Hayley-XII-22

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My dear Sister

My good old Woman commands me to return you her most grateful acknowledgements for yr kind Bounty to her unfortunate Grandson – I thank Heaven we have great Hopes of his being speedily restored to the perfect use of his Limbs - my Anxiety has indeed changed its object, but it still remains in full Force, & I have much to fear on Her account – How difficult is it to be certain that we are doing right in this World – I hoped to relieve my poor old Woman'^s extreme agitation of Mind by conveying her to visit the person who occasioned it - But the sight of his deplorable situation had such effect on her lively Feelings, that instead of relieving her, I have in all probability shortened her Existence – She was greatly indisposed on her return hither, but we hoped a little Time & Medecine [sic] would remove a disorder, which we supposed to be nothing more than an Hysterical affection — Sander is now afraid that some

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vessel is injured in her Breast, & that her Lungs are oppressed with Water from a Particular Sound which frequently attends her Breathing – A Blister & Medecine have indeed much relieved her Complaint, but our beloved Physician is still apprehensive that it must lead to a lingering death — my Feelings on this Occasion you will readily conceive by knowing, that I have loved her from my Infancy as a secondary Mother – But enough of this melancholy Subject - let me now thank you for the welcome History of yerself -

I rejoice to hear that Chancery Lane & Cavendish Square afforded you so much glowing delight - Believe me Longinus does not speak with less Enthusiasm of the Muse; & He much regretted the professional Engagements which detained Him from you so long on the day of yr departure from London — the Pleasure we had in his late Visit was very transient indeed - He descended among us like a brilliant Flash of innocent Lightning, which is gazed at & gone, e'er we can say it Lightens"

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the Sublime Painter was so Peremptory, that He kept his resolution of departing on Sunday Morn, tho Longinus arrived on the Saturday eve. His chaise was ordered; & we rode with Him to Petworth, where He felt so much reluctance to part with us, that we almost persuaded Him to return – I perfectly agree with you concerning the Petworth Sacharissa – Romney is as much superior to Vandyck as I am inferior to Milton – I long to see the Circe you describe so well - some Sketches of Fancy-Pictures, which He threw on Canvass after you left us are enchanting - particularly a Scene from the Wife of Bath^s Tale - a Knight on Horse back, a Witch, & a Circle of Nymphs dancing by Moonlight — it is a perfect Romance in Colours —

The little Alphonso does not forget you for on being asked by me which of Romneys four Sketches He would have, He repeatedly walked up to yr Portrait, & said

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with more Gallantry than good Pronunciation the Moose - I hope you will consider this as a high Compliment, when you recollect the Picture I have mentioned of the dancing Nymphs & the Moon —

We rejoice that you found yr good Father so well; remember us most kindly both to Him, & Giovanni – Fanny Heron will be much obliged to you for the admirable Song, but you forgot to inclose the paper you speak of from yr Father -

Farewell & forgive a doleful Letter! Sickness & the departure of Friends has given a peculiar Gloom to the Sylvan Cell at present, but whether in Clouds or Sunshine believe its Master to be at all Seasons

yr affectionate
WH

Sunday Sept 22 1782

Eliza salutes you with every kind wish & will be much obliged both to you & Giovanni for the Music you mention — adio – take care of yr Cough & do not neglect the black Hero who expects Existence & Glory from yr Pen — encore adio