Can I ever, ever, tell you my health will permit of my again enjoying one of the richest of heaven's earthly blessings, "the society of friends"? No Augusta, I fear not;– but pardon, pardon, my gloomy strain, for it is certainly some pleasure to have a sympathizing friend, to whom we can unbosom As Written: unbosome our very heart, or rather, tell some of its secrets, for there are some feelings that can better be felt, than described, such as disappointed As Written: disapointed expectations- this,
Dear Augusta, is the corroding canker of a youthful As Written: youthfull, and ardent, mind; and Oh! the monotony of, books, books, with an agreeable variety of pain; surely Augusta, I could say with BironEditorial Note: George Gordon Byron (Lord Byron), "it be hardly life, to bear within myself this barrenness of spirit"Editorial Note: See Scene II of Manfred by Lord Byron. The original line reads “If it be life to wear within myself this barrenness of spirit…” was it not for absent friends, and those near me too, and this sweet, cherished As Written: cherrished remembrance As Written: rememberance, comes o'er As Written: oer my spirits like a spell, and the only cloud that can forego this, is the thoughts of a lingering disease. To die, is almost denied me! but why complain? will not he that tempers the wind to the shorn Lamb, be mindful of me also? Yes Augusta, I know it; and I will try to rally my spirits and congratulate you on your heroism last evening, and I shall call you the heroine too, of that group of ladies that deserve a monument. How I should enjoyed being by your side, doing good; making cold-hearted As Written: clold hearted man raise his standard of female excellence As Written: excelence, still higher.― Oh! what an exhibition of philosophy, the first of my note but do excuse it, for the heart directed, not the head of your friend, inadversity, or prosperity, the same.—