UPCOTT

saying that to a much esteemed friend like yourself, I cannot but inscribe on the first page of this Album some frail memorial of the sentiments with which I regard him. Possibly on turning over its leaves it will remind you, when far removed from us, of those hours of pleasant converse which have now winged themselves away from us, and administer the most agreeable solace of exile and distance by reviewing the recollections which time and absence are too apt, if not to obliterate, at least to impair and diminish. This Book is destined, I conceive, to be the depository of various sentiments from various sources; but the sentiments I am striving to record, are unaffected and sincere, and flowing as directly from the Heart as any of the effusions whether in Poetry or Prose, which may be deemed worthy of a place in your Album. Accept then my warmest wishes for your happiness, mingled with heartfelt vows for your speedy return home (a word which contains within it every blessing that is permitted to us below) to enjoy the verdant landscapes and cool valleys of your native country, in exchange for the scorching gales and rocky soil of the Mauritius..., with a note in another hand My home is now ten thousand miles away' Yet in my thoughts its every image fair Rises us keen, as I still lingered there, And turning me, could all I loved survey..., 2 sides 8vo., London Institution, 12th June