"reflections, which are only good forbirsi i scarpi,”—that is, "to clean shoes withal," a Venetian proverb of appreciation, which is applicable to reasoning of all kinds.

638. To the Hon. Augusta Leigh.

Venice, March 25th 1817.

MY DEAREST AUGUSTA,-I have had a fever which prevented me from writing. It was first slow, and then quick, and then it went away. I got well without a Physician: you will think it odd for me who am so fond of quacking; but on this occasion, though bad enough, I would see none, and refused to see one who was sent for by Madame Segati on purpose; and so I got well. I had the slow one upon me some time ago, but I thought it better to say nothing to you till I recovered altogether.

So you have seen Holmes. By the way, owing to some foolery of Scrope's, he had cut my hair in his picture (not quite so well as Blake). I desired him to restore it: pray make him do so, or see that he has done So. He may send his print in a letter if he likes, unless you see it and don't like it.

I have been sitting for two miniatures for you; one the view of the face which you like, and the other different, but both in my usual dress; and as they are the only ones so done, I hope you will like them. The Painter is an Italian named Prepiani, reckoned very good: he made some fine ones of the Viceroy Eugene. I will send or bring them.

You amuse me with Le Mann's Marquis's message— a pretty compliment! to set a sick man asleep; however, I am glad to have done the old gentleman any good.