EUROPEAN FAME 201 



caused the report in England. I assure you that I 

 approve of her so much that if I had been the person 

 that had made her first go astray, I would glory in 

 giving a public reparation, and I would do it openly. 

 For, indeed, she has infinite merit, and no princess could 

 do the honours of her palace with more ease and dignity 

 than she does those of my house. In short, she is worthy 

 of anything ; and I have and will take care of her. But 

 as to the solemn league, amplius consider andum est." 



" Now, my dear Sir, I have more fairly delivered you 

 my confession than is usually done in this country, of 

 which you may make any discreet use you please. Those 

 who ask of mere curiosity I should wish to remain in the 

 dark. Adieu, and believe me ever sensible of your friend- 

 ship and kindness to me." 



The memorable step taken by Sir William, in 1791, 

 was abundantly justified if personal comfort and mutual 

 happiness are worth anything. His letters to Banks, 

 gossiping over all topics political and social, are never 

 wanting in some fond reference to his second wife. 

 Her mental improvement and her facile acquirement of 

 the ways of high life are his delight. " She has got the 

 Italian language better than I have in twenty-eight years." 

 English ladies of the first rank receive her. ..." She 

 is often with the Queen, who really loves her." . . . There 

 is now no Past. And they have a common gratification 

 in the friendship of Sir Joseph Banks. 



Emma, Lady Hamilton, to Sir Joseph Banks. 



"GIARDINO INGLESE, May 31, 1797. 



" DEAR SIR, I cannot let Sir William's letter go 

 without assuring you how happy I am to find His Majesty 

 does justice to your merit, and that you are one of his 



