If it is not sold, pray give me a little idea of it; I have long been looking out for a purchase,--perhaps this may suit me. After all, it may be sold; if so, no harm is done. I go on labouring for utility, perhaps more than for glory; caring something for the judgment of my contemporaries, but more for that of posterity; and confiding with boldness in the solid judgment of Time. I have lately seen some magnificent country in the Scandinavian peninsula, where Nature, if not a kind, is at least a beautiful mother.--I wonder there have not been more poets in the North. I am, my dear Poole, Very affectionately your old friend, H. DAVY. TO THE SAME. January 5, 1825. MY DEAR POOLE, My proposition to come into Somersetshire about the 10th was founded upon two visits which I had to pay in this county, Hants; I am now only about sixty miles from you; and had you been at home, I should have come on to Nether Stowey. The 13th is the first meeting of the Royal Society after the holidays; and though I might do my duty by deputy, yet I feel that this would not be right, and I will not have the honour of the chair without conscientiously taking the labours which its possession entails. I regret therefore that I cannot be with you next week. God bless you. Believe me always, my dear Poole, Your affectionate friend, H. DAVY. TO THE SAME. Park Street, Feb. 11, 1825. MY DEAR POOLE, * * * * * I had a letter a few days ago from C----, who writes in good spirits, and who, being within a few miles of London, might, as far as his friends are concerned, be at John a Grot's house. He writes with all his ancient power. I had hoped that, as his mind became subdued, and his imagination less vivid, he might have been able to apply himself to persevere, and to give to the world some of those trains of thought, so original, so impressive, and at which we have so often wondered. I am writing this letter at a meeting of the Trustees of the British Museum, which will account for its want of correction. Lest I should be more desultory, I will conclude by subscribing myself, my dear Poole, your old and affectionate friend, H. DAVY. TO THE SAME. Feb. 28, 1825. MY DEAR POOLE, I am very much obliged to you for your two letters, which I received in proper time. I have deferred writing, in the hopes that I might be able to pay you a visit and see the property, but I now find this will be impossible. I have a cold, which has taken a stronger and more inflammable character than usual, which obliges me to lay myself up; and in this weather it would be worse than imprudent to travel.