‘My dear Rogers,—I am very anxious that you should inform Lord Lansdowne that, though the house at Heddington is situated very low, yet it is within a quarter of a mile of the most beautiful views in Wiltshire, and has, I believe, every accommodation, and is in complete repair. I should think it would answer his plan very well—but, verbum sapienti, he must not go to look at it with Moore, or even send a servant from Bowood, unless he wishes double price to be charged for rent, perhaps treble.
‘If he would leave the arrangement to me, in case Moore should like the situation, I am sure I could make a much better bargain, and could either ride over with Moore, or settle with Hughes, in case of approval. I leave that, as I said, to your and Lord Lansdowne’s consideration, and have no other object than Moore’s interest in the suggestion I have ventured to make.
‘A word about Tytherton. I don’t know whether you were in earnest about walking there with Mrs. Orde, but, if so, you will come here to-morrow at about a quarter past one o’clock; you could go down with me in the carriage, and my boat, with flag, gardener, and pony, should wait your arrival at Tytherton Bridge, and waft you along the canal to within half a mile of Bowood gate.
‘I conclude all this with a song, which I hope you won’t mistake for a “vile” Baptist hymn.
| A SONNET BY BOWLES | 251 |
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‘Oh! in the realms of Light (should I attain
Those seats where saints and angels swell the strain
Before the Throne, ‘mid troops of Seraphs bright,
Whose farthest circles fade in distant light),
Even when the high and holy harmony
Went up acclaiming everlastingly,
Should some soft voice more musically clear
Steal with an added sweetness on the ear,
Methinks (for so to my rapt thought it seems
As now I listen, dallying with vain dreams)
I should recall, in Tytherton’s still shade,
Thy voice and look, Oh! mild Moravian maid.
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‘The prose you will submit to Lord Lansdowne; the verse is left to your discretion.
‘If you could come to Bremhill, you shall have six white sticks, and stick them in where you like in the garden, and I will plant six trees, or as many or few as you choose, where you mark, for which I have more reasons than one, but which I shall not mention to you. You need not write; come or not, just as you feel inclined, to-morrow. I shall go about two o’clock.
