effusion, or some equivalent cause of pressure, its absence is no sure proof of the absence of the disease, though it is a presumption in favour of the _degree_. The freedom from perturbation in sleep, however, is altogether a favourable circumstance, and allows a hope that the continued heaviness and immediate relapse into slumber on being placed horizontally may be the effect of weakness. But then the poor little fellow habitually keeps its hand to its head, and there is a sensible heat and throbbing at the temples. On the whole, you should be prepared for the possible event, and Mrs. Constable is naturally very anxious on this point, not merely lest any neglect should be suspected on her part, but likewise from an anticipation of the mother's agitation, should she at any time come up just to witness the baby's last struggles, or to find no more what she was expecting to see in incipient recovery. Do not misunderstand me, my dearest friend, nor let this letter alarm you beyond what the facts require. I have seen no decisive marks, no positive change for the worse, no measurable _retro_-gression. I have of course repeatedly spoken to Mr. Gillman, but he says it is impossible to form any conclusive opinion. There is no proof that it may not be weakness at present and hitherto, but neither dare he determine what the continuance of the weakness may not produce. Nothing can warrantably be attempted in this uncertainty but mild alteratives, watchful attention to the infant's regularity, with as cordial nourishment as can be given without endangering heat or inflammatory action. I do not think that I have been able to remain undisturbed an hour together for the last three days, such a tumble in of persons with requests or claims on me has there been. House-hunting, etc., etc. * * * * * The genial glow of Friendship once deadened can never be rekindled. Idly we supplicate the Powers above-- There is no Resurrection for a Love That uneclipsed, unthwarted, wanes away In the chilled heart by inward self-decay. Poor mimic of the Past! the love is o'er, That must _resolve_ to do what did itself of yore. God bless you, and your ever affectionate S. T. COLERIDGE. T. Allsop, Esq. P.S. To my great surprise and delight, Mr. Anster came in on us this afternoon, and in perfect health and spirits.[133] It was about this time that Coleridge wrote his beautiful _Youth and Age_,[134] in which occurs the fine designation of Friendship as "a Sheltering Tree." * * * * * The following opinion of Coleridge by Mrs. Gillman is taken from _The Bright Side of Life_ by Dr. Prentiss, an American, who visited Mrs. Gillman in 1842, and will fittingly close this chapter: