The explanation of the French fleet's escape from Nelson's watchful eye is that it went to the north of Candia, while he took the more direct course to the south of the island, and so arrived first at Alexandria, which he left in pursuit of the French only two days before they arrived. Lewis Bagot, Bishop of St. Asaph, more successful as a divine than as a prophet, was one of the two whom Cowper (in the _Tirocinium_) excepts from his scathing condemnation of the episcopal bench. "For Providence, that seems concerned t' exempt The hallowed bench from absolute contempt, In spite of all the wrigglers into place Still keeps a seat or two for worth and grace; And therefore 'tis that, though the sight be rare, We sometimes see a Lowth or Bagot there." BRYNBELLA, _Oct. 4, 1798_. Your letter, dearest Mrs. Pennington, came three days before the public prints announced the fatal tydings. I can give no consolation certainly; that which I receive is from the consciousness of the charming parent's perfect resignation to his almighty _will_ who disposes everything for the best; who _snatches_ Palmer from the stage of life, by means which most _impress_ mankind, in order y^t general compassion may be excited for his offspring, which, had he dyed in any other manner, would have been wholly forgotten by the world, although not a whit less distressed than now. That Pow'r which in a short time after _steals_ by slow degrees the long-sinking life of Maria Siddons from her friends, by means best calculated to fatigue their feelings, and blunt that acute grief which is ever caused by the sufferings of a youthful patient. I am quite confident that if Admiral Nelson by his prodigious victory could purchase peace for Europe, he might in four years time die in his own house, and not be _half as much regretted_ as is the lovely object of your late attention. Every letter I receive from every creature is filled with her praise, and breathes an unfeigned sorrow for her loss. Virtue well tried through many a refining fire, Learning lost to the world she illuminated, and Courage taken from the Island protected by her arms, excites not as much sorrow as Maria Siddons, represented to every imagination as sweet, and gentle, and soothing; as _young_ in short, for in youth lies every charm.