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THE ANCESTOR 27 Thou hast completed thy seventy-fourth year, having been permitted to live longer than any of thy ancestors as far back as 1606. — Thy existence has been without any great misfortune and w^ithout any acute disease, and has been one for which thou ought'st to be extremely grateful. — Be so in praise and thanks- giving towards the Supreme Being, and by preparing thyself to employ the remnant of it * wisely and discreetly.' — Thy next step will probably be the last. — Strive not to delay the period of its arrival, nor lament at its near approach. — Thou art too exhausted, both in mind and body, to be of service to thy country, thy friends, or family. — Thou art fortunate in leaving thy children well and happy ; be content to join thy parent earth calmly and with becoming resignation. Such is thy imperious duty. — Vale. Lord Malmesbury died on November 21, 1820, and was entombed with his ancestors in the north transept of Salisbury cathedral, leaving his wife, two sons and two daughters him surviving. MALMESBURY. Malmesbury Diaries and Correspondence (Bentley).