CHAP, vii.] Declining Strength. 339 



panying print, which I fear will at first sight not satisfy you. 

 The artist has, I believe, imitated the style of the old German 

 school of Albert Diirer, resembling more a * woodcut ' 

 than a print, nor does it justice to her fine old countenance. 

 Yet it is extremely like in features, expression, and deport 

 ment, her eyes having taken the languid expression more 

 from fatigue occasioned by her sitting for the picture, whilst 

 she is used generally to recline on her sofa, and I see them 

 very frequently sparkle with all their former animation. . . . 

 She has, as I predicted, lived to begin her ninety-eighth 

 year, and she has stood the exertions and excitements of her 

 birthday even better than could have been expected. I saw 

 her on the 15th, and again on the 17th ; for knowing that 

 Mrs. Clarke, who, like all General Halkett's family, are full 

 of kind attentions to her, would act as her aide-de-camp 011 

 the occasion, I felt that it would only be adding to the 

 number of those who must be kindly spoken to if I had 

 gone to see her on the 16th. Upon passing the door I just 

 saw a beautiful and most comfortable velvet armchair, a 

 cake, and magnificent nosegay carried up to her, and soon 

 after met the gracious donor, our kind Crown-Princess, with 

 the Crown-Prince and the Royal child driving to her ; they 

 stayed nearly two hours, Miss Herschel conversing with 

 them without relaxation, and even singing to them a com- 

 position of Sir William's, ' Suppose we sing a Catch.' The 

 King sent his message by Countess Grote. On the 17th I 

 found her, more revived than exhausted, in a new gown and 

 smart cap, which Betty provided ; and Betty's own cap was 

 new trimmed for the occasion, strictly in keeping with the 

 style of her mistress, and I can but again commend the 

 judgment and zeal with which she makes her arrangements 

 for the comfort and appearance of dear Miss Herschel, and 

 for a fit reception of her high and numerous visitors. 



.... I ran over to ask for Miss Herschel's own message 



z 2 



