“My Dear Sir,—My brother, William Ponsonby, is so much delighted with the two books you left with me, and I am so enchanted with the letter of advice to the young American, that we both request you to send us a list of all your publications for the use of young people. Send also to S. James’ Square, Hon. William Ponsonby, ‘The Advice to the American,’ ‘A Roman History,’ and ‘The Pantheon.’ I forget my brother’s number, but it is next door to the Duke of St. Alban’s.
“Mr Bulwer
Lytton, a very young man and an enthusiast, wishes to be
introduced to you. He is taking his degree at Cambridge; on his return pray let
me make him acquainted with you. I shall claim your promise of coming to
Brocket; would your daughter or son accompany you? Hobhouse came to me last night; how strange it is I love
Lord Byron so much now in my old age, in
| THE PURPOSE OF LIFE. | 303 |
‘I’d drudge like Selden day and night, And in the endless labour die.’ |
“After all, what is the use of anything here below, but to be enlightened, and to try to make others happy? From this day I will endeavour to conquer all my violence, all my passions; but you are destined to be my master. The only thing that checks my ardour is this:
“For what purpose, for whom should I endeavour to grow wise?
“What is the use of anything? What is the end of life? When we die, what difference is there here, between a black beetle and me?
“Oh, that I might, with the feelings I yet possess, without one vain, one ambitious motive, at least feel that I was in the way of truth, and that I was of use to others.
“The only thoughts that ever can make me lose my senses are these:
“A want of knowledge as to what is really true.
“A certainty that I am useless.
“A fear that I am worthless.
“A belief that all is vanity and vexation of spirit, and that there is nothing new under the sun.
“The only prayer I ever say beside the
sinner’s, and the only life
| 304 | WILLIAM GODWIN |
