[Footnote 1: The Rev. John Palmer, Fellow of St. John's, Adam's
Professor of Arabic (1804-19).]





102.--To Francis Hodgson. [1]


Newstead Abbey, Notts., Nov. 3, 1808.


My Dear Hodgson,--I expected to have heard ere this the event of your
interview with the mysterious Mr. Haynes, my volunteer correspondent;
however, as I had no business to trouble you with the adjustment of my
concerns with that illustrious stranger, I have no right to complain
of your silence.

You have of course seen Drury, [2] in all the pleasing palpitations of
anticipated wedlock. Well! he has still something to look forward to,
and his present extacies are certainly enviable. "Peace be with him
and with his spirit," and his flesh also, at least just now ...

Hobhouse and your humble are still here. Hobhouse hunts, etc., and I
do nothing; we dined the other day with a neighbouring Esquire (not
Collet of Staines), and regretted your absence, as the Bouquet of
Staines was scarcely to be compared to our last "feast of reason." You
know, laughing is the sign of a rational animal; so says Dr. Smollett.
I think so, too, but unluckily my spirits don't always keep pace with