My dear Sir,—Your letter found me in this retreat, where I had been passing a few days in order to recruit myself for the expected labours of London. The labours are now suspended, and I shall cling to the retreat with more satisfaction, as six or seven continued months of a town life have given me a more than usual relish for the satisfactions afforded me even in this ‘Umbræ.’ It is a homely little village, but there is a pretty garden and an excellent house for the rector. Besides this, Oxford is within sight, an object which revives all the charms of the time when Gifford and I were young men and full of ardent expectations, which a kind Providence has realised to both of us.
| ’SACRED LEISURE.’ LETTER FROM DRURY. | 111 |
It is probable that some chapter business may call me for a short time to Westminster, when I shall certainly obtain a sight of the ‘Sacred Leisure.’ If I am left here undisturbed it shall travel to me from thence. But in truth the world is all too turbulent for such a subject, at present at least; hereafter I hope we shall return to the usual enjoyment of our literature, and there will be time once more for religion and morals to enter.
I direct this to you somewhat at random. There is, I believe, more than one Bakewell, but the post distance marked on your letter seems to point to Derbyshire. I always wish for your happiness, and beg you to believe me,
