in affectionate regards ; she will not 

 forgive me if I intrude any more upon her privilege of corresponding 

 with you, which she has reason to value as such a prerogative 

 deserves ! " 



In May, 1809, Felicia again wrote to Mr. Nicholson 

 and this, like her previous letter, shows how an almost 

 first hand acquaintance with war and the Spaniards had 

 toned down her enthusiasm. 



" Bronwhllfa, 4th May, 1 809. 

 My Dear Sir, — 



I regret that you should imagine my 'hint for closing corre- 

 spondence,' had proceeded from any reluctance on my part ; as I 

 assure you it has hitherto afforded me very high gratification, and I 

 have no doubt, would continue to be productive of both pleasure and 

 improvement. I was Ifearful that you might consider my letters as 



