IX 



Mt. 22 (1814). 



To his mother he writes, April 14, 1814, from Rome: — 4 * When Sir H. 

 Davy first had the goodness to ask me whether I would go with him, I 

 mentally said, 'no, I have a mother, I have relations here,' and I almost 

 wished that I had heen insulated and alone in London ; but now I am glad 

 that I have left some behind me on whom I can think, and whose actions 

 and occupations I can picture in my mind. Whenever a vacant hour occurs 

 I employ it by thinking on those at home. In short, when sick, when cold, 

 when tired, the thoughts of those at home are a calm and refreshing balm 

 to my heart. Let those who think such thoughts are useless, vain, and 

 paltry think so still. I envy them not their more refined and more 

 estranged feelings. Let them look about the world unencumbered by such 

 ties and heart-strings, and let them laugh at those who, guided more by 

 nature, cherish such feelings. For me, I still cherish them, in opposition 

 to the dictates of modern refinement, as the first and greatest sweetness in 

 the life of man." 



In a letter to his friend Abbott, dated September 6, 1814, he says : — "I 

 fancy that when I set my foot in England I shall never take it out again ; 

 for i find the prospect so different from what it at first appeared to be, that 

 I am certain, if I could have foreseen the things that have passed, I should 

 never have left London. In the second place, enticing as travelling is (and 

 I appreciate fully its advantages and pleasures), I have several times been 

 more than half decided to return hastily home ; but second thoughts have 

 still induced me to try what the future may produce, and now I am only 

 detained by the wish of improvement. I have learned just enough to per- 

 ceive my ignorance, and, ashamed of my defects in everything, I wish to 

 seize the opportunity of remedying them. The little knowledge I have 

 gained in languages makes me wish to know more of them, and the little I 

 have seen of men and manners is just enough to make me desirous of seeing 

 more ; added to which, the glorious opportunity I enjoy of improving in the 

 knowledge of chemistry and the sciences continually, determines me to finish 

 this voyage with Sir Humphry Davy ; but if I wish to enjoy those 

 advantages 1 have to sacrifice much ; and though those sacrifices are such 

 as an humble man would not feel, yet I cannot quietly make them. 

 Travelling, too, I find, is almost inconsistent with religion (I mean modern 

 travelling), and I am yet so old-fashioned as to remember strongly (I hope 

 perfectly) my youthful education, and upon the whole, malgre the advan- 

 tages of travelling, it is not impossible but that you may see me at your 

 door when you expect a letter." 



MU 23 (1815). 



On the 25th January 1815, he writes : — " You tell me I am not happy, 

 and you wish to share my difficulties. I have nothing important to tell 

 you, or you should have known it long ago ; but, since your friendship 

 makes you feel for me, I will trouble you with my trifling affairs. 



