APPENDIX. XXZ 



rit and manner, in which those relations have been maintained. The punctual attend- 

 ance of your Lordship has been no less flattering than beneficial ; no less indicative 

 of a warm interest in our proceedings, than an example for our imitation, and the 

 amenity and attention with which your Lordship has exercised your official share in 

 the details of our occasional meetings, have invariably impressed the "Members pre- 

 sent, with the most lively feelings of affection and respect. We have already advert- 

 ed to the valuable papers of which your Lordship has been the medium of communi- 

 cation, and we are well aware, that we have frequently been indebted for the pos- 

 session of those compositions to your Lordship's sanction, or suggestion ; we have 

 also to express our thanks for the contributions with which your Lordship has en- 

 riched our Library and Museum, and for the disposition uniformly shewn, (and of 

 which this evening affords such splendid proof), to improve every favourable oppor- 

 tunity of adding to their stores. The Museum indeed may be regarded as of your 

 Lordship's creation, dating from the period of your Presidency, and having grown up 

 under your care : whilst noticing this part of our obligations, we hope we may be 

 permitted to offer our acknowledgements where they are alike due, and to request, 

 that your Lordship will in the character of our President, undertake the communica- 

 tion of the thanks of the Society, for those proofs of attention which the Museum has 

 experienced from the Marchioness of Hastings. 



"We have now, my Lord, only to take our final leave, and to express our sincere 

 wishes -for your Lordship's future happiness. Unwilling however that the connexion 

 which has so long been our pride and pleasure, should even now be utterly dissolved, 

 we trust we may be allowed to consider your Lordship, still an Honorary Member of 

 our association, and to hope, that the name of the Marquis of Hastings may long 

 continue to shed lustre upon the Asiatic Society. 



To which His Lordship was pleased to pronounce the following reply : 



Gentlemen, 



The testimony of approbation and good will with which you have 

 honored me is truly flattering ; but it is at the same time keenly affecting. Some- 

 thing sad is inseparable from the expression " this is the last time" as connected with 



