And again--"Your brother Dudley, though, I grieve to say, not less harsh
and imperious towards others, continues to treat me with all brotherly
consideration and courtesy. He is very thoughtful of the improvement of
my mind, and we still follow our studies in the Italian and Spanish
languages. His great knowledge and intelligence are of incalculable
advantage to me, and I trust that I prove a docile, if not a very
brilliant, pupil. I own my thoughts at times wander, though I strive, in
gratitude to my kind preceptor, to keep them fixed upon my tasks. Mrs.
Lambert is, unfortunately, as much alarmed by Dudley's opinions and
conversation as ever. I could myself wish that he would express himself
with less violence on the subject of politics and of religion. But his
early travels in the unfortunate country of France, and his intimate
association with Mr. Robespierre and other leaders of her sanguinary
revolution, have, I much fear, permanently warped his mind and
prejudiced his judgment. Yesterday, at dinner, he entered into a
discussion with our new rector, Mr. Burkinshaw--a scholarly and
estimable person--upon the Rights of Man, and the nature and attributes
of the Deity, asserting subversive and atheistical views with so much
heat and intemperance of language, that Mrs. Lambert fled from table in
tears, while Mr. Burkinshaw was, I could not but see, seriously offended
and hurt."
Once more--"The weather recently has been continuously wet and stormy.
Dudley reports great destruction of timber in the park. I have been
unable to leave the house, and have spent many hours in the east
parlour, which your brother kindly bids me regard as my exclusive
property. I have read much, I trust with profit. Nor have I neglected my
music, though the melancholy character of the season and ever-present
fears for your safety have rendered me but a joyless performer. For the
songs you most admire, I cannot find voice. Indeed, I struggle with my
weakness, and make every effort to present a serene exterior. But Memory
is never, perhaps, a more sorry companion than when she speaks of happy
scenes."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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