‘Did you ever read the letters and reflections of Prince de Ligne, the most agreeable man of his day? I have just had it, and if it is new to you, I recommend it as an agreeable book to read at night just before you go to bed. There is much curious matter concerning Catharine I.’s famous expedition into Taurida, which puts down some of the romantic stories prevalent on that score, but relates more surprising realities. Also it gives much interesting information about that noble philosopher, Joseph II., and about the Turkish tactics and national character.’
‘Cambridge, Jan. 1830. — You need not fear to revive
painful recollections. I often think of those sad experiences.
True, they agitate me deeply. But it was best
so, They have had a most powerful effect on my
character. I tremble at whatever looks like dissimulation.
The remembrance of that evening subdues every proud,
passionate impulse. My beloved supporter in those
sorrowful hours, your image shines as fair to my mind’s eye
as it did in 1825, when I left you with my heart
overflowing with gratitude for your singular and judicious
tenderness. Can I ever forget that to your treatment in
that crisis of youth I owe the true life, — the love of
Truth and Honor?’
