My _real_, my _waking_ existence is amongst the objects of scientific research: common amusements and enjoyments are necessary to me only as dreams, to interrupt the flow of thoughts too nearly analogous to enlighten and to vivify. Coleridge has left London for Keswick; during his stay in town, I saw him seldomer than usual; when I did see him, it was generally in the midst of large companies, where he is the image of power and activity. His eloquence is unimpaired; perhaps it is softer and stronger. His will is probably less than ever commensurate with his ability. Brilliant images of greatness float upon his mind: like the images of the morning clouds upon the waters, their forms are changed by the motion of the waves, they are agitated by every breeze, and modified by every sunbeam. He talked in the course of one hour, of beginning three works, and he recited the poem of Christobel unfinished, and as I had before heard it. What talent does he not waste in forming visions, sublime, but unconnected with the real world! I have looked to his efforts, as to the efforts of a creating being; but as yet, he has not even laid the foundation for the new world of intellectual forms. When my Agricultural Lectures are finished, I propose to visit Paris, and perhaps Geneva. How I regret that circumstances had not enabled us to make the same tour at the same time! I think, at all events, I shall see you before the Autumn, on your own lands, amidst your own images and creations. Your affectionate friend, HUMPHRY DAVY. TO THE SAME. Royal Institution. MY DEAR POOLE, Often, very often, in the midst of the tumults of the multitude in this great city, has my spirit turned in quietness and solitude towards you. I hope soon to see you in Somersetshire, where we may worship Nature, and the spirit that dwells in Nature, in your green fields and under your tranquil sky. My communications with you and Coleridge and Southey, and other ornaments of the great existing Being, have excited feelings which cheer me in the apathy of London, and which make me love human nature. * * * * * Your account of the young man who murdered his wife, I read with deep interest. It is from such narratives of the conduct of common persons, that the laws of simple human nature must be deduced. Beings acted on by few objects, awakening in them few but deep passions, are the beings which Metaphysicians and Moralists ought to study; not those who exist in general life, having their energies and feelings so attached to multiplied and indefinite things--so mixed up and connected with myriads of circumstances, as to be imperceptible, unless by a microscopic moral eye. I am, &c. &c. H. DAVY.