The life and letters of Laurence Sterne . uld accompany me thither—I live for the sakeof my girl, and, with her sweet light burthenin my arms, I could get up fast the hill of pre-ferment, if I chose it—but without my Lydia,if a mitre was offered me it would sit uneasyupon my brow.—Mrs. Sternes health is in-supportable in England.—She must return toFrance, and justice and humanity forbid me tooppose it.—I will allow her enough to live com-fortably, until she can rejoin me.—My heart bleeds, L e, when I think of parting with my child—twill be like the separation of souland body—and equal to nothi
The life and letters of Laurence Sterne . uld accompany me thither—I live for the sakeof my girl, and, with her sweet light burthenin my arms, I could get up fast the hill of pre-ferment, if I chose it—but without my Lydia,if a mitre was offered me it would sit uneasyupon my brow.—Mrs. Sternes health is in-supportable in England.—She must return toFrance, and justice and humanity forbid me tooppose it.—I will allow her enough to live com-fortably, until she can rejoin me.—My heart bleeds, L e, when I think of parting with my child—twill be like the separation of souland body—and equal to nothing but whatpasses at that tremendous moment; and likeit in one respect, for she will be in one kingdom,whilst I am in another.—You will laugh at my * See Journal to Eliza, August 3. f Cork and Ross. These bishoprics were held by one Cross thinks Sterne must have written The Bishop of Corkand Ross ; but it is more probable that Sterne wrote as printedand was having his little joke. See Journal to Eliza, August 2,. LYDIA STERNE. (See p. 256.)From an engraving by J. Caldwell after a portrait by Benj« 295 STERNE WRITES HIS LAST BOOK 297 weakness—but I cannot help it—for she is adear disinterested girl.—As a proof of it—whenshe left Coxwould, and I bad her adieu, I pulledout my purse and offered her ten guineas forher private pleasures—her answer was pretty,and affected me too much : No, my dearpapa, our expences of coming from France mayhave straightened you—I would rather put anhundred guineas in your pocket than take tenout of it. -I burst into tears—but why do Ipractise on your feelings—by dwelling on a sub-ject that will touch your heart ?—It is too muchmelted already by its own sufferings, L- -e,for me to add a pang, or cause a single bless you—I shall hope to greet you byNew-years-day in perfect health.—Adieu, mydear friend—I am most truly and cordiallyyours, L. STERNE. Laurence Sterne to a friend. Saturday Evening.
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