“More last words”—not many—and such as you will attend to—answer I do not expect—nor does it import—but you will hear me.——I have just parted from Augusta—almost the last being you had left me to part with—& the only unshattered tie of my existence—wherever I may go—& I am going far—you & I can never meet again in this world—nor in the next—Let this content or atone.——If any accident occurs to me—be kind to her,—if she is then nothing—to her children;——
Some time ago—I informed you that with the knowledge that any child of ours was already provided for by other & better means—I had made my will in favor of her & her children—as prior to my marriage:—this was not done in prejudice (anger)1 to you for we had not then differed—& even this is useless during your life by the settlements—I say therefore—be kind to her & hers—for never has she acted or spoken otherwise towards you—she has ever been your friend—this may seem valueless to one who has now so many:——be kind to
1 [“Anger” is effaced.—Ed.] |
| 51 |
| ASTARTE |
She is gone—I need hardly add that of this request she knows nothing—your late compliances have not been so extensive—as to render this an encroachment:—I repeat it—(for deep resentments have but half recollections) that you once did promise me thus much—do not forget it—nor deem it cancelled it was not a vow.———
Mr Wharton has sent me a letter with one question & two pieces of intelligence—to the question I answer that the carriage is yours—& as it has only carried us to Halnaby—& London—& you to Kirkby—I hope it will take you many a more propitious journey.—
The receipts can remain—unless troublesome, if so—they can be sent to Augusta—& through her I would also hear of my little daughter—my address will be left for Mrs Leigh.—The ring is of no lapidary value—but it contains the hair of a king and an ancestor—which I should wish to preserve to Miss Byron.—
To a subsequent letter of Mr Wharton’s I have to reply that it is the “law’s delay” not mine,—& that when he & Mr H have adjusted the tenor of the bond—I am ready to sign
