302 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. VII. 



"February 7, 



" MY DEAR JAMES, I lie at present in such a strange twisted 

 position, half on my back and half on my side, that my views 

 of all matters are quite one-sided, and even if I feel properly 

 concerning your late kindnesses, it is such an exertion to scrawl, 

 that my eloquence of gratitude is strangled in the birth. Know, 

 however, that both parcels arrived safely, and that I boasted and 

 exulted over my chemical treasures like a child over a new toy. 

 Even grave Mr. Syme had to take a look at them, and congra- 

 tulate me on their arrival. Your mysterious note was beyond 

 me, but I came to the conclusion that it signified that you your- 

 self were coming. This morning, however, the melodious 

 stranger [the accordion] arrived in due season, and being re- 

 leased from his swaddling bands, was gazed at with wonder and 

 delight. Before a week is over I shall have composed a sym- 

 phony in x Y z on the street door key, which shall ravish the 

 ears of all who hear it. 



" Meanwhile, my dear kind cousin, speech really fails me, 

 and you must suppose my ugly phiz looking into your angelic 

 one, and symbolizing and expressing the intensest gratefulness ; 

 otherwise I know not how I can make my heart speak to you. 



" My feelings got so much the better of me at thinking that 

 iny dancing days were over, that I had to give them outlet in 

 the shape of an elegy, which (with the help of a little snuff in 

 your eyes) I shall expect you to weep over. 



No more shall I, in country dance or reel, 

 Labitsky's waltz or Musard's last quadrille, 

 Shuffle my feet, or make my body wheel 

 ' On light fantastic toe.' 



When I creep outwards to the light of day, 

 The people passing me will turn and say, 

 That little fellow limping o'er the way 



' Has one foot in the grave.' 



" I continually improve, and feel most thankful for my pre- 

 sent hopeful state. I strive to let ' patience have her perfect 

 work,' but flesh is weak. 



" And now, my dear cousin, forgive this rotten note ; I can at 



